Christian Retailing

Gift leader recounts 'trials' Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 13 June 2011 03:02 PM America/New_York
Christian gift supplier and retailer Aurelio Barreto has given a candid, behind-the-scenes account of his business successes and life in the industry.

He tells of making millions, losing them, struggling with depression and fighting to save his troubled marriage in Not of This World, self-published by his apparel company of the same name.

On sale at his C28 stores as well as at Mardel Christian & Education and Berean Christian Stores, the book is subtitled "From Cuban Refugee to American Dream to Finding God."

In it, the 52-year-old tells of fleeing Cuba with his family as a young boy, becoming a millionaire through his Dogloo kennel company, coming to Christ after finding financial riches did not bring him happiness and starting Not of This World (NOTW) and C28 10 years ago.

With nine stores currently and the NOTW and Truth Soul Armor brands widely available in other stores, Barreto divides his time between leading the businesses and traveling to speak to teens, students and business leaders at church, schools and other events. He serves as a gift representative on the CBA board.

Barreto said that he wrote the 272-page, $14.99 book—which also includes a CD recording of his testimony—to encourage people. "You can really trust God, that He is dependable and bankable," he said. "I have been made to go through a few trials, and I have had to really let go because I had no choice, but once I really, truly let go, I realized that God was faithful and He was the one who supplied all my needs."