Manuel A. Delgado shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Manuel, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
I often stand up for principles and when I witness wrongdoing, as I believe there’s no true action without some form of cost. In my experience, I’ve observed instances where individuals attempt to take credit for others’ work or undermine their efforts, often painting those who speak up as the antagonists. Therefore, I carefully assess the potential costs in each situation. For instance, when I spearheaded a successful event but was subsequently sidelined and disavowed, I chose to remain silent because speaking up would have negatively impacted the community. While it meant sacrificing my recognition, I was content with that outcome, especially since the perpetrators had nothing else to their name. However, if my silence would enable harm to others, I will speak up, even if it means facing personal repercussions, because I believe that ultimately, standing up for what’s right and acting for the greater good prevails.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As a small business owner, I’m proud to carry on a family tradition that began in 1928. I handcraft over 45 types of musical string instruments, including guitars and traditional Latin instruments, and offer repair and restoration services. With my wife, Julie, we own Delgado Guitars, La Tradición Music, and The Music Makers Stage, a live music venue. Beyond the business, I’m involved in community outreach, serving on boards for organizations like Leadership Music and ArtsEdTN, and my daughter’s school PTO. This year has been particularly rewarding, featuring a Super Bowl commercial, a fellowship for my art and community work, and an invitation to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival with my family.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I believe a significant turning point in my life occurred after losing my father. I placed my trust in a family member, despite warnings, and unfortunately, those warnings were accurate. I had envisioned this person as a constant source of support, but that proved to be untrue. I chose to leave the situation, but also resolved not to succumb to bitterness or a desire for revenge. I refused to build walls or compromise my core values. I remained committed to helping others, regardless of personal setbacks. I am confident that had I acted differently, I would not have met so many wonderful people, and the experience, while difficult, was ultimately worth the cost of those who lacked integrity.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I have learned so much more from the struggles and losses in my life. I believe I am a better man because of it. I treat my team like family because I had family treat me poorly. I swore I would not make someone who came to work for me feel how I was made to feel and I try to build up anyone who crosses my path. I believe that God puts people in our life for a reason and for a season. We can learn from everything if we pay attention. Even a broken clock is right twice a day and it is important to praise God in the hallway, not just when the doors are opening for you. When you are in a difficult moment or struggling, pay attention and learn the lesson you are being taught from it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My family. My family is everything to me and that has extended out to people who are not blood relatives, but I have welcomed them into my family and they have become part of our circle. I value relationships over objects or transactions and when I find a valuable person in my life, I respect them and make myself available to them. My happiest moments are spending time with my family.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
I would remain, as I am not defined by my name, role, or possessions. I made the decision to move beyond what I thought defined me, finding instead that my identity in Christ is what truly makes me, me. I know this may not be well-received, and frankly, in today’s climate, I find it hard to respect those who claim to follow Christ but condone mistreating others based on their skin color, where they’re from, or who they love. We are called to love our neighbors, which means everyone. It’s not easy. I struggle to see the good in many people, but I try to see them and be seen for who we are at our core. I hope to be remembered for the love I’ve shared and the good I’ve strived to give. I work daily to be better and make a difference in someone’s life, and sometimes, that someone is myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.delgadoguitars.com. www.latradicionmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delgadoguitars, https://www.instagram.com/latradicionmusic
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ manuel-a-delgado-7765b48
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelgadoGuitars, https://www.facebook.com/latradicionmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/delgadoguitars
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@delgadoguitars
