La Hacienda, which translates to “the ranch” in English, is one of Statesboro’s newest stores featuring a huge selection of cowboy boots, cowboy hats, accessories and western wear. La Hacienda is located in the El Sombero Plaza at 406 Fair Road, Suite 7. Local entrepreneur and Statesboro High School graduate Alan Rodriguez owns the store.
Rodriguez is a 2012 graduate of Statesboro High and some of you may remember him for his soccer and football skills. Skills that took him to Andrew College, where he played for a year before transferring, back to GSU. When finances became a challenge, he dropped out of college to join his dad Juan in the painting and dry wall business.
At 25, Rodriguez now owns Rodriguez Contracting Company, LLC that specializes in painting and drywall in addition to La Hacienda. He subs for Statesboro’s leading homebuilders, including Tim Durden, whom he credits for mentoring him in the construction business.
“Tim really has been very helpful in guiding my success,” Rodriguez said. “We have similar paths and he is successful today because others chose to invest in his career and future.
In fact, Rodriguez has been blessed with teachers, coaches and business leaders who continue to open doors and take a chance on him. These mentors are one of the things he loves most about Statesboro.
Born in Oklahoma, he moved back to Mexico with his family at a very early age. It was through this experience that he learned how tremendously blessed he was to have been born in America.
“There were lots of things I love about Mexico, but the poverty makes it difficult to find a way to be successful there,” Rodriguez said. “My parents divorced when I was in middle school and I decided to come back to America with my dad. We came to Statesboro and I started middle school at Langston Chapel. It was such a blessing to be here. I knew this was home.”
Earlier this year while visiting family in Chicago, Rodriguez met Jorge Herrera the owner of OK Corral, a huge western store there. Jorge befriended him and helped guide him through the process of opening a western store in Statesboro.
“I had been looking for a way to diversify into retail,” Rodriguez said.” My dad and I had looked at many business opportunities, but I realized there was nothing like OK Corral in Statesboro. I wear boots all the time and felt there was a need to expand the opportunities here for boots, hats, western wear and accessories.”
After looking for the best location, he met with Avel Leon who owns El Somebero and the Plaza. Leon was impressed with Rodriguez’s work ethic and drive to build opportunity for others through La Hacienda, so he negotiated a space for him in the Plaza.
The store is stocked with a large selection of Minotauro Boots and Cowboy Hats. Minatauro is a well-known brand in Mexico and compares in price and quality with American boot companies. I was impressed with the selection of styles and sizes for men, women and children. Rodriguez has worked hard to find unique and popular items that have proved to be popular sellers.
“I came from nothing, but I understand and appreciate America and the opportunities young men like me have here to succeed,” he said. “I have discovered that it is a country where success is possible and through hard work and perseverance, you can have a better life here.
“I am fortunate because many people in this community have encouraged me to never give up. They explained to me that everything is possible, especially when you serve a God who loves everyone equally. Because of this, I have had the opportunity to dream and see my dreams come true.”
Stop in, meet Rodriguez, and visit his store. I think you will be impressed not only with the merchandise, but also with the passion and enthusiasm he brings to everyone, he meets.
He is a great guy and a wonderful example of how life is not easy, but if you work hard and are lucky enough to have people willing to invest in you as mentors and friends, then anything is possible.