2012 Latino - CBJonline.com
Transcription
2012 Latino - CBJonline.com
January 30, 2012 • An Advertising Supplement to the Los Angeles Business Journal LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER PRESENTING SPONSOR: 2012 It is with great pride that we present to you our third annual celebration of what has become one of the most dynamic sectors of business today — the Latino business community of greater Los Angeles! To get an idea of the impact that Latinoowned and managed organizations are making on our business landscape, you need look no further than the many success stories that appear across our pages in the Los Angeles Business Journal. It’s only natural that we feature a spotlight on these fascinating companies with great stories and terrific leaders. Whether they are emerging companies, large established business institutions, or non-profit organizations, each plays a role in helping to keep the fabric of our collective community strong. So once again we have scoured through the many great stories to single out some of the organizations and leaders in the Latino business community who are setting an example that all of us doing business in the region can follow. The awards ceremony, along with the special supplement we produce within this paper, sharing our honorees’ terrific success stories and contributions to Los Angeles business as a whole, has fast become one of our most popular annual events. This special section you are reading now spotlights the very special finalists we celebrated at our 2012 Awards luncheon on Tuesday, January 24th at the Omni Hotel Los Angeles. This year, six honorees are announced in this section in six categories – $25+ Million in Gross Revenue; $10-25 Million in Gross Revenue; $2-10 Million in Gross Revenue; Under $2 Million in Gross Revenue; Nonprofit Award and our first annual Latino Spirit Award. The Latino Spirit Award is a special designation created by the Los Angeles Business Journal to recognize an individual who is a distinctive and special inspiration to the Latin community of Los Angeles and beyond. We applaud each of our honorees, as well as the wonderful collection of finalists, also listed in these pages. We hope you enjoy this special section, which contains some insights on the creative ways in which some of LA’s leading Latino businesses have made prestigious names for themselves. Special thanks go out this year to our partners in this endeavor, the Latin Business Association, and to our presenting sponsor, California Bank & Trust. And again, congratulations to all the great Latino businesses in Los Angeles who play such an integral role in our business community as a whole. Best regards, Matthew A. Toledo President and Publisher GOLD SPONSORS: • City National Bank • Lockton Insurance Brokers LLC • Los Angeles Dodgers • Moss Adams LLP COMMUNITY SPONSOR: • National Latina Business Women Association - Los Angeles • Popular Community Bank • Wells Fargo Bank This special advertising supplement did not involve the reporting or editing staff of the Los Angeles Business Journal. 24 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS JANUARY 30, 2012 2012 Honorees F. GAVIÑA & SONS Large Private Company $25+ Million in Gross Revenue G & Sons has built its business by understanding the tastes preferred by various ethnic groups and then tailoring its coffees to specific markets. But the 264-employee company is far from a niche player. Starting out making the kind of coffee he and his family and friends wanted to drink, the company’s late founder, Francisco Gaviña, sold it in Cuban markets around LA. Gaviña, a former Cuban national who had left a successful coffee business behind and moved his family to the US, was working as a dishwasher in LA in 1967. He started Gaviña & Sons with a roaster bought from Farmer Bros., a Los Angeles coffee producer, for $500. The company started with all of Francisco’s children pitching in, and more than 40 years later, it’s still a family-run business. They sold $1,000 worth of coffee in their first year, before realizing that Italians like the same style of coffee, so the family started selling it in Italian markets. As they began making coffee for all the different immigrants in L.A., the company started to take off. As consumer tastes have changed over the last two decades, Gaviña & Sons has been bringing the coffees sold to smaller ethnic stores into larger chain grocers, alongside its Don Francisco brand made specifically for mainstream grocery stores. The company now sells coffee in 20 states and in such chains as Ralphs, Wal-Mart, Vons and Safeway. A fifth of its business comes from making and packaging private-label coffees brewed and sold at McDonald’s, 7-Eleven and Costco stores. And Gaviña & Sons is far from standing still. The company plans to continue broadening the line of coffees it sells in grocery stores, both at big-name chains and momand-pop stores. AVIÑA Francisco Gaviña EL CLASIFICADO Medium-Sized Private Company $10 - $25 Million in Gross Revenue A lot has sprung from the business plan that Martha de la Torre first drafted in 1988 and talked her future husband Joe Badame to invest and fund. El Clasificado was designed to create a marketplace for the Spanish speaking community of Los Angeles with access to products and services and consumer friendly editorial to make life easier for recent immigrants like de la Torre’s parents, who came to the U.S. to find a better way of life. Although mostly a shopper, El Clasificado always includes editorials on health, education, family advice, consumer literacy and especially stories about local heroes and role models. Having served as CFO for La Opinion, de la Torre recognized the need for a free community publication in Spanish especially with job classifieds and services. With the advent of desktop publishing, she realized it was possible to launch such a publication with less than a million dollars in capital. With the help of her husband, family, friends and some business partners, El Clasificado was launched on May 4, 1988. Today, El Clasificado is a successful multiplatform media company with anticipated revenues in 2011 of $18.6 million. El Clasificado magazine, reaches 1.5 million Spanish speaking readers in California each week with over 470,000 copies. Elclasificado.com is the largest online classified portal for U.S. Latinos with a top 12,000 Quantcast ranking. El Clasificado continues to buck industry trends by growing and expanding print revenues by over 12% in 2011. But the company is ready for the future with digital revenues now representing more than 6% of total revenues. The future looks unlimited with planned new offerings in online video ads and mobile applications. Martha de la Torre JANUARY 30, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL DEEPER ROOTS Black Oak, California THIS IS CALIFORNIA BANKING CALIFORNIA BANK & TRUST =SYV FYWMRIWW HIWIVZIW E FERO [MXL WXVSRK ½RERGMEP VIWSYVGIW PSGEP XMIW ERH I\TIVMIRGIHFEROIVW 'EPMJSVRME&ERO 8VYWX'& 8LEWFEROIH'EPMJSVRMEFYWMRIWWIW JSV QSVI XLER ]IEVW 3YV TVSQMWI MW E WMQTPI SRI [I TVSZMHI SYVGPMIRXW [MXL ½RERGMEPI\TIVXMWI HMVIGXEGGIWWXSHIGMWMSRQEOIVW© ERHHIITVSSXIHVIPEXMSRWLMTW 