The Latino Business Journey Podcast

What began in 1999 with limited inventory and the hope of supporting their family has grown into a beloved supermarket chain with three locations. Facing challenges like higher wholesale prices and fierce competition from larger chains, Theresa and Alberto positioned Martin’s Supermercado as more than a store—it’s a one-stop shop where Latino families can find products that remind them of home, all while being treated like family. Here is the story of how Martin's Supermercado came to be. Produced by Inspired Views Productions Co. Producer: Esaú Meléndez Host: Michael Puente Sound Recordist: Cory Fallows Sound Engineer: Lucas Bernal Studio: 2112 Chicago Digital Manager: Edgar Estrada

Letticia Flores Poole, Senior Regional Manager with BMO’s Zero Barriers to Business program, shares her 25-year journey in banking and her mission to break down financial barriers for Black and Latino-owned businesses. From securing access to capital to providing financial education, Letticia highlights how trust, cultural awareness, and strategic planning can transform communities and help minority businesses thrive.

Guillermo Garcia, CEO of GSG Consulting, shares his remarkable story of transforming a small environmental services company into one of the largest Hispanic-owned consulting firms in the Midwest. Overcoming early struggles without industry support, Guillermo built his business through sheer determination, networking, and advocacy - ultimately taking on major projects with agencies like the Chicago Department of Aviation. His inspiring story offers invaluable lessons for Latino entrepreneurs.

From East LA to the boardroom, Dr. Robert Renteria shares his powerful journey of overcoming adversity, rising in corporate America, and dedicating his life to education and mentorship. Discover how his “From the Barrio to the Boardroom” curriculum has impacted thousands of students globally and his ongoing fight against gang violence through hope and education.

In this episode, we're joined by Elizabeth Colón, founder of Metaphrasis, a translation and interpretation agency in Chicago. Elizbeth grew up translating documents and interpreting meetings for her parents, who struggled with English. Understanding the challenges that language barriers create in areas such as healthcare and education, she founded Metaphrasis to assist others facing difficulties similar to those of her family. She shares her journey from a home office to a thriving language services business, transforming healthcare communication. 

In our third episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of Latino businesses and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's (IHCC) role in championing economic growth and opportunity. Host Michael Puente interviews Jaime Di Paulo, President and CEO of IHCC, to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by Latino business owners. They explore the various programs, resources, and partnerships that IHCC offers to empower Latino entrepreneurs and help them overcome these obstacles. From addressing barriers in banking to advocating for legislative change, Jaime shares insights on what it takes to level the playing field and create a lasting impact. Produced by Inspired Views Productions Co. Producer: Esaú Meléndez Host: Michael Puente Sound Recordist: Cory Fallows Sound Engineer: Lucas Bernal Studio: 2112 Chicago Digital Manager: Edgar Estrada

Look back at the origins of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC), formed in the 1990s to centralize and elevate the voice of Latino businesses in Chicago and Illinois. Chicagoland business leaders Ray Arias, Virginia Oviedo, and Carlos Ponce discuss the challenges that Latino business owners and entrepreneurs were facing and the experiences they went through as they looked to bring the community together, leading to the creation of the IHCC.

Explore the rich history of Taqueria Los Comales, a beloved Chicago establishment founded by Camerino Gonzalez over 50 years ago. His children, Larry and Christina, share insights about their father's entrepreneurial spirit, his struggles as an immigrant, and the business's growth and challenges, including the impact of the pandemic. They highlight their father's legacy of helping others and his commitment to bringing authentic Mexican flavors to the community. Produced by Inspired Views Productions Co. Producer: Esaú Meléndez Host: Michael Puente Sound Recordist: Cory Fallows Sound Engineer: Lucas Bernal Studio: 2112 Chicago Digital Manager: Edgar Estrada

This podcast aims to showcase the journeys of Latino professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs who have overcome various challenges, such as limited capital, growing up in challenging environments, feeling unheard and underrepresented in different spaces, and much more. Through their stories, the podcast provides a platform for these individuals to share their experiences and inspire others within the Latino community to chase their dreams.  Produced by Inspired Views Productions Co. Producer: Esaú Meléndez Host: Michael Puente Sound Recordist: Cory Fallows Sound Engineer: Lucas Bernal Studio: 2112 Chicago Digital Manager: Edgar Estrada