Carlos Alberto Salazar Mateos, born on March 24, 1986, in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, is a distinguished entrepreneur with a profound impact in various industries. His journey in business began in his youth, assisting at his mother’s establishment, Los Soles Restaurant in Maracaibo, a Mexican restaurant reflecting his maternal Mexican heritage. Carlos’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed early; after moving to Maracaibo at the age of 13, he graduated from Rossini Catholic School.
Carlos’s portfolio of businesses showcases his versatility and innovative mindset. Alongside his brother, he founded Nuvo, the first wine and cigar bar in Maracaibo, and also established Le Valet Parking, enhancing local luxury services. His ventures expanded internationally with the opening of Los Soles Restaurant in Aruba in 2018 and the inception of La Market, a supermarket in Maracaibo in 2019. His business acumen also led him to found Inversuss in 2011, a company specializing in energy and oil supplies, with operations extending to Miami in 2015 and Caracas more recently.
Apart from his business ventures, Carlos is an avid enthusiast of golf, tennis, and kite surfing, which speaks to his dynamic lifestyle. He is recognized for his expertise in logistics and procurement, particularly in the oil, gas, and energy sectors, where he is known as a reliable provider of industry solutions.
Q&A With Carlos Carlos Alberto Salazar Mateos and the Meaning of Success
Carlos, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with what defines success for you?
Success for me is about creating value that goes beyond myself. It’s not just about financial achievements but also about positively impacting the community and maintaining a sustainable business model. It’s the satisfaction of knowing that your work not only supports your family but also creates jobs and contributes to the economy.
Could you share with us how you began your entrepreneurial journey and what challenges you faced initially?
My entrepreneurial journey began in my mother’s restaurant, Los Soles, in Maracaibo. I started by handling simple tasks but quickly understood the intricacies of running a business. The initial challenges were mainly about balancing quality with cost and understanding customer needs deeply. Each business I’ve started since then came with its own set of challenges, from regulatory hurdles to finding the right talent.
What strategies have you found most effective in growing your businesses?
Diversification and understanding market needs have been crucial. Each business, whether it’s the restaurant in Aruba or the supermarket in Maracaibo, was a response to a specific market demand. Staying close to customer feedback and being willing to adapt has helped us grow sustainably.
How do you handle failures and setbacks?
I view failures as essential learning points. It’s crucial to analyze what went wrong and why. This reflection helps in not repeating the same mistakes and better preparing for future challenges. Resilience is key in entrepreneurship.
With such a busy schedule, how do you manage work-life balance?
It’s definitely challenging. I prioritize and delegate when necessary. Making time for personal activities like golf and kite surfing helps me unwind and gives me a fresh perspective when I return to work. It’s important to recharge.
What do you think is the most critical skill for a successful entrepreneur to have?
Adaptability is crucial. The business landscape is constantly changing, and being able to pivot and adapt to new technologies, market conditions, and consumer behaviors is key to staying relevant and competitive.
Can you discuss the importance of team building in your ventures?
Absolutely, the team is the backbone of any successful business. I focus a lot on building teams that are not only skilled but also share the vision of the company. It’s important to cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. This leads to innovation and efficiency.
Looking back, what would you have done differently in your career?
I believe every experience, good or bad, shapes who you are. However, if I could change one thing, I would have taken more risks earlier in my career. There were opportunities I passed on due to uncertainty. With experience, I’ve learned that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the greatest rewards.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs starting out today?
Be passionate about what you do because it’s that passion that will keep you going through tough times. Do your research, understand your market, and prepare to adapt. Most importantly, build a network of support because no one achieves success alone.
Finally, where do you see your businesses in the next five years?
I see my businesses becoming more integrated with technology to enhance efficiency and customer experience. Expanding geographically is also on the agenda, especially in markets that align with our growth strategy. Sustainability and innovation will remain at the core of our operations.
Thank you, Carlos, for sharing your insights.
Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to share and hopefully inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways
- Adaptability is Essential: Carlos emphasizes the importance of adaptability as a vital skill for entrepreneurs. The ability to adjust strategies and operations in response to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and technological advancements is crucial for sustaining and growing a business in today’s fast-paced environment.
- Team Building is Crucial: Building a strong, cohesive team that shares the company’s vision and goals is fundamental to any business’s success. Carlos highlights the significance of creating a supportive work environment where team members feel valued and motivated, which in turn fosters innovation and efficiency.
- Risk-Taking Pays Off: Reflecting on his career, Carlos mentions that taking more risks earlier could have potentially led to greater rewards. This insight underlines the importance of seizing opportunities, even in the face of uncertainty, to propel business growth and personal development.