Insurance, modeling and pizza sauce flow through their veins as does a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

They are young El Paso women entrepreneurs who’ve turned their passions into new businesses.

Starting a business is never easy, but it’s even tougher for a young woman in tough economic times, said Olga Tavárez, director of the El Paso Community College Small Business Development Center.

It remains a male-dominated business market, Tavárez said.

Crystal Martinez, 29, who’s been selling insurance since she was 17 years old, opened her own State Farm insurance office on the far East Side in April. She sells State Farm products, but the business is her own. She invested about $50,000 of her savings to open it, she said.

“This is a perfect fit for me. I’m good at it,” said Martinez, who has a degree in mass communication and business from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Martinez is ranked 150th in sales among 1,700 State Farm agents nationwide, she noted. But she said she won’t be happy until she cracks the top 10.

Jacqueline Garcia, 24, who’s been entering beauty pageants and modeling since she was 14 and who worked several years for several modeling agencies, opened Bazaar Models, an El Paso modeling agency, in July 2009. That was shortly after she graduated from UTEP with a degree in electronic media. She opened it with her fiancé, Ronnie Martinez, who works full time at a car dealership.

“I didn’t think much about the economy when I started

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the business,” Garcia said. “It took a lot of knocking on doors, a lot of cold calls. It’s a business I believed in.”

Bazaar has 150 models under contract, and the agency began turning a profit after about nine months of operation, she said.

Tanya Loya, 21, who worked in her grandfather’s pizzerias in Juárez while growing up, decided to put a possible career in politics on hold to open Gino’s Pizza on the far East Side in January with her mother, Adriana Loya, 47. She moved back from Washington, D.C., where she got a job after graduating from UTEP in 2009 with a degree in political science and international politics.

“I love making pizza, but I never thought it would be a profession,” Tanya Loya said. “You never understand what you truly love until it happens.”

Gino’s had a rough launch because it had to close for a month in the summer after its oven broke and a replacement had to be shipped from New York, Tanya Loya said.

“Domino’s opened next to us after we opened, and Little Caesars is several blocks away. … That affects our sales,” Tanya Loya said.

“It was slow at first. But the business has been doing well recently,” Tanya Loya said. “Our family has been in (various businesses) long enough to know what it takes to run this.”

Tavárez said a startup has a better chance of succeeding if the owner has experience in the industry in which the business operates — and an even better chance if the owner also has a passion for that field.

Lenders usually require the owner of a startup or one of the managers of the business to have at least three years of experience in the entrepreneur’s chosen business field before they will consider lending money to the business, she noted.

And while women have made inroads in the business world, it remains less common for a woman to start a business on her own in El Paso, Tavárez said.

Men made up more than half of the 624 people who came to the Small Business Development Center in the past 12 months for counseling to open a new business, she reported. Thirty percent of the startups seeking help had a woman and man involved. Only 17 percent were solely women.

Martinez said being a woman in the insurance business has pluses and minuses.

Women manage the finances of the majority of households in this country, Martinez said. That makes it easy for her to relate to the wife when dealing with household insurance and other financial needs that a State Farm office handles, she said.

“When I’m dealing with male business owners (about commercial insurance), it takes longer to build a rapport,” she said.

Being a mother is a definite business asset for Estrella Ramirez, 34. She used her thirst for information on parenting and kid-friendly events as a springboard to create epParent.com, an online guide to the El Paso parent and kid scene, in September 2009. A few months later, she brought in her sister-in-law, Itze Bernal, 31, a former teacher and mother of two boys, ages 2 and 4, as a partner.

“I wanted to have my own business and be able to spend time with my kids,” two girls, ages 3 and 8, Ramirez said. “This gives me flexibility of owning my own time.” She previously owned a magazine for kids and sold it, she said. Her husband also owns a business.

EpParent.com, which makes its money from ads and paid listings, makes a profit, Ramirez said. The site gets about 30,000 hits a month, she reported.

Tavárez said it’s not unusual for a startup to take up to three years to become profitable. That’s why a new business needs a cushion of cash, about six months worth of operating expenses, stashed away to cover unexpected events, she said.

“A lot of people take money out of a business to pay for personal expenses. They are draining the cash flow,” Tavárez said.

The first 18 months to three years of operation are critical because that’s when many new businesses fail, she said.

