In the exciting new segment of the Atar360 podcast, titled "Dad, Tell Me," Ariel Acosta-Rubio, CEO of CHURRO MANIA®, sits down with his sons Tadeo and Mateo to share stories from his business journey, his learnings, and the challenges he faced before found the renowned brand we know today. In this first episode, Ariel gives us an intimate look at his past, from his early work experiences to the key principles that guided him throughout his career.
First Work Experience: Lessons from a Collections Firm
Ariel's path to business success began in an unexpected environment: a law firm specializing in credit card collections. Working in this field gave him a deep understanding of collection laws and strategies, crucial knowledge for anyone who wants to succeed in business. Ariel describes how this work not only helped him become familiar with the legal aspects of collections, but also taught him how to handle difficult situations with clients in an ethical and professional manner.
During this stage, Ariel realized the importance of knowing the laws in order to protect a company from possible financial or legal problems. He learned to value the importance of details in each transaction and the way in which a solid structure can influence the sustainability of a business.
This initial experience allowed him to develop problem-solving and negotiation skills, tools that would later be very useful when he decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Ariel highlights in the podcast that, although he was not aware of it at the time, many of the lessons learned at the law firm were fundamental for the decisions he would make years later when founding CHURRO MANIA®.
Sales and Marketing: The Next Stop
After his time at the firm, Ariel ventured into the world of timeshare and timeshare sales, a completely different environment that allowed him to experience another key aspect of business success: marketing and sales. In this job, Ariel learned marketing strategies aimed at capturing customers' attention, as well as effective sales tactics to close deals.
Through property sales, Ariel gained a hands-on approach to connecting with clients and understanding their needs. During the podcast interview, he shares with his children how these experiences helped him hone his ability to create compelling proposals and build trust, a key factor in any business. In fact, it emphasizes the importance of empathy in sales, a skill that would later be reflected in the customer experience that characterizes CHURRO MANIA®.
Furthermore, this stage of his life helped him become familiar with the dynamics of the market and competition. He learned how to develop strategies that not only helped him stand out, but also ensured that his value offering was attractive and compelling. For Ariel, selling timeshares was not only a marketing and sales school, but also an opportunity to strengthen her leadership and team management skills.
The Value of Sound Finances: A Key Principle
After going through these two very diverse experiences, Ariel realized something fundamental for any company: the importance of maintaining healthy finances. During the conversation in "Dad, Tell Me," he explains to his children that one of the most valuable learnings he acquired is that you cannot operate a successful business if accounts payable are greater than accounts receivable.
Maintaining a balance between a company's finances and liquidity is essential for its sustainability and long-term growth. This lesson became one of the pillars that guided Ariel throughout his business career, and it is advice that stands out with special emphasis for new generations of entrepreneurs. Financial discipline, along with a clear vision of income and expenses, are, according to Ariel, crucial factors to avoid financial problems that could put the business at risk.
This principle has been key not only in his first jobs, but also in the way he managed the finances of CHURRO MANIA® when he decided to launch himself into the world of entrepreneurship. Ariel proudly shares how, from the beginning of his business journey, the importance of maintaining solid finances allowed him to make strategic decisions that were fundamental to the growth and expansion of the brand.
Advice for the New Generations
Throughout the podcast, Ariel not only talks about her story, but also takes the opportunity to give an inspiring message to new generations of entrepreneurs. "Never stop learning," is one of his most recurring pieces of advice. Ariel encourages young people to take advantage of every experience, even those that do not seem directly related to their long-term goals. In his case, both the law firm and the sale of timeshares provided him with tools that would later be essential in the creation of CHURRO MANIA®.
Additionally, Ariel emphasizes the importance of being perseverant and resilient. Business is full of challenges, and many times things do not go as expected. However, for him, the key is to stick with it, learn from your mistakes and move forward. During the podcast, Ariel recalls difficult moments in his career and how, thanks to his dedication and focus on the right principles, he was able to overcome them and build a successful brand.
Finally, Ariel leaves one last message for young listeners: "Surround yourself with people who support you and share your values." For him, business success is not only the result of individual effort, but also of the people around you. Having a solid team, a family that supports you and friends that encourage you is essential to overcome challenges and achieve success.
A Glimpse of the Future
With this first episode of "Papá, Cuéntame", Ariel Acosta-Rubio offers us a window to the past, revealing the foundations on which he has built his successful business career. His sons, Tadeo and Mateo, ask him sincere questions that allow listeners to connect with the most human part of his career, offering valuable lessons for those who dream of following in his footsteps.
This segment promises to become a constant source of inspiration for those who want to learn from an entrepreneur who, through discipline, vision and hard work, has managed to position CHURRO MANIA® as a leading brand in the international market.
Don't miss the next episodes of "Papá, Cuéntame" where Ariel will continue to share more about her entrepreneurial journey and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.
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