In this new episode of Punto Aparte from Platea, we spoke with Antonio Ortiz, co-founder and CEO of Connect Assistance. Antonio talks about how the company idea came out of a college dorm room, how they grew from eight employees to more than 800, and how they navigated challenges like Hurricane María to expand internationally. Connect Assistance has become one of the fastest-growing companies in Puerto Rico, solving everyday problems with innovative, technology-based solutions.
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How did the idea for Connect Assistance come about, and how did it go from idea to reality?
We started in college with the idea of creating an online insurance sales company in Puerto Rico. Over time, we recognized the need for a digital channel for roadside assistance, and that led to the birth of Connect Assistance.
How did you go from eight employees to more than 800 at Connect Assistance?
We first became the largest assistance company in Puerto Rico. Then, through strategic acquisitions in the region, we expanded to countries including Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia and Mexico, which contributed significantly to the company's growth.
What drove the expansion into Panama just one month after Hurricane María passed through Puerto Rico?
Despite the crisis in Puerto Rico, we saw an opportunity to diversify our business and expand into Panama. We used the moment to close a strategic acquisition there and continue with our regional growth plan.
Why did you decide to expand into Latin America rather than other markets?
We saw an opportunity in Latin America where our technology and competitive advantage could make a difference. We believed our technology was equal to or even better than what existed in the U.S., which gave us a favorable position in the region.
How do you maintain a culture of innovation at Connect Assistance through the value of "always in beta"?
At Connect, we encourage a mindset of continuous learning, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for improvement. We look to recruit people who share this philosophy of always being students, open to learning and improving constantly.
What is the role of family at Connect Assistance, and how has it contributed to the company's growth?
The family relationship has been fundamental to Connect Assistance's growth. Working with my father, a long-time entrepreneur, has been a rewarding experience that has brought wisdom and guidance to the company.
How do you advance the values of economic growth and community from Connect Assistance?
Through initiatives like Forward, we seek to drive economic growth and community-building in Puerto Rico. We believe in the power of initiative and work focused on building a better future for the Island.
What was one of the hardest obstacles you faced at Connect Assistance, and what did you learn from it?
One significant difficulty was the acquisition in Colombia, where we made mistakes by not aligning the acquired team with our culture. We learned the importance of introspection, humility and perseverance in challenging moments.
What can't be missing from a pitch if you want someone to invest in your idea?
Passion is essential in a successful pitch. Conveying the passion and commitment we have for what we do is key to inspiring confidence and support in our vision and company.
How can someone contribute to Puerto Rico's economic growth and future from an entrepreneur's perspective?
You can contribute to Puerto Rico's economic growth by supporting local businesses, investing in innovative initiatives and voting with your dollars for the companies you believe can build a better future for the Island.
Note: This content was edited with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
