Ep. 102 - Guillermo Avila

In this episode of "Hello Chaos," I had the pleasure of speaking with Guillermo Avila, founder of 365 Digital Technologies. Guillermo shared his entrepreneurial journey, which began with a unique birthday gift from a friend—a free LLC. This gesture of faith inspired him to start his own consulting business, driven by a desire to address ethical issues he observed in the consulting industry.

Throughout our conversation, Guillermo highlighted the importance of providing value-added services to clients and maintaining ethical standards. He shared the rewarding aspects of his work, particularly the satisfaction of turning around struggling projects for his clients.

We delved into the challenges of being a business owner, including the common misconception that entrepreneurs can take unlimited time off. Guillermo emphasized the heavy responsibility of ensuring his team is well-supported and the business continues to thrive, even when he's not directly involved.

One of Guillermo's significant insights was the importance of hiring for cultural fit over technical skills. He learned the hard way that technical proficiency alone isn't enough if an employee doesn't mesh well with the team or clients. This shift in hiring strategy has been crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work environment.

Guillermo also discussed his plans for the future, including reducing his direct consulting work to focus more on his role as CEO. This transition is part of a broader strategy to scale his business and take on larger projects, including federal contracts through the 8a certification program.

We also touched on the value of the Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) program, which Guillermo found incredibly beneficial. The program provided him with valuable insights into financial management and pricing strategies, boosting his confidence to compete with larger firms.

Overall, this episode was a deep dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of ethical consulting, and the strategies for scaling a business while maintaining a strong company culture. Guillermo's journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and continuous learning in the entrepreneurial world.