'EPPXSWTIEOXSEFEROIVEXXLI'& 8FVERGLRIEVIWX]SY calbanktrust.com MEMBER FDIC 'EPMJSVRME&ERO 8VYWX 25 26 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS JANUARY 30, 2012 2012 Honorees LENNOVA Small Private Company $2 - $10 Million in Gross Revenue I 2000, entrepreneur Leonard Ortiz, with his two stepsons Jack Tony Genova and David W. Genova, founded NovaCoat, a general contracting company specializing in epoxy & urethane protective floor coatings. During its eight years of operations, NovaCoat’s outstanding performance as a supplier to several of the Southern California Minority Business Development Council’s (SCMBDC) “Fortune-500” member corporations was recognized by winning the prestigious “Supplier of the Year” Award twice. In 2008, NovaCoat became Lennova, and its excellence was again recognized when it won the “Small Business of the Year” Award from the 13th Annual Ron Brown Business Summit of the California Black Chamber of Commerce — all the more rewarding because Lennova was the first Latin-owned business to receive this recognition. The following year, Ortiz was named “Small Business Person of the Year” by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the U. S. Small Business Administration-Los Angeles District Office. Winning these awards is indicative of Lennova’s growth and success in the protective flooring industry where it often competes against larger and more established companies. Lennova’s ability to consistently meet or exceed customer expectation by providing quality products and services in a timely and cost effective manner regardless of technical complexity and other challenges distinguishes it from competitors in the protective floor coating industry and has been a critical factor in building a solid customer base. The rise of Lennova may be in large part due to Ortiz’s constant belief that success is only achieved when preparation meets opportunity and that to achieve true success one must stay focused on the goal. Indeed Ortiz’s “never quit” philosophy that has been instilled in all of his colleagues and employees at Lennova is surely a key to the company’s success. N Leonard Ortiz GENESIS CONSULTANTS Under $2 Million in Gross Revenue G Consultants is a 100% Latina-owned business specializing in working with the underserved, uninsured and under-insured minority communities. This is carried out by educating and informing these communities of their options for accessible and affordable healthcare coverage and service options. Community outreach is implemented by providing health care screenings and information at health fairs focusing on prevalent conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Another area of expertise Genesis offers is the training and education of health promoters and community members to properly offer enrollment opportunities to the uninsured community. With a staff boasting decades of experience in the healthcare industry, ranging from business administration and management, program development and implementation, strategic marketing, public relations, public affairs, coalition building, community engagement and grass-roots outreach implementation, Genesis Consultants also specialize in developing programs and strategies to work with non-profit organizations in offering coalition building and community engagement training strategies. These training sessions offer these organizations an opportunity to promote and further expand the respective services offered to benefit not only the non-profit organizations but the communities they serve and represent throughout California. Genesis Consultants effectively links its clients with coalitions, affiliations and targeted audiences based on the clients’ goals and needs, helping expand the message of access to healthcare, preventive care and health education as a whole. Everyone at Genesis Consultants takes pride in the fact that they have a diverse set of qualifications and expertise to meet the needs, goals and objectives of their clients, which in turn provide important health education and services to the community. Continuing to serve and educate the underserved and hard to reach communities is an ongoing and rewarding mission for Genesis’ staff. ENESIS Georgina Maldonado and Rita Cruz Gallego, Principal Partners JANUARY 30, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL “City National believed in my business.” When I came to the U.S., I discovered the fashion industry and eventually started my own business. As my business grew, I needed to buy a factory and City National helped me finance a building. City National Bank always tailors their services to meet my needs. I use City National for personal and business banking. I always refer friends and associates. City National is The way up® for me and my business. Lourdes Chavez Fashion Designer & Small Business Owner View Lourdes’s complete story at cnb.com/thewayup. Experience the City National Difference. SM ©2012 City National Bank Call (866) 618-5179 or visit cnb.com to find a business banker near you. City National Small Business Member FDIC 27 28 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS JANUARY 30, 2012 2012 Honorees PUENTE LEARNING CENTER Nonprofit Award P Luis Marquez, CEO, Puente Learning Center Learning Center serves as a bridge to opportunity, helping children, youth, and adults build strong educational foundations, find meaningful employment, and improve the long-term quality of life for themselves, their families, and their communities. Celebrating its 27th year in 2012, Puente provides education and workforce training in Boyle Heights and South Los Angeles, two minority communities with high levels of unemployment and poverty, low levels of educational attainment, and tremendous unrealized potential. Offering tuition-free, technology-enhanced classroom instruction to 4,100 students annually, Puente has impacted over 85,000 individuals since its inception. The organization’s multi-generational approach sets individuals of all ages on the pathway to college and a career. For children and youth, Preschool Readiness and Charter Kindergarten prepare four- and five-year-olds for academic success, and After School Enrichment and High School Tutorial support youth throughout their elementary and secondary school years. Individuals needing to complete high school receive personalized support to master key subjects and earn their diploma through the Adult High School Diploma program, and students gain stronger and broader options for college through SAT Preparation classes. In Puente’s largest program, English as a Second Language, 1,330 students progressed toward English-language fluency. Eighty of these students completed the six-level program, and 553 were promoted by at least one level. In the last four years, Puente has helped prepare more than 12,000 men and women to enter the workforce and find meaningful careers so they can support themselves and their families. During the last academic year, 4,151 residents of Boyle Heights and South Los Angeles moved closer to their educational and career goals with the support of Puente’s services. UENTE JAIME JARRÍN, LOS ANGELES DODGERS Latino