42nd Anniversary Spring Gala

Growing Stronger Together

Mr. E lmir T ulio C astro

Congratulations to the 2022Honorees

PRESIDENT Castro’s Carpentry Corporation E lmir Tulio Castro was born in Santa Ana, El Salvador, in a small pueblo called “Las Marias.” He is the fourth and youngest child of Elida Castro and Felix Castro. As a young boy, Tulio was hard working and dedicated to his studies. Unfortunately, due to lack of resources in his pueblo, he was only able to complete the 8th grade. He engineered his way, living in the countryside of El Salvador by creating handmade wheelbarrows and other tools, helping his father transport goods and work on the fields, cultivating crops as means of survival. In 1987, Tulio decided to migrate to the US by land to look for better opportunities for him and his family. At the age of 15, Tulio embarked his journey to the United States with his grandpa and aunt. A month later, he arrived in Los Angeles where he lived for a few years with his uncle. He immediately started working with his uncle as a truck driver distributing milk. He then began to work in construction. After two years of working and going to school, Tulio completed his GED and received his diploma. In 1990, Tulio applied to be a permanent resident while working in the fields cultivating asparagus. Once his residency petition was approved, his life made a huge turning point. He left his job on the field to become an entrepreneur. He began driving from Los Angeles to El Salvador, selling cars and trucks in his country. On one of his business trips, he met and fell in love with Blanca Castro who now is his wife. They met in Santa Rosa Guachipilin, a pueblo in which Tulio’s family moved to during the civil war. After this trip, Tulio’s life changed direction. He did not return to Los Angeles. He decided to go to New York where he saw more opportunities for his career. He arrived in Hempstead where he was received by his sister, Angelina Castro. His first job was in Associated Supermarket located on Fulton Street in Hempstead, now known as Key Foods. While envisioning his future with Blanca, his girlfriend at the time, he worked three jobs, in the supermarket during the day, a carwash at night and as a UPS driver over the weekends. He then left his job at the supermarket and began working in landscaping. He spent two years working day and night, with hopes of soon being together with Blanca, who was waiting for him in El Salvador. In 1994, at the age of 24, Tulio returned to El Salvador, and married Blanca. After a year, they decided that Blanca would also migrate to the U.S. by land. When time arrived, Blanca found out she was pregnant, but this did not change any plans. Once arriving to NY in 1995, Wendy Castro, their first daughter, was born. After much perseverance, Blanca and Tulio worked hard and brought their first home in 1999 where they raised their children, Wendy, Clary, Kevin, and Anthony. In 2003, Tulio decided once again to work in construction and realized that this was his passion. In 2006, he formed Castro’s Carpentry Corporation with only four employees. This year, Castro’s Carpentry Corporation celebrates its 16th year anniversary. It has grown to employ twenty-four employees, all immigrants from other countries, working in all areas of Long Island.

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