Our Story

Story told by Ricardo A Nuñez

I was born and raised in Rivera, Uruguay and in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, I embarked on a remarkable journey, leaving my native country of Uruguay behind to pursue the American Dream. I was driven by an unwavering belief that the United States was the land of boundless opportunities, and I was determined to seize those opportunities and make my dreams come true. Little did I know that this decision would mark the beginning of an incredible odyssey.

When I first arrived in America, I was a high school dropout, but I was acutely aware that this was not the end of my educational journey but merely a detour. With a steadfast determination to complete my high school diploma, I enrolled in classes and worked tirelessly to bridge the gap in my education. Pursuing knowledge became a beacon of hope, guiding me towards my aspirations.

However, I didn't stop there. Recognizing that education was the key to unlocking my full potential, I took the bold step of pursuing higher education. College became my second home, where I honed my skills and expanded my horizons. With each class attended and every assignment completed, I was one step closer to realizing my dreams.

But my vision extended beyond the classroom. It was deeply rooted in my family's heritage, a legacy of entrepreneurship that had been passed down through generations. My father and several family members had set the example by becoming their own bosses, and I was determined to follow in their footsteps.

In 2021, an opportunity arose that would alter the course of my life. It was the chance to acquire Rugged Material Wallets, a company whose mission and vision resonated perfectly with my personal values and upbringing. In my family and cultural background, the ethos of repairing and preserving rather than discarding and replacing held immense significance.

Rugged Material Wallets epitomized this philosophy, crafting wallets designed to endure a lifetime and backing them with an unwavering lifetime warranty. It was a match made in entrepreneurial heaven, a business venture that allowed me to merge my heritage with my aspirations.

Today, my story is one of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It's a tale of a high school dropout turned educated entrepreneur and someone who found their place in a land of opportunity and embraced it with open arms. My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that with hard work and dedication, dreams can indeed come true.

As I continue to steer Rugged Material Wallets towards a future of sustainability and enduring craftsmanship, I am reminded of the lessons learned on this extraordinary journey. My story is one of unwavering determination, boundless aspiration, and the enduring belief that anything is possible in America.

Ricardo A Nuñez - Rugged Material Wallets CEO