“A startup company has a better chance of survival after five years,” Tavárez said.

Starting a new business requires research to determine the competition and “who you are targeting,” Tavárez said. “You should have a business plan” that is re-examined periodically, she said. “You need a road map for where the business is going.”

Martinez, the State Farm agency owner, said starting any business is risky.

Her survival chances are enhanced by a nine-month State Farm training program she went through before opening her office, Martinez said. She also gets ongoing support from State Farm, she said.

“I need to grow this business fast,” Martinez said. That’s why she already has five employees, only half of whom are selling insurance, she said. “My goal is to have satellite offices” in other areas of El Paso, she said.

The other entrepreneurs also have their eyes on expansion.

Garcia, at Bazaar Models, started with a desk, phone and laptop in a small, shared office, and she had to sell her 2002 Mercedes, a college graduation gift, to help finance her startup. Now she’s looking at opening a second office in Albuquerque next year.

“There’s always room for growth. I’m always looking for new ways to expand,” Garcia said.

Ramirez, at epParent.com, said she’s received inquiries from people who want to start similar websites in other cities.

“We may branch out,” she said.

Loya said Gino’s first location was picked because it’s across the street from El Dorado High School and is in a fast-growing area.

“Lunches are packed” because of the high school, she said.

Now, Loya has her eyes on future locations — possibly by UTEP, where she’s pursing a master’s degree in intelligence and national security while also working daily at Gino’s. Northeast El Paso is another possible location, she said.

“I like having my own business,” Loya said. “You can set your hours. And have a vision, and go with it.”

Vic Kolenc may be reached at vkolenc@elpasotimes.com; 546-6421.

Each year, U.S. companies rely on exporting to diversify their customer base, manage market fluctuations, grow, and become more competitive. The world is open for business. Today, it is easier than ever for a company, regardless of size, to sell goods and services across the globe. More U.S. small and medium-sized companies are exporting than ever before. According to the World Bank report, Global Economic Prospects, trade in goods and services is likely to more than triple by 2030. With this significant projected growth in global trade, the challenge for business of all sizes in the United States is how to dip into this incredible revenue torrent.

Since 2010, Olga Tavárez, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), has envisioned an international business summit that would address the growing needs of the border businesses in our region and bring together, under one roof, real-time information and resources. “This conference is needed now more than ever” said Olga. “The region’s small business community has shown significant growth and we are expecting that growth to continue. We have incredible resources to offer our bi-national business community. We also welcome our fellow Mexican-National entrepreneurs and are committed to helping them launch their business through effective business methods.”

The Business Beyond Borders summit will cover a variety of business development topics that are relevant to today’s economic environment. Summit topics include global business; legal structures; managing cultural differences; loans and export financing.

“Our commitment to promoting growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and improved management for small business has made the Business Beyond Borders summit a reality,” emphasized Ms. Tavárez. The summit promises to strengthen new and existing border businesses through education, resources, and networking. Individuals who attend can expect to not only receive valuable tools and resources, but to also jump-start their business and form strategic alliances. One of the event’s highlights is its “Beyond Networking” event where participants will be scheduled to have quality face time with businesses and professionals who can help them reach their business goals.

The “Business Beyond Borders” summit will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 22 at the El Paso Community College Administrative Services Center, Building A, Auditorium located at 9050 Viscount Blvd. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and a networking reception. Payment by VISA, MasterCard and Discover credit cards are accepted. If paying by check or money order, please make payment payable to El Paso Community College. You may register on-line or by call 915-831-7743. For more information, also visit: www.BeyondBordersSummit.com

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Ken Flynn
El Paso Times
Saturday, January 8, 2005

When Raymundo Beltran raised his five sons in the Lower Valley, little did the brick mason realize that they would all grow up to become important players in the El Paso construction industry.

Raymundo Jr., 49, owner of Belt Con Construction Co., is the masonry contractor for the new Texas Tech regional research center on Alameda Avenue. His recently expanded company is now competing for major construction jobs throughout West Texas and Southern New Mexico.

Julian Beltran, 54, joined his brother as chief of operations at Belt Con after retiring from the Air Force. A third brother, Juan Beltran, 52, joined the company as an administrator after retiring as a Fort Bliss building inspector.

