As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, one Cuban immigrant’s inspiring story stands out.

Ricky Ravelo escaped hardship as a teenager and turned challenges into opportunities by building his own roofing business.

Ricky’s roofing company, Arica Construction, was there when a tornado ripped the roof off a business on Beach Boulevard last summer.

“The tenant called, we came from there and flew over here,” Ricky recalled.

At the time, reporter John Asebes didn’t realize he was standing across from someone who embodies the American dream — a dream he chased after fleeing communist Cuba at age 14.

“My mom sacrificed everything to bring me here,” Ricky said. “I’m so blessed to be here and not what I come from.”

His family escaped Cuba during the 1980 Mariel boatlift, when President Jimmy C

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