By Elizabeth Cardona
Many folks anticipate the day they can hang around filling their schedules with leisurely activities that can only be done upon retiring. Yet, there are others who simply cannot see themselves without the daily hustle and bustle that have come to define, not only their lifestyles, but their outlooks on life. For Don Ben Ramos (better known as Ben Ramos), a local Hispanic businessman, community activist and member of several Springfield civic boards, there is no choice. He continues to do what comes naturally to him—working hard “to open the avenue of success to all those who want to take part in the opportunities of the American Dream.”
Ben Ramos was born in Rincon, Puerto Rico on September 3, 1924. As a child he dreamed of some day owning a business. He worked hard and received his BA of Science Degree in Business Management in 1944 from Puerto Rico and then migrated to New York City in 1945 in search of a better life for himself. His first job in the United States was in a management position as an office clerk at a restaurant in one of New York’s finest hotels. In 1955, he married his wife, Ramona, and in 1960 he realized his dream of owning his own business when he opened up a jewelry and gift shop. In 1968, he moved to New England and began a life as a real-life Hispanic business pioneer.
Upon moving to Springfield, Ben opened an ethnic grocery store in the north end of the city where he used his business as a channel to educate, motivate and mentor many Hispanics on the importance of the Democratic process. In addition, the grocery store became a place where many disadvantage people came to obtain food for their families because Ben was willing to extend them credit.
A simple man with a humble demeanor, Ben Ramos is recognized throughout the city due to his distinguished reputation in his own community, along with his stature among local, state and national political leaders as a straightforward, honest man. Rather than rest on his laurels, however, Ben is stepping out yet again in a new family venture geared to provide a great service to the community. In a recent interview, Ben stated that “I believe my job as an entrepreneur has yet to be accomplished in bringing others, particularly the younger generation, into the stream of opportunity. It is very satisfying for me to see how much my community has grown throughout the years. Yet, over the years it has become apparent to me that only through education will prosperity become possible.”
Ben’s new business, Pioneer Lending, Inc., is a family-owned innovative venture designed to bring full service wholesale lending power to traditional and non-traditional buyers. The concept began around the dinner table with Ben’s daughter, Elaine, and his son-in-law, Dan, who are his partners. The conversation went like this, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could…? Why can’t we?” The discussion materialized into the realization of Ben’s goal to rebuild the community by providing local residents with the opportunity to buy a home even if they don’t fit the traditional banking mold. The new business is located in Springfield at 333 East Columbus Avenue, Suite 5.
When asked why he started this new business instead of retiring, he replied, “Things have improved for minorities in recent years but we still have a long way to go. Therefore, we must always keep working toward new goals.” Ben has always believed in working hard and feels that “when you open doors, you make it best for society.”
Elizabeth Cardona is herself a community activist who is currently pursuing her BA in Education from Springfield College. In her coming articles, she will profile people and goings-on in the local Hispanic community.