Waukegan Mail Depot owners envision their business as a hub where other businesses can show their wares

When Janessa Rodriguez, Raquel Cruz and Gabrial Cruz opened the Waukegan Mail Depot as a Hispanic and majority-women-owned business in November, they envisioned a community and business hub where people can do more than have a mailbox or ship packages.
Adding a Little Free Library for people to see as they arrive to check their mail, personal mail box, retrieve a securely stored package, or learn the best way to ship goods, Rodriguez said she and her partners wanted more. They desired a place where other businesses could show their wares.
Now, Rodirguez said individuals who arrive at the Waukegan Mail Depot the second Saturday of each month through October will see three to five local popup shops giving those entrepreneurs a place to tell shoppers what they have to offer.
'We want them to be part of our network,' Rodriguez said. 'We are a business that wants to stress business development. We opened the little library so kids can enjoy themselves when their parents are here. We're bringing community to Waukegan.'
The Waukegan Mail Depot opened its pop-up shop program Saturday at its Green Bay Road location in Waukegan as representatives of Daniel Cahue's Farmers Insurance Agency, MEE Enterprises and Tallow for a Cure let people know what they offer.
Operated by Raquel Cruz, Tallow for a Cure's mission on Saturday was raising money for Gina Fernandez, who is fighting stage four lung cancer. Cruz sat at a table telling people in the store about the products. It is a separate business she runs.
'They are nontoxic skin care products,' Cruz said. 'They're made from beef tallow in Wisconsin. We're selling them here to raise money to fight lung cancer. It's a business with a purpose.'
Michan Mayfield owns MEE (Michan's Elite Enterprises). Through her entrepreneurial ventures, she sells Mary Kay products — they were well displayed on her table — and has a travel agency and is an insurance agent.
'This is a great opportunity to let people know about my business and what I do,' Mayfield said. 'I'm letting people know what I can do for them,' she added, referring to the Mary Kay products. 'I also let them know about my travel agency and insurance.'
Daniel Cahue operates a Farmers Insurance Agency in downtown Waukegan. He was there with Distarli Hurtado, an agent in the office and a board member of the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce.
Hurtado said she and Cahue opened the office three years ago, and opportunities like the pop-up shop give them a chance to meet people and teach them about insurance. They need to understand things like deductibles and upward policy limits. Located in Waukegan, the agency is licensed in 12 states.
'Mostly we try to educate people,' Hurtado said. 'There are a lot of people don't know, and we want them to be protected. Sometimes they don't realize it until it's too late.'
Amid the activity of the pop-up shops, Rodriguez was working with her own customers. The western wall of the shop is lined with private, personal mailboxes. She said for people who want a little more security with their mail, the boxes provide it.
'It gives them a street address in a place they can trust,' Rodriguez said.
Rather than select from among several shippers,. Rodriguez said she, her partners, and her staff can help them select the most economical and efficient way to get something where they want it to go. They have arrangements with Federal Express, UPS, the United States Postal Service and Speedy Delivery.
'We can shop for the best price,' Rodriguez said. 'Everyone wants to save something and we can get them the best quote. We ship and receive. We store the packages in a secure room.'
Gabriel Cruz said there is more. A one-time truck driver who also owns a pest control business, the Waukegan Mail Depot also rents U-Haul equipment.

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