Recently, I was asked to share my story as a Latino entrepreneur and CEO. The timing felt symbolic considering the day I shared my story with other leaders, it happened to fall on Mexico’s National Independence Day and right as National Hispanic Heritage Month began.
As I reflected on my journey, I was reminded of a few truths. Entrepreneurship is hard. Leading well is even harder. And yet, despite the challenges, I believe the American Dream is still alive for those with the courage and perseverance to keep moving forward.
I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage even one person to prove the doubters wrong, to keep going when things get tough, and to know that our hard work can enrich not only our own lives but the lives of many others. Like many Latinos, I’ve often been the first to give and the last to ask for help, but I hope the path I’ve walked has opened doors for others. Above all, I am grateful for my team at Advanced Resources, for those who believed in me, and for everyone who has been part of this journey.
From Humble Beginnings to Human Capital Leadership
I grew up in a working-class, second-generation immigrant family where education was always the dream, even when life made it difficult to prioritize. I started working young, learning the value of hustle long before I learned anything about entrepreneurship.
I never set out to own a human capital company. What began as a “gap year” job turned into a lifelong passion for helping people find opportunity and building businesses around that mission.
Fast forward to today: I’m now the CEO and owner of Advanced Resources, a Chicago-based firm that has deployed or placed nearly 40,000 professionals. Since taking over in 2009, we’ve outpaced the industry, grown through a carve-out acquisition, and built a reputation for putting people first. Our tagline says it all: At Advanced, It’s Personal.
Turning Doubt into Motivation
I’ll never forget the high school counselor who told me college would be “a waste of time and money” for me specifically. Instead of listening to Mr. Brown, I used that doubt as fuel. By my second year out of school, I was earning more than my parents and I ever imagined.
That experience shaped my leadership philosophy. At Advanced Resources, we believe in giving people opportunities before they “deserve” them on paper. We call it a “will vs. skill” issue: if someone has the will, we’ll teach them the skill.
It’s the same mindset we bring to diversity and inclusion. Today, 85% of our workforce is female, 55% is diverse, and our clients rank us among the top three firms globally for the work we deliver. Diversity of thought doesn’t just make organizations better—it makes them stronger, faster, and more innovative.
Entrepreneurship: Capital, Courage, and the American Dream
For Latino entrepreneurs like myself, access to capital remains the single biggest challenge.
- 36% of new U.S. businesses are Latino-owned.
- We drive a $3.6 trillion economy, growing at 4.6% annually, one of the fastest rates in the world.
- Yet we receive less than 2% of venture funding and under 1% of private equity dollars.
The potential is undeniable, but capital controls opportunity. Closing that gap could unlock trillions in economic impact and millions of dreams.
Building the Future of Work
A successful company needs four things:
- Cash
- A great strategy
- Operational discipline
- The right people
The right people matter most.
For years, I interviewed two people every week, whether or not we were hiring. It kept me connected to the talent market and ensured our plans aligned with real-world skills.
But as we integrate AI, automation, and new work models, the companies that will win aren’t just those with the best technology. They will be the companies that operationalize accountability, values, and inclusion in everything they do.
Leadership Lessons: Courage, Resilience, and Gratitude
Leadership isn’t about being fearless, but arguably it’s about being bold when it counts. Two quotes guide me:
- “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “We are the change we seek.” – President Obama
Being a courageous leader means making tough calls with empathy, testing ideas before scaling them (“bullet, bullet, cannonball,” as Jim Collins says), and staying authentic under pressure.
I’ve also learned that no one is perfect. However, great teams complement each other’s strengths, and people can grow if given opportunity, feedback, and trust.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about reaching the summit (because when we do, we often tend to find a new hill to climb). It’s about enjoying the climb, making a positive impact, and bringing others along with you.
Looking Ahead
At Advanced Resources, our mission has always been to make a positive impact on our team, our clients, and our community. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every challenge.
As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, my hope is simple: that my story encourages others to keep going, to dream big, and to know the American Dream is still alive for those willing to persevere.
About Advanced Resources
Advanced Resources partners with leading organizations providing Human Capital solutions enabling leaders drive positive change through progressive people strategies.
Over the past 30+ years, Advanced Resources has been recognized as a perennial Top Workplace while helping clients secure the best talent to meet their strategic goals.
The team of Advanced Resources is comprised of accomplished industry professionals that understand people are the heart of all organizations. Advanced Resources offers a personalized approach and proven processes to help with strategy execution.
To learn more, visit www.advancedresources.com, subscribe at AdvancedInsights, or follow us at AdvancedResourcesLinkedIn.
