Alumni Spotlight Sam Carrasquillo - Join the EAST Alumni
Sam Carrasquillo
North Pulaski High School - Class of 2001
When someone receives disappointing news, how do they usually respond to it? Most of us would answer with a resounding answer of anger, negativity or confusion. According to Sam Carrasquillo, however, you just have to get over it and work through it. When his dream of joining the NBA was shattered due to his 5’6” frame, he was challenged to discover new dreams. When he risked being sent back to the seventh grade, instead of moving to the ninth grade because of his poor English skills, he learned the language on his own with only a dictionary. When several of his startup companies failed, he reset his vision and today is a successful entrepreneur. Carrasquillo’s connection with EAST began when he and his family moved from Puerto Rico to the United States. He attended North Pulaski High School and caught the attention of much of the school’s faculty with his outgoing personality and built-in charm. Among his teachers was Matt Dozier, President and CEO of the EAST Initiative. Dozier taught English, speech and was an EAST facilitator at NPHS at that time. “Sam was a student of mine before he started in EAST, and it was obvious that he enjoyed working with and being around others,” said Dozier remembering his time with Sam. Carrasquillo was interested in EAST from the beginning, but he was unable to take the class until his junior year, due to EAST’s popularity. While in EAST, he was heavily involved in the Public Relations team, which later allowed him to become a national EAST ambassador. In that role, he traveled throughout the country, demonstrating the skills and technical abilities he learned in his EAST program. “EAST grew beyond the borders of Arkansas because of students like Sam and their willingness to share their story. I always knew he would be successful, but I don’t think anyone – Sam included – thought he would be so successful so soon,” said Dozier. “EAST brought out the best in him, and he, in turn, helped be one of the best representatives the program has ever had.”
PG. 18
EAST QUARTERLY
Today, Carrasquillo is a successful entrepreneur in Arkansas. Among his other businesses, he founded SC Roofing, Windows and Siding in 2008, and the business continues to grow. He was honored to travel to Washington D.C. in 2012 to be named one of the Entrepreneurs of the Year. Carrasquillo credits EAST for enhancing his ability to build relationships and work hard. “EAST taught me how to listen, problem-solve, communicate, be creative and grow relationships. It is hard to work with other people, who might not be like you,” said Carrasquillo. “EAST also taught me how to inspire people, have passion and how to lead. EAST gave me vision, which gets you really far in life. When you look at a project, make sure you think about what it will become later on.” As the alumni speaker at the 2013 EAST Conference, Carrasquillo openly shared his successes and failures. He advised EAST students not to make the same mistakes he did and set clear goals. “It is not where you are born or how hard it was growing up that matters in life. It is how you finish. Work hard, but plan harder. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Dreaming is fun, but it doesn’t get results. Follow your plans, not your dreams.” Carrasquillo dreams big, but follows it up with action. He encouraged young EAST students to start their own businesses one day. He informed them to use all the help and resources available to those looking to get their ideas off the ground. His advice may be just be worth heeding; his business ventures are now worth millions. “Research, research, research before you start,” Carrasquillo advised. “Plan, plan, plan and execute your plan. Then repeat, repeat, repeat and you will have success.”