Spirit Award J AIME Jarrín, “the Spanish Voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers” is among the most recognizable voices in Spanish language broadcasting and one of two current Dodger Hall of Fame announcers, alongside Vin Scully. The Quito, Ecuador native began working for HCJB in his home country when he was just 16 years old and went on to become the announcer for the National Congress of Ecuador. He came to the United States in 1955 and four months later, watched the Dodgers win their first World Series, which was when he fell in love with baseball. Shortly thereafter, he began working for KWKW in Los Angeles, where he was the news and sports director when the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1958. From 1962 to 1984, Jarrín called close to 4,000 consecutive Dodger games spanning 22 seasons, never missing a game. The streak was broken only when he took charge of all Spanish-language radio coverage and production for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Jarrín became a household name across the country in 1980-81 when he served as the interpreter for Mexican pitching phenom Fernando Valenzuela during a period known as Fernandomania. The left-hander became an analyst in 2003 and continues to work alongside Jarrín. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26, 1998 in Cooperstown, NY as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award. Named in honor of the former broadcaster and Commissioner of Baseball, the Frick Award has been given annually since 1978 to a broadcaster “for major contributions to the game of baseball.” Jaime Jarrín JANUARY 30, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL RELATIONSHIPS MATTER! yes no My Banker visits my business regularly. yes no My Banker understands my business. yes no My Banker knows my business plan for 2012/2013. If you answered ‘no’ to any of the above, it’s time for a new business banking partner. Find out what makes us different. Call or visit: BUSINESS BANKING DIVISION Carlos Payan, Vice President 714-864-5024 SBA Preferred Lender ©2012 Banco Popular North America. Member FDIC. 29 30 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS JANUARY 30, 2012 2012 Finalists Congratulations to each of the following inspiring finalist organizations listed below, alphabetically by company name. ABILITYFIRST EAST LOS ANGELES CENTER AbilityFirst is a leading nonprofit organization providing programs and services to children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. EstabMonica lished in 1926 as the Alcantar Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California, its mission is to help individuals with disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives. In 1999, the organization adopted the name AbilityFirst to better reflect their mission, their vision, and their commitment to celebrating the unique abilities of every individual. Under the leadership of Monica Alcantar, the East Los Angeles Center Director, AbilityFirst provides an oasis of possibility, embracing each individual for what is possible—rather than for what is not. ACENTO ADVERTISING Acento is the 7th largest independent Hispanic advertising agency in the U.S. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the agency’s dynamic team of marketing professionals, who hail from various parts of the U.S, Roberto Mexico and Latin AmerOrci ican countries, drive significant bottom line results for leading local-based organizations such as Southern California Edison, Health Net, Albertsons, Time Warner Cable’s Western Region and Toshiba. Through its smoking cessation efforts on behalf of the California Department of Public Health, Acento has literally helped to extend the lives of Latinos by reducing the incidences of smoking. The firm has also helped provide financial education to the Latino population on banking services and well as health insurance matters and has spearheaded campaigns that focus on promoting energy conservation, as well as health and nutrition. ALL ACCESS EVENTS LLC All Access Events’ great team has successfully planned and organized weddings, quinceaneras, galas, seminars, training symposiums, weekend retreats, fitness boot camps, holiday award banquets, CD release Janet parties, company Rodriguez launch events, book signings, luncheons, engagement and birthday parties, showcases, and many other kinds of events. All events are designed to be unforgettable occasions that the clients – often Hispanic families and organizations – will be able to present with pride – on empathetic budgets that won’t break the bank! The All Access team establishes a reasonable budget and then everything else is on them. They work hard to find each and every detail in the budget allotted and all the client has to do is look beautiful and show up on their spectacular day. AMERICAN VETERAN INC. American Veteran, Inc., is a woman-owned, minority-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business providing construction and environmental remediation services. The company is one of Maribel the fastest growing conMena struction firms in California. The company was founded in 2008 by Maribel Mena, the daughter of Mexican immigrants and someone who had come from humble beginnings. Mena is a veteran of the United States Navy and was honorably discharged with a service-connected disability. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVOB) organization and promotes the advancement and education of fellow veterans. She has worked in the construction/environmental industry for over 10 years and is a well-respected member of the construction profession. ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICE Anna’s Cleaning Service was founded in 1999 by Anna Montiel who had come to the US in 1985, young, ambitious and full of aspirations. As a mother of 4, she sought the kind of financial independence that Anna would allow her to Montiel stand on her own two feet. She resolved to start her own business. Determination and perseverance got her through to where she is today — a businesswoman in her own right. Anna’s Cleaning Service handles business professionally, and its namesake continues learning and growing more every year. Never forgetting how she began from scratch, when Anna hires people, she looks for people who show they have an interest in learning, and moving forward. AQUABIO ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INC. As CEO and partner of AquaBio Environmental Technologies, Inc. & AquaBio Aquatic Management Division, DeAna Vitela-Hayashi has led her company through the research, development, & appliDeAna cation of non-pathogenVitela-Hayashi ic microorganisms for degradation of pollutants. Vitela-Hayashi and AquaBio’s specialty is waste water remediation and odor control using Bioremediation, Phyotoremediation, and Biomimicry. Vitela-Hayashi and her team have consulted & provided expertise, for environmental, engineering, & remediation firms, municipal & industrial facilities, waste treatment facilities, confined animal feed operations, landfill, compost, & greenwaste facilities as well as stormwater retention basins, lakes, & aqua culture facilities, in both