Carlos is a graduate of Washburn University and has a BBA in Management and a BBA in Marketing. Carlos has extensive branding experience from the Retail Sector, working for Electronic Retail Giant Best Buy in Management for 18 years. Carlos is Credited with Best Buy’s Implementation of Latin Music throughout the company, assisting with the first test Market store for the Company. Under Carlos’s Leadership the Chamber is now the 11th Largest Chamber in the Kansas City Metro out of 50 plus Chambers according to the KC Business Journal and according to Ingrams Magazine is the 15th Largest Chamber in the Region. Carlos was recently listed by KC Magazine in the Top 50 most influential Kansas Citians.
What makes you proud or excited to lead a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce?
What fills me with pride and excitement in leading a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is witnessing the transformative impact we have on small businesses within our community. When my team helps a small business secure a contract or earn a certification that enhances their capacity, it’s a moment of collective triumph. Equally rewarding is seeing a business overcome a significant hurdle with our support. Each of these successes represents more than just a business milestone; they symbolize the realization of someone’s dream. Being even a small part of that journey, knowing we’ve contributed to the growth and sustainability of these businesses, is truly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that our work extends beyond commerce—we’re helping to build legacies within our community.
What should more people know about your local community of Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs?
Our local Hispanic business community in Kansas City is nothing short of vibrant and dynamic. It’s a community that’s not just surviving but thriving and expanding at an impressive rate. For instance, the Latino business growth rate in Missouri averages 46% annually, while in Kansas, it soars to an incredible 76% each year. This rapid growth is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and hard work of our Hispanic entrepreneurs. More people should recognize that these businesses are not only contributing to the local economy but are also becoming a powerful force for economic development in our region. Their success stories are inspiring and demonstrate the potential within our community.
How can we better support Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs?
Supporting Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs begins with active patronage—choosing to shop, dine, and do business with our local Hispanic-owned enterprises. However, true support goes beyond just being customers; it requires us to be proactive in ensuring that these businesses have a seat at the table in development projects from the very beginning. By advocating for their inclusion in contracts and decision-making processes, we can help build a more equitable and inclusive economy. It’s about creating opportunities for Hispanic businesses to grow, compete, and thrive on a larger scale, ensuring that they are not just participants but leaders in our economic landscape.
