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Name: Martha Elena Galindo

Business: Galindo Publicidad Inc., a company offering tranlation services for various types of media

Industry: Other — Language Translations services

Location: Coral Springs, Florida, U.S.

Reason for starting: I discovered that, as a first-generation immigrant, I could fill a niche in the market. Spanish for the US Hispanic market was a disgrace in the late 80’s; the quality of materials was horrendous and full of mistakes. My skills were useful to serious advertising and PR companies trying to reach the US Hispanic market around the country. I knew I could make a difference. The other main reason to start my own company was the independence it gave me.

How do you define success? I see it in stages: there are times when you feel successful because you got x level of sales, a new recognition, a new award or a new client, and then you are in the slow cycle again. You learn that nothing stays the same. Success is being able to keep calm, sleep peacefully, keep your integrity and be persistent. Also, you have to navigate uncertainty and make a difference in the lives of others–sometimes with economic resources, sometimes without them. These lives can include your clients, your suppliers, your children, your family, and even your non-profit community causes.

Biggest Success: My successes are all relative. There were important state awards like the “Florida 100” in 2000 and 2001, for example. But my main success as a business is to stay open today, and to have survived the banking crisis of the past few years. All of my previous awards were not as difficult as navigating the most hostile economic times that I had seen in my lifetime.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? Besides the fierce global competition facilitated by the Internet, and the huge revolution of software and tools, my biggest challenge is to stay afloat economically, as well as deal with my progressive hearing loss. I must be selective regarding the pursuit of certain accounts and their requirements, utilize some new technology, limit oral communication and hire professional and reliable staff.

Who is your most important role model? My maternal grandfather; he was an example of entrepreneurism and genuine concern for the community.

 

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Website   www.translationsandmore.com

Twitter   @e_translations

Facebook   www.facebook.com/pages/Galindo-Publicidad-Inc/

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Edited by The Story Exchange