Margie Sanchez
Founder
California Solar Screens
What is unique about working in Silicon Valley?
Great ideas come from here, but most of all it’s a great place to share your ideas with others. I believe entrepreneurialism is part of the local culture and networking is such a big part of Silicon Valley.
Describe Silicon Valley’s business climate in three words or less:
Multicultural diversity
What advantages and challenges does the area pose for Latino-owned businesses?
Latinos represent the largest ethnic group in the valley, but Asian Americans have surpassed us in technology-related business. Latinos lag behind in this area because we don’t have as much access to technology.
Silicon Valley has become synonymous with the tech industry. Do you feel that this overshadows the city’s other valuable industries?
From afar it’s all about the tech industry, but up close it’s everything else. I worked at Apple Inc. for 22 years prior to starting my business and now that I’m on the other side, I clearly see there’s much more than the tech industry in this valley.
Aarón R. Reséndez
Director, Business Development
Express Concrete Breaking & Cutting
What is unique about working in Silicon Valley?
The climate and culture, and we are the most progressive county of the United States.
Describe Silicon Valley’s business climate in three words or less.
The best!
What advantages and challenges does the area pose for Latino-owned businesses?
County diversity is great, but we all have challenges with education and politics.
Silicon Valley has become synonymous with the tech industry. Do you feel that this overshadows the city’s other valuable industries?
No, construction-related businesses are growing and these jobs contribute to the economic recovery in Silicon Valley.
Monica Amador
Chief Operations Officer
El Observador Publications, Inc.
What is unique about working in Silicon Valley?
Besides having the most ideal weather and diversity, people tend to think outside the box.
Describe Silicon Valley’s business climate in three words or less:
Always changing
What advantages and challenges does the area pose for Latino-owned businesses?
Businesses need to stay on top of what’s going on within the business community, political community, and social community.
Silicon Valley has become synonymous with the tech industry. Do you feel that this overshadows the city’s other valuable industries?
Not at all; it’s the technology industry and more.