fresh & marine environments. Over the Years, Vitela-Hayashi has also participated in the research and development of treatment for pollutants in urban runoff, watershed and municipal & industrial waste water treatment. THE BREAD FACTORY The Bread Factory Artisans Inc., also known as “Pan Y Leche Bakery,” located in Wilmington, is a privately owned company — owned 51% by Guillermina Bermudez, President & CEO and 49% owned by Guillermina Henry Bermudez, her Bermudez husband and Director of Operations. In the true spirit of a family business, the owners also employ their children, Rosie and Henry Jr., in sales and marketing positions. The Bread Factory has 35 employees working around the clock to fill orders for such wholesale customers as Food for Less and Smart & Final (the wholesale business generates the majority of the company’s gross annual revenues). The Bread Factory also offers a wide variety of Mexican pastries, cakes, bread & sandwiches. The owners have more than 30 years experience as business owners and also own the building where they operate their business. CALIFORNIA COACH AUTO BODY INC. California Coach Auto Body, Inc. was founded in 1987 and has provided tow service for Freeway Service Patrol for the County of Los Angeles since 1993. The company leads the way with over 50 tow service Andrew units and one super Lujan Heavy Duty Rotator for those big rig tow recoveries on the LA freeways. California Coach has a combined staff of over 70 employees in administration, auto estimating, body, paint, mechanical repair and tow service technicians. Founder Andrew Lujan and his staff effectively managed over 5.6 million in combined annual sales in 2010 with low loss histories, excellent customer service, quality contractual relations with over 9 government agencies, excellent employment compensation and tested tow/storage polices. CAMELO JELLO Camelo Jello is a family owned business since 2007. Marisol Camelo established the company along with her husband and three daughters and the family has been working hard for years at making their business a success. At the heart of the business is the family’s homemade style Marisol Jello snacks — Mexican Camelo style! The Camelos decided to bring out their roots by providing people with delicious flavors that send the taste buds back to Mexico and a world of unique Jello snacks and treats. The family started off in a small kitchen location, selling their product to people they knew. As the years have gone by, Camelo Jello has grown and the Camelo family has been able to reach out to local markets, restaurants, and vendors – all while maintaining their original sales base to people out of a small shop. CORDOBA CORPORATION Cordoba Corporation is a nationally recognized engineering and construction management firm based in Los Angeles and founded by entrepreneur George Pla. For nearly 30 years, Pla has provided the George leadership and vision to Pla grow Cordoba into one of the top civil engineering and construction management firms providing services to large public infrastructure projects throughout the Western United States. Cordoba is currently ranked by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the top ten service providers in California, one of the top fifty high tech companies in the country and one of the fastest growing private companies according to the Los Angeles Business Journal. DUGALLY OBERFELD Mauricio Oberfeld emigrated to Los Angeles from Mexico City, Mexico. He went to school at USC and graduated in Architecture and Design. Since then, Oberfeld has accomplished the goal Mauricio of many Latinos, to Oberfeld succeed and to do everything with heart. For the last 15 years, through his firm, Dugally Oberfeld, Oberfeld has developed, built and designed many buildings within both the public and private sector. Dugally Oberefeld buildings designed by MauricioOberfeld have been showcased in magazines such as Architecture and Design, luxe, Home Design, the Los Angeles Times and others. The firm has been recognized by the President of Mexico and other Mexican Authorities, as well as authorities here in the US. Continued on page 32 JANUARY 30, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL No risk? Know risk. No one can fully predict tomorrow’s risks. But in today’s fundamentally changed investment world, the risks are less foreseeable and more misunderstood than ever — and can cause lasting damage. We’ve reviewed thousands of investor portfolios and found unexpected risks — and missed opportunities — in 99%. Wondering if your portfolio is in the rare 1%? Find out with our complimentary, confidential 2020 Risk AuditSM. Lawrence Miles 310-551-7651 bnymellon.com/truth Who’s helping you? 2020 Risk Audit is a service mark owned by The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. ©2012 The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. All rights reserved. Products and services may be provided by various subsidiaries of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. 31 32 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL JANUARY 30, 2012 LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 Continued from page 30 ISI TRANSLATION SERVICES DURA FLOORING INC. With his parents’ own immigrant experience in mind, George Rimalower founded ISI Translation Services, Inc., in 1982. ISI has grown steadily since inception, achieving record sales and robust growth even in the midst George of a recession. ISI was Rimalower one of the first language services companies to address the special linguistic and cultural needs of both nonand limited English-proficient communities of the United States. ISI is based in North Hollywood and employs 20 staffers at its headquarters and another 700 translators and interpreters around the world. Most of ISI’s staff is proficient not only in foreign languages, but also in the specific terminology of each industry. In 2011, ISI saw its revenue increase by 60 percent, a staff expansion, a move to larger offices and a larger client roster. Dura Flooring, Inc. has been in business for 25 years and has been serving the Latino community with quality customer service and quality flooring. Dura Flooring also provides quality flooring installation with highly experienced installers. Dura Flooring, Inc.’s staff is 100% Latino, giving the company an edge when attending to an almost 80% Latino based clientele. Dura Flooring is also a direct to trade retailer selling all flooring materials direct to installers. In the past two years Dura Flooring has received growing attention from local and national general contractors. The company has also been able to retain all employees during this challenging economy and has not had any layoffs. EAST VALLEY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER INC. The East Valley Community Health Center, Inc. is a one-stop health care provider for the uninsured and underserved communities of Los Angeles, offering a range of medical services such as adult famiAlicia ly practice, pediatric Mardini care, women’s health, HIV/AIDS care, dental, mental and prenatal/postnatal care. In fidelity to their mission, the staff at EVCHC also provides nutrition, care