About Don Paco
Francis Ernest Bendaña Radzevich, Don Paco, was born in Manhattan, New York, on August 1, 1935. Don Paco’s mother, Emily Radzevich, was the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants and his father, Frank Bendaña was an immigrant from Nicaragua who was working in New York. Emily and Frank formed a family together and had 7 children. In 1948 the family moves to Nicaragua, country which Don Paco forever falls in love with.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Life of Don Paco
A Brilliant Mind
Without knowing spanish, Don Paco begins attending La Salle high school in the capital of Managua. Within a short time he learns how to speak perfect spanish and graduates as the institutes top student. This honor earns him a scholarship to the Panamerican Agricultural School Zamorano, in Honduras. Here not only does he gain the essential knowledge that will guide his professional career but also meets a young and very beautiful Nicaraguan girl named Maria Teresa McEwan Callejas, whom he would later marry after graduating.
His excellent academic performance at the agricultural school of Zamorano earns him a scholarship to the University of Florida, where he moves together with his wife Maria Teresa. Through his talent, discipline and intelligence he obtains a PHD in Bio-chemistry from the University of Florida and is awarded another scholarship to study a post-doctorate in plant physiology at the University of Yale. Here he focuses his investigations in new and better methods for planting coffee.
Nicaragua, a dream under construction
He returns to Nicaragua as the first Nicaraguan with a PHD in Plant physiology and a dream to produce the best coffee of Nicaragua and better the lives of the people. With enthusiasm and determination he begins what will become his life-long labor: learning and sharing his knowledge with others.
“One cannot be successful if your neighbors are not successful”
Don Paco converts “El quetzal”, a farm given to him by his father in-law, into the most productive coffee farm in all of Nicaragua. Creating a new agricultural model of efficiency and productivity, with production outputs 100% superior to those accustomed in those days.
Professor, businessmen, philanthropist, leader… Don Paco becomes nationally known as the expert for issues related to coffee production. In 1976, he founds the Central Cooperative of Coffee Producers of Matagalpa, with more than 7,000 members.
In the late 70s, after a long and arduous civil war, a new leftist Sandinista government is installed in Nicaragua. Don Paco’s expert knowledge of agricultural practices and love for nature drive him to criticize the erratic and destructive agricultural and environmental policies the Sandinista Government begins to practice. In 1981, he is deported to the United States.
Starting Over again
In 1991 after the fall of the Sandinista government, Don Paco returns with his family to find his farm “El Quetzal” in ruins.
Instead of giving up on his dream, he immediately begins focusing all his efforts towards a visionary new project focused on coffee quality. Now instead of being the most productive producer, as he was in the 70s, he knew he had to produce the best quality coffee to create the perfect cup for the consumer. This new focus on quality lead Don Paco to discover many new and innovative techniques in the processing and commercialization of his coffee.
Don Paco pioneered a new business model for coffee production in Nicaragua, which resulted in satisfied clients, prosperity, and most importantly the development of the surrounding communities.
A Legacy
A life of hard work and dedication that opened many new roads. Don Paco showed his 5 children, friends and a nation that your dreams can come true when you combine hard work, creativity, and love.
Frank Bendaña Radzevich 1935-2006
Don Paco
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