Today we’d like to introduce you to Merlin Tankoua.
Hi Merlin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
First, I would like to thank y’all for the opportunity to be featured in this magazine and share my story.
My Name is Merlin Tankoua I came to this beautiful country in 1997 from Cameroon, Africa, at the age of 22. My parents sent me here for a better future and to continue my education. Before I left Africa, my dad gave me $500 which was the most I ever had in my life at the time and he told me, ” son go and be a man and don’t come back home if you fail.”
So, I found myself in Denver, Co where I was enrolled in The Colorado School of Mines. It was so scary because not only I didn’t know anybody in the USA, also I didn’t speak English and on top of that I had to study Petroleum Engineering!!!. Soon enough by the grace of God, I graduated 3 years later with a Bs in Petroleum Engineering and minored in Business.
I worked in the Oil & Gas industry all over the world, drilling for oil. During that time, I developed a hobby in real estate by buying foreclosed homes then fixing them myself on my off time and turned them into section 8 rentals.
After 20 years of working internationally in Oil & Gas and investing in real estate, I decided it was time for a career change and to have my own business locally where I could make an impact locally, see my kids grow up and not miss so many birthdays.
My hobby in real estate investing led me to open a construction and remodeling company called Blue Star Construction. It was very scary at the time because I was facing a dilemma to abandon a steady paycheck to an uncertain venture.
But with my faith in God and with the support of my better half Melissa, I found the strength to work harder and watch our company grow day each day.
Today we are proud to say we have over 100 employees and build or remodel many houses in the Houston and surrounding areas every month.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It was not smooth at all. Imagine yourself leaving your comfort zone, your family, and friends behind, moving to a country where you have no friends or no clue about the culture or the language, the food and yet you must build a future out of nothing so you can make a positive impact in your life. Nothing comes easy in life. The more obstacles or challenges that come across our path, the stronger we will be if we keep our chin up and never give up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
.worked in Oil & Gas for 20 years as Petroleum Engineer. I currently own a construction and remodeling company. So, it always brings me joy to turn an ugly house into a beautiful home and see the smile on my customer’s face at the end of each project. That’s priceless.
What sets me apart from others I think is the fact that I always remember where I came from, so it humbles me to know that God took me out of Africa and brought me and my family in this beautiful country that I now call home. So, this notion always puts a smile on my face and allows me to treat everyone with humility and respect.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Growing up I was always influenced by my father’s great successes. I always wanted to follow his footsteps. With that
Work hard, being humble, being kind, being patient, and always think of my next step, how to better myself and grow. Most importantly, help others in need, be a mentor and spread my knowledge so we can all learn from each other and have a better life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bluestarsconstruction.com