coordination, case management and pharmacy services. Annually, EVCHC averages 100,000 clinical contacts for 33,000 patients. The health centers have become a tremendous source of assistance for the Latino populations in areas they serve. Eighty-one percent of the patients given quality medical care at EVCHC are Latino. The multicultural and bilingual staff of East Valley is sensitive to the needs of the population they serve, making significant inroads in the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. ECO-RICO ENTERTAINMENT LLC Giselle Achecar is the creator of EcoRico, an ecolifestyle brand and multimedia company, which includes the online sensation EcoRico cooking show, EcoSexy video tips and the personal success program “Marry Your Giselle Passion with Your PurAchecar pose.” The EcoRico cooking show is now seen on over 150 online outlets. Giselle’s videos, recipes and blog appear weekly on the front page of Latino Voices on the Huffington Post. EcoRico currently has four content license partners – ifood.tv, UrbanoTV, FilmOn and Mi Casa Broadcasting. The show appears in 3 million homes through Comcast in Houston, Texas with expansion to 20 more national markets planned in the next year. ENDPAK PACKAGING INCORPORATED Endpak Packaging Inc. was formed by Edgar Garcia Carlos Garcia brothers Edgar and Carlos Garcia under difficult circumstances. Back in 1993, Carlos, a Plant Manager for a paper bag manufacturing company and Edgar, a Finance Director for a Teledyne Industries subsidiary, were without work. The brothers joined their talents and decided to launch their own paper bag company. Armed with 1 machine, $100,000 of their own money and a solid business plan, the Garcia brothers were able to secure a $150,000 SBA loan and began their operation in January 1993. Their solid growth strategies paid off with sales of just over $1,000,000 by the end of their first year. What started as a 4 employee organization with $40,000 in monthly sales, has grown to a company with over 100 employees and $19,600,000 in annual sales. LAW OFFICES OF JUAN J. DOMINGUEZ In 1998, an experienced executive from the technology manufacturing industry, Jorge Ramirez, founded Heateflex Corporation and completed the purchase of Integrated Circuit Development Corporation through a management led buyout. Heateflex Corporation provides ultra-pure fluid heaters and wet process equipment to high technology manufacturing companies. Its products are shipped to its customers worldwide, most of which are well recognized makers of semiconductors, disk drives, medical devices, and solar cells. In November of 2010, the company acquired Safna. Now operating as a division of Heateflex, Safna offers industrial water filters and heat exchangers. Ramirez was recently granted a U.S. patent for coinventing a Method and System for Reducing Deionized Water Consumption, with two additional patent applications pending. After getting his law degree in 1987, Cuban immigrant Juan J. Dominguez decided to open his own law practice Under “Juan J. Dominguez, A Professional Law Corporation.” Since opening the Juan J. practice, Dominguez Dominguez has become a wellknown and respected attorney in the Latino community, frequently appearing on both television and radio, informing the public regarding the law and individual rights. Dominguez has been successful winning many big cases and has recovered over $200 million to injured clients in personal injury cases. The firm gives back to the community through sponsorship of several local organizations, including providing support to groups such as A Place Called Home, a safe haven for underserved youth in South Central Los Angeles and many other worthy organizations. HM CARPET INC. LATIN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HM Carpet, Inc. is a Latino-owned business that has been growing since 1982. The company started as a two-person crew in Huntington Park; no bank financing, no private investors — just sweat equity and Hector determination. After a Montealegre few years, HM Carpet decided to expand, and continued their floor covering endeavors in Gardena. Fast forward to the present date, HM Carpet is at the forefront of floor covering services, epitomized by generating $11 million in revenue for 2011. Boasting a personnel of 24 employees and more than 15 parttime employees and independent contractors, HM Carpet’s mantra is simple, dedicated to offering customers competitive pricing, forming high company standards, and most importantly, professional customer service. The Latin Business Association (LBA) is one of the most influential business associations in the United States. The LBA represents the business interests of over 700,000 Latino-owned businesses in California Ruben and is the premier and Guerra largest Latin business organization in the nation. Since its inception in 1976, the LBA’s mission has been to “Build Economic Wealth and Opportunity” for Latino and minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. In doing so, the LBA has become the voice of Latino business, receiving significant national and international recognition. The LBA is a relationship-driven organization. Meeting other members proves to be an investment of each member’s time that yields dividends for years to come. Participation in LBA programs, events and member HEATEFLEX CORPORATION business functions translates to valuable business opportunities and enhances the growth of member businesses. LATINO DIABETES ASSOCIATION The Latino Diabetes Association is a nonprofit organization committed to delivering culturally relevant diabetes prevention information and self- management education to the Latino community. The organiRandy zation’s vision stateMuñoz ment that is applied to all of its activities is to reduce and prevent diabetes in the Latino community by addressing health disparities through a culturally sensitive grassroots approach. It is the LDA’s basic belief that through credible, persuasive, timely information coupled with education and emotional support, a person may successfully modify their lifestyle to prevent the onset of diabetes or manage the impact of this often misunderstood and poorly managed disease. The leadership of the organization also believes that it is the right of all people to live in healthy and safe neighborhoods and have access to quality health care, medications, and wellness programs. LOS DEFENSORES In 1984, Maryann Walker Aguirre founded Los Defensores, which has helped thousands of Latino families throughout California access quality legal representation for 27 years. Los Defensores is a network Maryann Walker of attorneys dedicated Aguirre to helping Latinos in need of legal help, especially in cases of auto and work accidents, social security disability, and other challenging situations. Los Defensores has grown to a network of over 100 law firms throughout California and will expand nationally this year. The success of Los Defensores prompted the creation of a second cooperative legal network called 1-800-THELAW2, which serves second and third generation Latinos as well as English speaking consumers. For the past four years, Walker Aguirre has