Andre Cepeda, Founder and CEO of Lotus Connect LLC, is on a mission to change the way large institutions and government agencies manage procurement. With over 15 years of experience in supply chain management, institutional sales, and high-level negotiations, Cepeda brings a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and lived experience to the table—one that’s rooted in both innovation and impact.
Born and raised in the inner city and shaped by his Puerto Rican heritage, Andre knows what it means to navigate systems that weren’t built with people like him in mind. Early in life, he recognized that access to opportunity wasn’t guaranteed—and that success would come only through resilience, creativity, and a relentless work ethic. These lessons became the foundation for the leader and entrepreneur he is today.
Cepeda founded Lotus Connect to solve a problem he encountered time and time again: outdated, inefficient, and overly complex procurement processes in the public and enterprise sectors. Selling to governments and Fortune 500 companies was often slow, confusing, and riddled with red tape. Rather than working around the problem, he chose to tackle it head-on. Lotus Connect offers a modern, procurement-as-a-service solution that simplifies how organizations purchase goods and services—without sacrificing compliance, policy, or accountability.
What sets Andre apart is his problem-solving mindset. Whether it’s eliminating procurement bottlenecks, helping clients close major deals, or streamlining supplier relationships, he approaches every challenge as an opportunity to build something smarter and more efficient. His work is grounded in transparency, integrity, and a deep respect for the systems he’s helping to improve.
But his journey is about more than just business. For Andre, entrepreneurship is a vehicle for representation and equity. He’s deeply passionate about creating access for others—especially for underrepresented communities that are often overlooked in corporate and government spaces. His own success is a testament to the idea that talent and grit can come from anywhere, and he’s committed to opening doors for those following similar paths.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Andre takes pride in his role as a husband and father. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and daughter, and everything he builds—personally and professionally—is rooted in a desire to create a better future for them and for the community that shaped him.
Under his leadership, Lotus Connect continues to grow, gaining the trust of clients who value both results and meaningful collaboration. The company not only delivers innovative procurement solutions, but also stands as a reflection of Andre’s larger vision: to bring excellence, accountability, and fresh perspective to industries in need of change.
In celebrating Andre Cepeda, we honor more than a successful entrepreneur—we recognize a leader who is reshaping how institutions operate, and who proves every day that excellence doesn’t follow one path. It can rise from any neighborhood, any background, and any challenge—as long as there’s someone willing to do the work.