Gerald Chamales 51, chairman and founder of Carson, California-based Rhinotek Computer Products
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Description: imaging supplycompany selling Rhinotek brand recycled inkjet and lasercartridges
Start-up: $7,000 in 1980
Sales: $42 million to $45million projected for 2002
Soul search: At 26, Chamaleskicked an alcohol and substance abuse problem. Having worked at animaging supply company, he decided to take his experience and starthis own operation. Self-enrichment audio tapes and books wereextremely influential in his road to recovery and success.
A second chance: After hefailed at his first business attempt due to fear and lack ofcommitment, it wasn't until Chamales suffered liver failure in1981 that he wanted to try again. He started by making sales callsfrom the hospital bed.
Recycled lives: Roughly 33percent of Rhinotek's work force comes from halfway houses,welfare Rrolls and drug-treatment programs. These employees areassigned a mentor and enrolled in a training program. SaysChamales: "You could say we recycle human beings. Instead ofgiving them a handout, I'm giving them a hand up."
From rags to riches:"We just had our first millionaire retiree, Alan Jacob. Hestarted 16 years ago from a halfway house and became a VP,"Chamales says. "That's a beautiful thing, isn'tit?"
Rhino rescue: "Rhinosare remarkable creatures, and I love their resiliency," saysChamales, explaining the company's unusual name. "Wesupport the LEWA Wildlife Conservancy, a preserve for lions, rhinosand giraffes. Giving is the greatest gift of all."
Contact Source
- Rhinotek Computer Products
(800) 695-RHINO, http://www.rhinotek.com