served as the on-camera spokesperson for the brand, appearing in more than 50 television commercials. MADALYN’S CUPCAKES Known as a purveyor of “some of the best cupcakes in the world…at an affordable price,” Madalyn’s Cupcakes is a business that Kris Lara started on his own, and it has grown over the past two years due to Kris Lara his hard work, uniquely delicious cupcakes, and help from the Latin Business Association (LBA), which has taken the time to guide him along the way. Growing up, Lara was constantly around the aroma of baked goods due to his mother’s love of baking. Lara’s inherited love of baking and his Continued on page 34 JANUARY 30, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL Over $1 billion in SBA loans approved in 2011 Looking for a lender you can rely on? Wells Fargo has approved over $1 billion in SBA loans to businesses across America in 2011 — more than any other bank in SBA lending history.1 With a low down payment and low monthly payments, an SBA loan can be a smart choice in today’s economy. SBA loans can be used to: ƌɄ 0-#. Ʉ*(( -$'Ʉ- 'Ʉ .// ƌɄ ,0$- ɄɄ0.$) .. ƌɄ 3+)Ʉ/*ɄɄ) 2Ʉ'*/$*) ƌɄ 04Ʉ ,0$+( )/Ʉ*-Ʉ$)1 )/*-4 We’re lending to small businesses in your area. Call today to learn how Wells Fargo SBA loans can help you and your clients. 1-800-545-0670 1 Based on data from U.S. Small Business Administration, for federal fiscal year 2011. Wells Fargo is the #1 SBA 7(a) lender by dollars according to the U.S. Small Business Administration as of September 30, 2011. 2 All credit decisions subject to approval. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (702173_03856) Proud to be America’s #1 SBA lender for the third straight year 2 33 34 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL JANUARY 30, 2012 LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 Continued from page 32 THE MERUELO GROUP desire to start to start his own business led to the creation of his business. Lara chose to offer not just a basic cupcake, but cupcakes that would have unique moussebased frosting, rich ingredients, and moist, delicious cupcakes at the “gourmet” level. In 1986, Alex Meruelo established a fast food pizza restaurant, La Pizza Loca. By focusing attention on the needs of the Hispanic community, Meruelo grew that business into a mature company with over 50 Alex franchised and compaMeruelo ny owned outlets serving Latino communities throughout Southern California. Meruelo has invested extensively in residential and commercial real estate throughout Southern California, again primarily in Hispanic neighborhoods. Since 1999, Meruelo has focused his endeavors on the construction industry through Meruelo Enterprises, Inc. on major private and public construction projects. With major recent investments under his belt such as Fuji Food Products, Grande Sierra Resort and Casino and KWHY-TV under his belt, the sky seems the limit for Meruelo! MAIN STREET PERSONAL FINANCE COMPANY Main Street Personal Finance Company is led by its CEO, Manny Marrero, who was born in Cuba in 1957. Marrero joined Main St. Personal Finance approximately three years ago and significantly increased revManny enues in his first year at Marrero the helm of the Company. He has improved operating efficiency, system capabilities, collection processes and reduced collection losses, while achieving record profits. Cash flow profits have improved from eight million dollars to fifteen million dollars at the operating level during historically poor economic times. He has built and developed a strong senior and junior management team and has great banking relationships, with debt provider, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. MGO Certified public accounting and business management firm Macias Gini & O’Connell (MGO) has become one of the top Latino business in Greater Los Angeles. The firm consistently demonstrates both excellence in service and a passionate commitment to diversity in the region. MGO maintains a reputation for providing responsive, quality services to clients ranging from startups to middle-market public and private companies, Hollywood Kenneth celebrities, the world’s Macias largest public pension system and California’s largest local governments. Founded in 1987, the firm has offices throughout California and a staff of over 200 professionals. Kenneth Macias, CPA is MGO’s founder and chairman of the board of partners. He established the firm in 1987 and built it over the past 25 years in an environment that has always had under-representation of minorities. the past two years, NLBWA-LA has worked diligently to develop an infrastructure that is both effective and efficient. The organization also developed a foundation so that sponsors and members will Cecilia receive the highest level Mota of value possible. NLBWA-LA gives its members access to the largest network of Latina business women in the nation. NOPALTILLA LLC Against a backdrop of rampant diabetes among the Latino community, Nopaltilla LLC is dedicated to manufacturing and distributing a new nopal (prickly pear cactus) corn tortilla or “Nopal-(tor)tilla” that Alonso significantly reduces a Arellano person’s glycemic level as compared to the traditional corn tortilla. Reducing the glycemic level or blood sugars is a critical step in reducing the risk of diabetes and/or managing the disease in those who already have it. Also, Nopaltilla is 100% organically grown and contains no preservatives with 50% less calories. Nopaltilla is already conducting community outreach to neighborhood-based non- NATIONAL LATINA BUSINESS WOMEN ASSOCIATION – LOS ANGELES The National Latina Business Women Association, Los Angeles (NLBWA-LA) was created and launched in July of 2003 to meet the needs of the growing ranks of Latina entrepreneurs, executives and professionals from the Greater Los Angeles area. The organization mission is to encourage Latinas to develop their business and professional skills and to meet their career goals through education, business referrals and networking. Over JOIN THE REVOLUTION Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside llp warmly congratulates Martha De La Torre and Joe Badame of El Clasificado & Manny Marrero of Main Street Personal Finance Company as well as all of the Finalists in the 2012 Latino Business Awards 877- 597- 4607 JetSuite.com/Biz ©2012 JetSuite® All Rights Reserved. All JetSuite flights operated by JetSuite Air, FAR Part 135 Certificate #9SUA667M. Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside LLP 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2700, Los Angeles, California 90067-3202 Telephone: 310.746.4400 Facsimile 310.746.4499 www.elkinskalt.com JANUARY 30, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 35 LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 profit, Latino Health Providers to integrate nopal-based products into the diets of patients at high-risk of developing diabetes. Also, it is reaching out to non-profit groups involved in treating autism, obesity and related health disorders. PAISANO MEAT INCORPORATED Paisano Meat Inc., is a food supplier based in Gardena. It was founded by Jose Lopez over 25 years ago. He incorporated the business in 2003. The company provides beef, pork, and related food items such as cheese to retail food markets, restaurants, caterers and “food trucks” throughout Southern California. As Paisano Meat serves a niche market that is primarily Hispanic, it is commonly referred to as a “carniceria.” for foster youth, Youth Workforce Services, Family Support Services, Mental Health Services and after-school programs. Today, Para Los Ninos’ combined direct and indirect services benefit 20,000 children, youth and their families throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. And these clients live on the margins of our society. Para Los Niños staff members strive on a daily basis to combat illiteracy and stop the cycle of poverty. POMONA QUALITY FOAM INC. PARA LOS NIÑOS Para Los Niños was organized in response to the need of the children living on Skid Row. A former false eyelash factory came to life with the presence of 45 happy children—eager for a chance to learn Giselle and to succeed. Over Acevedo the next 30 years, Para Los Niños expanded its offerings beyond Early Childhood Services to include Charter Schools, Youth Development Services Armida Campos Salvador Gonzalez Pomona Quality Foam Inc. is an organization specializing in foam cutting services. It purchases bulk foam and cuts it according to customer specifications. The company’s customers are mainly furniture and auto seat manufacturers in the US. The company is a family owned and operated business started in 1983 by Salvador E. Gonzales and Armida N. Campos. Both moved to the US in the late sixties from El-Chante, a small rural farming village of 2,500 people in the state of Jalisco, Mexi- co. Armed with the desire to realize the American dream, Armida and Salvador, started working out of a garage – and grew the company to what is now a $6,000,000 business employing 16 people. PORTO’S BAKERY Porto’s Bakery’s roots can be traced back to the year 1960, when the Porto family immigrated from their home in Manzanillo, Cuba. Finding themselves out of work in Los Angeles, Rosa Porto, Raul always a talented cake Porto maker with a passion for baking, entrenched herself in perfecting her recipes and began selling her delicious cakes to friends and neighbors not realizing that she was also building herself a loyal customer base. Rosa continued on with her cake business and when their home could no longer accommodate the increased demand, opened a little 300-square foot bakery on Sunset Blvd, in the Echo Park area. The years proved Rosa’s formula successful. With the entire family’s effort, expansion to a 20,000square foot facility took place in the 1990’s. PROAMÉRICA BANK Proamérica Bank was formed to serve the Los Angeles business community and ultimately to become the leading financial services provider for Latino entrepreneurs. As the first Latino-formed business bank to debut in downtown Los Angeles in the past 35 years, Proamérica Bank is dedicated to building family wealth by empowering entrepreneurs with Maria the requisite financial serContreras-Sweet vices and capital infusion for the success of their small to mid-size businesses. To better serve Latino clients, Proamérica Bank provides bicultural service, not just bilingual service, financial education and empowerment for both clients and future clients, as well as a conservative, yet flexible credit culture. Proamérica Bank works to be a family-legacy driven organization, building relationships on service and trust. PROMOSHOP INC. PromoShop Inc. has grown from a small entrepreneurial organization to a well-respected corporation in the promotional products and services arena. PromoShop Inc. ranks in the top 1% of all promotions Memo companies in the United Kahan States and is a top 40 member in ASI (Advertising Specialty Industry) by dollar volume. Founder Memo Kahan entered the promotional products Continued on page 36 Let others argue whether the economy has turned the corner. ǡǯϐ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ǡǡ ǡǯ Ǥ Ǥ ǯǤ (310) 477-0450 W W W . M O S S A D A M S . C O M Certified Public Accountants | Business Consultants Acumen. Agility. Answers. Assurance, tax, and consulting services offered through Moss Adams LLP. Investment advisory and personal financial planning services offered through Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC. Investment banking and strategic advisory services offered through Moss Adams Capital LLC. 36 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL JANUARY 30, 2012 LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 Continued from page 35 industry in 1990, learning the supply side of his industry and earning a loyal client base. He opened PromoShop in 1998 and focused on organically developing a team. As PromoShop grew, he put together a top tier executive team able to grow the business into one of the premier promotional agencies in the United States by focusing on servicing the needs of complex clients while offering boutique style creativity. ROLY’S TRUCKING INC. Roly’s Trucking Inc. is a licensed and bonded freight shipping and trucking company running freight hauling business from Irwindale to points all over the United States. The company was founded by Cuban immigrant Rolando Garcia, who, onvce receiving his commercial driver’s license in the mid-90’s, started working as a driver. With a keen entrepreneurial spirit, Garcia took out a loan, purchased his own truck, and formed Roly’s Trucking Inc. in 1997. Working hard to build his business, the company soon grew from a one-truck operation to a fleet of trucks, and in 2003, the company opened a fully staffed operational terminal facility with 15,000 feet of warehouse space. With $25 million in revenue in 2011 and steady growth continuing, the sky seems the limit for this American dream story. SABER ES PODER INC. Saber es Poder (“SEP”) is a Spanish-language media company, focused on empowering the lives of Latinos through a trusted brand that is an established resource to the community. Through its multiple platform netRaul Lomeli works, SEP delivers educaAzoubel tional content on relevant topics that improve people’s lives. In 2005, the company founders discovered that in order to build a social enterprise it had to be sustained by an innovative business model. They envisioned a multiple touch point network that would consist of video, print, digital, mobile, and events—to carry SEP’s mission of informing, connecting, and empowering Latinos with information and solutions to help advance their lives. Their vision became a reality and SEP was re-born as the Latino Empowerment Nework, allowing the company to reach and positively impact over eight million Latino community members and generate over one billion impressions annually. SAZON LATIN FUSION Claudia Quihuis started her Sazon Latin Fusion restaurant with two investors who bailed out once the economy began to falter in 2008. Quihuis’ mother gave her the strength to go on with her dream. About one and a Claudia half years ago, Quihuis Quihuis lost her mother to cancer. At that time, Quihuis was 70 lbs. overweight and with a cholesterol through the roof and borderline diabetes. Her mother had