Every business owner is aware of the saying "know your customer," but only a rare few can live up to the old adage the way Ofie Escobedo and her employees at Lola's 7-Up Mexican Market & Deli live up to it.
Established in 1943, the corner market has been an integral part of Carlsbad's barrio community for generations. After retiring as a contract administrator for aerospace manufacturer McDonnell Douglas in 1986, Escobedo returned to her family's business and added the deli. Though she didn't know the first thing about running a business, Escobedo enrolled in small-business administration classes and conducted a survey of the community, asking whether they would support a market/deli in the area.
It's the biggest advise she would give people starting their own business, said Escobedo.
"Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the business," she said. "Also, get acquainted with the people that will support and help you in your business, your banker, city staff and your chamber of commerce representatives."
But some things you just can't teach. For example, customer service such as it takes place at Lola's.
Escobedo and the deli employees know nearly every one of their customers, most high school students, by name. She knows many of their parents, and knows who is buying which home in the neighborhood. It's not a stretch to call its atmosphere family-like; she says one of her goals it to mentor the kids who frequent the deli. Escobedo gives out hugs freely.
The love she gives out is equally returned.
Last month Escobedo was named the grand marshall of Carlsbad High School’s 2013 Homecoming Lancer Day Parade. Riding on a silver convertible behind the color guard and the school marching band with her sister, Connie Trejo (who co-own the deli with Escobedo along with a third sister, Frances Moreno) by her side, Escobedo said she was truly honored.
"This is very meaningful," she said. "It makes me feel really appreciated by the community, by all of these kids."
Asked whether she envisioned what the deli would become, and the type of service she would offer to the barrio when she first started, she said she didn't, that it grew over time, organically.
"I didn't think I would be the 'grandmother of the barrio,' back then," Escobedo said, but added that she's always had three rules for her employees to follow to provide the best customer service: be kind to all the customers; cleanliness is very important; and don't gossip.
Established in 1943, the corner market has been an integral part of Carlsbad's barrio community for generations. After retiring as a contract administrator for aerospace manufacturer McDonnell Douglas in 1986, Escobedo returned to her family's business and added the deli. Though she didn't know the first thing about running a business, Escobedo enrolled in small-business administration classes and conducted a survey of the community, asking whether they would support a market/deli in the area.
It's the biggest advise she would give people starting their own business, said Escobedo.
"Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the business," she said. "Also, get acquainted with the people that will support and help you in your business, your banker, city staff and your chamber of commerce representatives."
But some things you just can't teach. For example, customer service such as it takes place at Lola's.
Escobedo and the deli employees know nearly every one of their customers, most high school students, by name. She knows many of their parents, and knows who is buying which home in the neighborhood. It's not a stretch to call its atmosphere family-like; she says one of her goals it to mentor the kids who frequent the deli. Escobedo gives out hugs freely.
The love she gives out is equally returned.
Last month Escobedo was named the grand marshall of Carlsbad High School’s 2013 Homecoming Lancer Day Parade. Riding on a silver convertible behind the color guard and the school marching band with her sister, Connie Trejo (who co-own the deli with Escobedo along with a third sister, Frances Moreno) by her side, Escobedo said she was truly honored.
"This is very meaningful," she said. "It makes me feel really appreciated by the community, by all of these kids."
Asked whether she envisioned what the deli would become, and the type of service she would offer to the barrio when she first started, she said she didn't, that it grew over time, organically.
"I didn't think I would be the 'grandmother of the barrio,' back then," Escobedo said, but added that she's always had three rules for her employees to follow to provide the best customer service: be kind to all the customers; cleanliness is very important; and don't gossip.