Learning Resilience as a Minority Owned Business
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In 2003, I founded a healthy meal delivery service in Miami, even before the emergence of today’s on-the-go meal services powered by Uber Eats, Facebook, and Google Maps. Our concept was simple; we prepared and delivered healthy meals to people in their offices. It was a market we pioneered and grew, delivering up to 1,500 meals within 3 short hours each day.
However, starting a minority owned business in a foreign country comes with its unique set of challenges. First was the cultural shift. In Latin America, lunch is usually the main meal of the day, whereas in the U.S., a $5 lunch or a simple apple often suffices. Overcoming this difference was just one of the many cultural mistakes I would make along this entrepreneurial journey.
The Path to Success: Navigating Uncharted Waters
Navigating the intricacies of the American business landscape was daunting. As the leader of a minority owned business, I had to learn the ropes as I went along. This meant making mistakes and learning from them. It was a journey filled with uncertainty, but it was also a path of relentless determination and unwavering faith in our vision. Despite the challenges, we persevered and, in 2018, achieved a successful exit.
Today, I find myself at the helm of two thriving businesses in the consulting and entrepreneurial education sectors. One of them is The Profit Recipe, the world’s largest entrepreneurial operating system firm based in South Florida. The other is a minority owned business entrepreneurial education program called Emprenedor Growth Model designed exclusively for the Hispanic American community. All the content there is in Spanish because we believe in democratizing entrepreneurship across the Hispanic world, so we can change the world one company at a time.
The Power of Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship as a Minority Owned Business
In my journey, I have come to realize that small businesses and entrepreneurship possess the power to change the world. It’s not the big corporations, governments, or institutions that hold this transformative potential; it’s the mid-size and small businesses that can truly impact communities, employees, and customers in ways that create a ripple effect of positive change.
However, for this impact to materialize, business owners and entrepreneurs must align with their values, purpose, and potential community impact. They need to understand what drives them and how they can leverage their strengths and energy to make a difference.
The Unique Strength of Latino Entrepreneurs
So, how do Hispanic Latino entrepreneurs in the U.S. contribute to making the world a better place? Latino entrepreneurs possess a unique advantage rooted in their cultural background. We come from societies where resilience and adaptability are essential skills for survival. The ability to overcome challenges, change, and uncertainty is ingrained in our DNA. As our countries are always shifting with ups and downs economically, politically, and socially, we have grown to accept change as a constant, as many minority owned businesses must. No matter how certain the plan or roadmap may appear; we know that it will change, and we must be ready for it.
What many Western countries’ populations take for granted, we Latinos are hungry for. We are in constant pursuit of growth; our cultural richness and diversity provide us with a broad perspective that enables us to connect with various communities and markets. We bring fresh ideas, innovation, and energy to the table, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our impact is not limited by borders; it transcends geographical constraints.
The Role of Entrepreneurs’ Organization in My Minority Owned Business
EO played a pivotal role in my entrepreneurial journey. EO is more than just an organization; it’s a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who understand the trials and tribulations of running a business. When I joined EO in 2008, I realized that I had been doing many things wrong in my entrepreneurial endeavors.
EO provided me with a sense of belonging, a peer community of individuals I looked up to, and invaluable resources to upskill, develop, and learn. It was through EO that I gained the knowledge and insights needed to take my companies to the next level.
Minority Owned Businesses Build Community & Leave a Legacy
Latino entrepreneurs have a profound sense of community, akin to the close-knit families we left behind in our home countries. We understand the importance of legacy; not just for ourselves, but for the community we are a part of. It’s our mission to make an impact on those around us, helping them reach their full potential and guiding them to the next level of success.
As a Latino entrepreneur, I am proud to be part of a community that is shaping the landscape of American business. Our journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, and we are here to make a difference, one venture at a time.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level with other entrepreneurs who are in your shoes?
Cesar Quintero, an Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member in South Florida, is the founder of The Profit Recipe and Emprendedor Growth Model.
This article was originally published in 2023 at https://www.inc.com/entrepreneurs-organization/latino-leadership-an-engine-of-progress-power-in-us.html.