inspired her to continue the fight to bring healthy Latin food to her community – meaning home-style cooked meals made with love. Practicing what she preaches, Quihuis has now lost those 70 lbs. and dropped her cholesterol to normal and works each day to feed her customers delicious meals that enable them to do the same. SENSIS With offices in both Los Angeles and Washington D.C., Sensis is a fullservice advertising agency using digital thinking to reach the multicultural mainstream. Services include full spectrum Jose campaigns, digital Villa advertising, mobile, social media, brand development, website design, and application development. Clients include The US Coast Guard Academy, The US Army, United Healthcare, Sempra Energy, and The Trevor Project among others. New clients include Hispanicize (a robust web platform for brands, marketing agencies, non-profit organizations and government organizations to connect with Latino bloggers and social media influencers), FEMA’s Ready.gov (a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency), the US Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and US Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (Office of Citizenship). SIGUE CORPORATION Headquartered in Sylmar, Sigue Corporation was founded 15 years ago by Guillermo (Bill) de la Viña for the purpose of providing more service oriented and more economical money transfer services Guillermo for the underserved de la Viña immigrant workers from Mexico. Since that time, the company has grown to be the fourth largest company in the global industry. With the acquisition of Coinstar Money Transfer in 2011, Sigue now operates in 49 states in the U.S. and approximately 145 countries around the world. While the majority of Sigue wire transfers still go to Mexico, the company now has major channels to Europe, Africa, Asia and a number of Hispanic countries in South and Central America. Sigue has a dozen offices around the world and conducts wire transfers through its network of tens of thousands of retail senders, as well as payers in receiving countries. SOUTH CENTRAL FAMILY HEALTH CENTER South Central Family Health Center (SCFHC) is a not-for-profit health care provider and has been in business for 30 years providing quality care for the residents of South Los Angeles. EstabRichard lished in 1981, the Veloz organization has made significant strides in its development, particularly in its last ten years under Continued on page 38 JANUARY 30, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL We know a good investment when we see one. That’s why we’re a proud sponsor of NLBWA - LA Lisa Evans is pleased to support the important work of National Latina Business Women Association - Los Angeles. A strong partnership in making our community a better place to live and work. Lisa M Evans Financial Advisor CA# 0D56938 The Beer Financial Group nmfn.com/lisaevans 05-2809 © 2012 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities) and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and member of FINRA and SIPC. Lisa M Evans, Insurance Agent(s) of NM. Lisa M Evans, Registered Representative(s) and Investment Adviser Representative(s) of NMIS. 37 38 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL JANUARY 30, 2012 LATINO BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 Continued from page 36 current CEO Richard Veloz’s direction. As the landscape of community health care changes with the advent of health care reform, SCFHC is embracing a future filled with innovation and change for improved efficiency and quality of life. A Federally Qualified Health Center, SCFHC provides services to the uninsured residents of this medically underserved area. This status allows SCFHC to receive reimbursement for a broad range of primary care services, including preventive care, pediatric care, women’s and men’s care, among others. THE PRINTING CONNECTION Henry Steenackers Henry Steenackers, whose parents are of Belgian descent, was born and raised in Argentina and came to the United States in his teens. He started his printing business at the age of 21 in Burbank in 1983 as a printing broker. In just a few short years, he purchased some printing and bindery equipment and moved from North Hollywood to Van Nuys. Since then, his company The Printing Connection has grown dramatically, requiring Steenackers to grow his equipment list and expand and add to the building, which he now owns. He has a wide client base and his passion for providing his clients with a shared dedication for mutual success with long standing accounts. completely renovated and seismically resistant. Tower founder and Mexican born immigrant, Nato Flores has built up his company to become one of the leading construction entities in the very competitive Los Angeles construction environment. He was elected to the Associated General Contractors of California Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. gent and contract employment are among the first to grow out of the recession, Vaco is helping to restore the Southern California economy in a very direct way by helping to lower unemployment, and placing good people affected by the downturn back to work with their client companies. VPE PUBLIC RELATIONS VACO LOS ANGELES LLC TOWER GENERAL CONTRACTORS Based in Sun Valley, Tower General Contractors specializes in projects in education, health-care/biomedical, entertainment, retail, industrial, government and defense industries. The company has been Nato responsible for some of Flores the most complex and high profile projects in the region such as the Columbia Space Shuttle Museum, Beverly Hills City Hall, Gibson Amphitheater and Huntington Hospital. The most recent example is the completion of the LAX Theme Building, which has been Vaco Los Angeles LLC is a consulting and executive search firm cofounded six years ago by Frances Moreno for the placement of CPAs, MBAs and IT professionals in the Greater Los Angeles marketplace. Frances Vaco, under Moreno’s Moreno stewardship not only puts thousands of people to work, the company also provides a shining model for how to attract and retain excellent employees, regularly being honored as Los Angeles’ Best Company to Work For. Moreno grew Vaco from zero to $20 million in revenues since its inception in 2006. Since contin- John Echeveste Patricia Perez VPE Public Relations, formerly known as Valencia, Pérez & Echeveste, was founded in 1988. The agency was created primarily to serve the needs of the growing Hispanic market. In 1990, the agency acquired its first statewide account representing Bank of America; and in 1993 acquired its first national account, winning the McDonald’s national Hispanic assignment, which it has successfully handled now for almost 20 years. For information on sponsoring the 2013 Latino Business Awards, call 323.549.5225 A Leader and an Inspiration to Our Community, We congratulate Mr. Alex Meruelo (Meruelo Group) for being our favorite finalist for the Latino Business Awards! Siempre Con Usted Sr. Meruelo, ¡Arriba y Adelante! From the Law Office of Daniel J. Bramzon & Associates, P.C. Serving Our Distinguished Latino Clientele For More Than A Decade