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Our Story
Jorge Rivera was born into a poor farming household in the mountainous town of Lares, Puerto Rico. His parents, José Rivera and Alejandrina Cardona farmed fruits and vegetables to be sold in a small store which was their family business. Jorge was one of six children, each one playing a unique role in the family. Through his upbringing, he developed a deep love and appreciation for the land, the fruits, and the food produced in the area. Beyond the family and their farm, Jorge found a deep appreciation for education and expanding his knowledge at school. He would often walk barefoot to his local public school, and dedicated himself to his studies. After completing high school Jorge attended college at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. He began studying agriculture, but eventually changed his major to Civil Engineering given the growing demands in the construction industry. Shortly after graduating from the College of Engineering, he met Victoria Sierra and the two were married in 1953.
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Victoria, known by most as Vicky, was the granddaughter of Natividad Guzman, a coffee farmer from Villalba, Puerto Rico, and of Julia Olivieri, who migrated from Corsica at a young age and was one of numerous Corsican relatives who had settled in the Villalba and Juana Diaz region. Corsican immigrants were central to the growing success of coffee farming on the island during the 19th century; this family ancestry revolving around farming and agriculture is a connection that Jorge and Victoria shared. Together, soon after their marriage, they began the steel business American Agencies with a loan from Victoria's father, Ramón Sierra Reverón. The initial office space was housed in their home garage, and Victoria worked as the first office assistant.
As the business and their family grew, their roles evolved. Victoria dedicated her time to raising their three daughters, Diana, Frances, and Vivian. She worked as a dental hygienist for a year, and managed the family and household activities. Jorge fully dedicated himself to the establishment and expansion of American Agencies, and was able to lead it through tremendous growth at a time when the Puerto Rican government was focused on modernity and progress. After years of purchasing steel structures from the US mainland, Jorge decided to build them locally in his factory, and American Agencies became the first major steel manufacturing company in Puerto Rico, gaining international praise and recognition during the construction boom of the 1960s through the 1980s.
Through those years as a successful businessman, Jorge never lost his passion and appreciation for agriculture, and took great pride in the banana, avocado, and mango trees he grew and cared for in their backyard in Guaynabo. He always supported his cousins in Lares who continued working in farming and harvesting. One of Jorge and Victoria's favorite things to do was host large dinner parties where Jorge would prepare huge paellas for their guests. They also dined out together often, and formed close friendships with local restaurant owners. Both of them truly valued fresh fruits and well produced meals, which were so important to their culture, identity, and joy. Their daughters fondly remember when, after harvesting a fresh avocado, Jorge would cut it in slices and serve it during family dinners with much care and pride. This ritual affirmed his love for the land and its fruits.
In 2012, Jorge passed away and his immense generosity and practice of giving was affirmed through numerous family members, friends, and workers who expressed much gratitude for his financial assistance during critical moments in their lives. Jorge & Victoria gave to others often, and they were always humble and generous with the financial earnings from American Agencies. Victoria passed away in 2021, and soon after her passing their daughter Frances and two granddaughters Gabriela and Camila, were inspired to continue the long legacy of generosity and community empowerment that Jorge and Victoria exemplified throughout their lives.
