Turn fantasy into reality and realize his grandfather’s dream, this is the goal of Álex Henao Lamas At just 23 years old – about to turn 24, as he put it – he decided he wanted to “go big.”
Renovating an old family restaurantAfter a serious illness derailed his future, it was transformed into a large event farm. This is what the young man from Monterey San Cristóbal has dedicated his time to over the past ten months.
Founder Jose Benito Lamas
José Benito Lamas, the name of Alex’s grandfather, dedicated his life to building the Grand Monterey Hotel. Terminal cancer came into his life at the opening moment. “This was his life’s work and he worked very hard to do it well, and he made his family sick in April because he was so excited to spend a few months at work,” Alex explained. This opening lasted only six months, from August 2012 until the death of José Benito in January 2013.
no one can imagine His grandson will be responsible for ‘respecting his work’ More than ten years later. “They were always in touch with each other, so I believed I was with them because of family circumstances,” he declared. “I encouraged him to implement this project because he could not enjoy it,” he explained, growing emotional when he remembered how happy and excited his grandmother Pilar Colmenero was during the inauguration on October 13.
Dona Blanca Estate
Finca Dona Branca, located on the road connecting Pazos and Albareros, Just opened a few weeks ago. New offers for celebrations (weddings, baptisms and communions) in the Tamega region. Its name refers to the wine produced by the land on which it is located. “Before this building was built, it was a complete vineyard,” explains the young entrepreneur. “We see axeitado chamarlle like this because we want to make the Monterrey designation of origin visible“.
The road hasn’t been easy, he admits, and even some of his loved ones think “he’s crazy.” However, Álex has put into operation a complex of almost 6,000 m2, which includes 2,000 m of usable gardens, 2,000 m of parking and a four-storey building.they are arranged in There are 28 rooms and 2 restaurants, which can accommodate 106 and 150 people respectively..
An ambitious but real project. “It’s quite a challenge that I face but I have to put in everything I can to the best of my ability. 10 months of hard work and I’ve seen him on many occasions. Although my weak side encourages me, it doesn’t seem to be the case Possibly,” Alex explained. The unfinished restaurant has been abandoned for 10 years. “He told me that people encouraged me but they tried to get me to go back, keep the letters and not get involved because I was too complicated. Sometimes I have to keep my spirits up,” he added.
He does much of the masonry or gardening work, dedicating all his time to realizing the common dream of two generations. “It’s been a long process, but the rewards are huge. I’m very happy. Now all that’s left is for people to trust us and that we can do something good from this project. From the logo, I have not lost the illusion,” He said.
interest
“Ask my people “How did such a new raptor start doing this?” And the young entrepreneur’s reaction was always the same: enthusiasm. Álex worked in the hotel industry for 6 years, from the age of 16 to 22, and threw himself into event organization, learning how to manage Finca Dona Branca. “I have been thinking about this place for the past three years, but I did not have the financial means to face the project. Now I feel sad about my situation, so I decided to take the risk.”
More than 200 people came to the scene during the inauguration ceremonyhe was accompanied by friends, family, partners and his mother Pilar Lamas, who also accompanied him as a partner in the project.
Invitation card
Álex encourages all young people with ideas to give it a try. “I have colleagues and family members who also want to start a business, but there is a turning point and a moment that needs to be faced: indecision and fear. It’s the first level that has to be overcome. Or it’s a brilliant idea but you don’t follow through. , because you stopped to think and didn’t move forward. As months or even years pass, other external factors will arise that prevent you from doing so. I encourage all of these people to prepare a survival plan. eo balances it,” he explains. “That’s what’s missing, the new entrepreneurial spirit,” he adds.
he Decided to return from Ourense, where he spent his final years, “at home” in the place of his birth, living this dream with his friends and family. This madness is now a palpable reality.Although there is still much work ahead, the determination, passion and tenacity of this young man from Monterey will make Finca Dona Branca a benchmark in the region.