Grigsby Family

Dear Family and Friends, I came to California 38 years ago, and fell in love. I was in the Navy at the time- so when my active duty ended- I raced back here, settling in the Long Beach area, far away from my home in Illinois. I wanted a better life, a better Carl, and to be a contributor to others. After many years of dedicated service at the Long Beach Post Office, I got the courage to open my own business, Carnegie Metals. That was in 1992. In 2002 I expanded to CMI Janitorial. God was truly blessing myself and my family- and giving me a chance to help others too. However, in 2007, the recession hit and everything changed. I stayed in the fight, giving my all for two years, but it wasn’t enough to keep CMI Janitorial afloat. It’s doors closed in 2009. What hurt me most was letting down the people who relied on me. I then focused on Carnegie Metals. I stayed assertive, hungry, and on top of my game. It worked until 2012 when we lost our biggest account due to outside competition from China. That was a big blow. I’d worked hard but just couldn’t compete with the global market.  
I’m a private person, and I like to be the giver, rather than the receiver, so I haven’t shared with most of you what a struggle these past few years have been. We’ve managed to hold on, but now face extreme circumstances. I’m doing something new: asking for help. Our resources are depleted and we are under a 60 day deadline to catch up in the areas we are behind. I just finished estate school and am in the process of studying and taking exams because I know I need a career change. Meanwhile, we received a termination of tenancy and have to survive this transition. I thank you for being a part of my life. I am reaching out with a humble heart to you all to ask for anything you can donate to the Grigsby family. It would be very much appreciated. You can donate money to my GoFund Account, which is very simple using your credit or debit card. 
As I’ve said, I’ve always been a giver, and enjoyed it. But receiving is tough, so is asking for help. Thank you for allowing me to show up here ...and ask. With Gratitude and Blessings, Carl, Nicole, Gabriella, and Paizha Grigsby.