Carlos Fuente purchases a 2 story building in Ybor City

In the early 1960’s, Carlos Fuente purchased a 2 story building in Ybor City on the corner of 18th Street and 17th Avenue in Ybor City. The main factory was on the first floor and Arturo Sr. and his wife Cristina lived on the second floor. In order to keep up with building repairs, high demand, and the lack of staff, Carlos worked past midnight, sleeping in the factory just to meet demand. After weeks of not seeing her husband, Anna packed-up her bags and the three kids and said, “If you cannot come home, we are coming to you.” She moved into the factory to work along side of him. The factory quickly grew and expansions were made. In one year, A. Fuente & Company saw employment double to nearly 100 people.