The Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation would like to recognize loan recipient Jose Meza, the proud owner of Oasis Xpress Car Wash in Mendota, CA. Jose Meza is a first-generation business owner who believes that it is very important to give customers the best service possible. Having his parents as his role models inspired him to pursue the American Dream for him and his family by opening his business and keep moving forward.
Jose Meza was born in Durango, Mexico, and moved to Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico at a young age where he met his wife Irma Meza. They became parents at the age of 18, and together they decided to take the risk of striving for the American dream. “My wife and I spoke about it, and we wanted to give ourselves and our son a better shot at life, this is why we decided to migrate to the United States”, said Jose.
For over 20 years they did farm labor but felt that there was more to the American Dream than just working in the California fields. He and his wife always had entrepreneurial ideas such as selling clothes, blankets, jewelry, and more to get extra income while working in the fields. As their sons grew they started helping them, and together as a family they decided to start their first official business in 2008 called “Los Amigos Party Rentals”. A few years later in 2013, they started their second official business “Los Amigos Thrift Store”. In 2018 they decided to open two more businesses “El Oasis Raspados y Botanas” and “El Oasis Salon de Eventos”. The Meza family is always looking for different opportunities to expand their business adventure; and the need of a car wash for the community of Mendota motivated them to start “Oasis Xpress Car Wash”, which is a self-serve car wash that will be operating in July 2021.
Being a loan recipient from the FAHF CDFI means a lot to him and his family. “Thanks to the help of The Foundation we were able to apply and qualify for the Enterprise Loan. We do not feel as pressured anymore and can focus on the business'', said Jose. The money is going to be utilized towards equipment to run the business and other materials.
As any other business owner, Jose’s businesses have been affected by the pandemic. Some of the solutions that he and his family came up with to cope with the pandemic have been improving their online marketing presence by doing online sales, offering free deliveries, and doing giveaways to attract more customers to stay in business.
Through all these years the Meza family has worked long hours and made sacrifices to be able to accomplish what they have. “Starting a business can be challenging, but never give up! Focus and follow your dreams”, said Jose. The Meza family is a great example of unity, integrity, and perseverance for the community and the Central Valley. If you have an idea to start a business but you don’t know how to start or feel like you’re not capable of doing so, remember Jose’s motto “El que persevera alcanza”, which means “The one that perseveres archives”.
Locations and Services:
Los Amigos Party Rentals
Phone Number: 5593652916
Los Amigos Thrift Store
1909 7th St, Mendota, CA 93640
El Oasis Raspados y Botanas
664 Oller St, Mendota, CA 93640
Phone Number: (559) 382-2095
El Oasis Salon de Eventos
664 Oller St, Mendota, CA 93640
Phone Number: (559) 694-1295
