Francisco Gonzalez Turns Streetside Hustle Into Patriotic Passion

In a world where many fold under pressure, some rise above it, and Francisco Gonzalez is one of those people. He’s not running a big business with fancy signs or storefronts. Instead, for the past sixteen years, he’s been working the streets of Belize City, selling seasonal items to support his family. Today, with September celebrations well underway, Gonzalez was out selling flags and patriotic gear when News Five’s Paul Lopez caught up with him. His story is one of grit, hustle, and heart, a reminder that determination can turn even the humblest setup into a source of pride and purpose. Here’s that report.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

You’ve probably seen him stationed near a speed bump or along the roadside, especially during September. Francisco Gonzalez sells flags and festive gear; he’s also selling determination. For nearly twenty years, Gonzalez has turned every season and celebration into an opportunity. No storefront, no big budget, just a humble setup and a drive to earn an honest living. Whether it’s Independence Day or Christmas, he’s out there, making it work. Today, he was on the streets of Belize City, proudly displaying his September-themed products.

 

Fransico Gonzalez, Entrepreneur

“I have been doing it for sixteen years, I go all over the place, sometimes I am in Belmopan behind Brodies, other times I am in Ladyville at the bump, but right now it is kind of slow because school start and pikni the guh dah school, so right now business nuh the run like that.”

 

Today we met Gonzalez at a pedestrian ramp on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City. His modest setup may be simple, but it’s hard to miss. Whether you’re walking by or driving past, Gonzalez’s streetside display always grabs attention. And the products he has on sale are in high demand during the September celebrations.

 

Fransico Gonzalez

“Yo sih I dah wah poor man and I have my lee daughter to look out for. I don’t have a job and when you go for a job, people have business but they are not for business. When you have a business you don’t shout at your workers. I don’t believe in that. SO I rather work by myself than somebody shouting at me. And, I rather get my support from this or do different things. So that is the way I do my business.”

 

Gonzalez shared some insight into his business and how he has been able to make a living from it for well over a decade. His simple approach starts with making a small investment each time he comes out and then working diligently to make a return.

 

Fransico Gonzalez

“I start from small. I would feel good to tell you I start sometimes with twenty dollars, I buy a dozen flags and sell it for five dollars a piece and that is how I make that to come out back. Sometimes I get little jobs here and there. Sometimes I wash vehicles, all kind of little thing. I start from PK days, and you see how long PK gone in.”

 

Paul Lopez

“You use to sell PK dah bus terminal.”

 

Fransico Gonzalez

“I use to sell PK, Winter Fresh, I use to walk around and sell chips and biscuit. I start from them days and that is sixteen years ago and I still the eena business. You could take twenty dollars, go to Golden Bay and buy twenty flags as a poor man. And sell a dozen flag, and from a dozen flag you could make sixty dollars and feed your pikney, you understand?”

 

Gonzalez says he’s not slowing down, he’ll keep finding ways to serve customers year-round, from Valentine’s to Christmas. His advice to anyone struggling financially? Get creative and find your hustle. And for those thinking of supporting small vendors like him, he’s got a message just for you.

 

Fransico Gonzalez

“And I encourage any young people on the street, you know you need it, instead of the harass people or steal from people, find something to do because it is easy. You just have to be smart and use your brain and don’t walk on it. People out there need to start support the poor people that try. People that you see trying, support them. Instead of supporting negativity, people that just want to live for free, people standing on the side of the street its not because they just want to do this. They do this because they have to, they have a family to take care of, they have things they want to do in life, they want to do the same thing certain people are doing.”

 

Gonzalez will be present at the Carnival Road March and Independence Day Parade selling his products. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.