Alfredo Beltran, 47, is owner of Beltran Electrical Contractors. Ricardo Beltran, 42, is owner of R. Beltran Construction Co., General Contractors.

“My dad taught us all to work,” Raymundo Beltran Jr. said. “When I was young, I didn’t think much about it, but as I grew older, I realized my dad really knew his business and taught us a lot.”

Beltran said he worked in Houston for eight years before returning to El Paso to start his company in 1985 with one employee. Today Belt Con employs 75.

“We started out making mailboxes,” he said. “By 1991, we were getting bigger jobs and we incorporated.”

While the Beltran brothers followed in their father’s footsteps by entering the building trades, their two sisters took a different route. Virginia Beltran Aldaco teaches in the Ysleta Independent School District, and Genoveva Beltran Santos teaches in the Socorro district. Both teach bilingual education.

“I’m proud of all my brothers,” Santos said. “They’re keeping alive our father’s name. He was a hardworking man and taught us the value of working hard to achieve our goals.”

Raymundo Beltran said his first big break came when Hunt Building Corp. subcontracted his company to do the masonry work for 300 new homes at Fort Bliss.

“We jumped from $500,000 in gross sales to $1.5 million,” Beltran said. “That job gave us the confidence to bid for bigger contracts.”

Belt Con now averages $3.5 million a year in gross sales, he said. Included among the company’s successful projects are Canutillo High School, El Dorado High School and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Facility at Artesia, N.M. In addition to the Texas Tech research center in El Paso, Belt Con is also involved with the Cleveland Square redevelopment project Downtown, which includes the expansion of the Main Library and addition of a new Museum of History. Belt Con is also involved with building the support facilities for the El Paso Zoo.

Beltran said he is proud of his work on the Texas Tech building.

“The building is being built like some of the older buildings in Texas, with a lot of limestone, and it will look beautiful,” he said. “This job will lead us to other opportunities in other parts of Texas because of our experience here.”

Belt Con received a Small Business Administration guaranteed expansion loan for an undisclosed amount of money through the efforts of El Paso Community College’s Small Business Development Center.

Beltran praised Olga Tavárez for her technical experience in loan packaging. He also praised Ray Aguilar, vice president for lending at United Bank of El Paso del Norte, for his help.

With the loan, obtained in October, the company acquired working capital and expanded by 30 employees, from 45 to 70, Beltran said.

“Ms. Tavárez’s expertise was very instrumental in assisting us and guiding us through the entire process of obtaining this much- needed SBA guaranty loan,” Beltran said.

Beltran, who has a master’s degree in business from the University of Texas at El Paso, said all economic indicators, from the construction point of view, indicate 2005 will be a good year.

“We’ve had some rough times, but the economy looks like it’s getting better,” he said.

For the full story click on the El Paso Times News (website) below.

Website:El Paso Times News

How about if I added that the strategy could also significantly increase the odds that your savings would last through 30 years of retirement? Would that get your attention?

Of course, you might think there’s a catch — that you’d have to live the life of an ascetic, or make like the Amazing Kreskin and identify in advance the top-performing investments each year. .”

Click below for the article by Walter Updegrade, December 17, 2004, MONEY Magazine.

Website: CNNMoneyMagazine

From Entrepreneur.com…For more than 20 years, through our editorial and exclusive rankings, Entrepreneur magazine has been the voice of franchising, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the trends, companies, leaders and franchisees who have made this industry a force to be reckoned with.

With the introduction of the Franchise Zone, we’ve launched the most comprehensive franchise resource on the Internet. This new site combines our editorial and research resources with our Web experience to offer visitors the easiest way to find the information they’re seeking. You can access all the franchise coverage from Entrepreneur magazine, plus news and content you won’t find anywhere else in print or on the Web. Updated on a daily basis, the Franchise Zone is your one-stop shop for the latest and most thorough information you need about franchising.

Click below for the FranchiseZone 500 and the Top 10 Franchises for 2005

Website: Top 10 Franchise Businesses for 2005

From Entrepreneur.com…For more than 20 years, through our editorial and exclusive rankings, Entrepreneur magazine has been the voice of franchising, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the trends, companies, leaders and franchisees who have made this industry a force to be reckoned with.

With the introduction of the Franchise Zone, we’ve launched the most comprehensive franchise resource on the Internet. This new site combines our editorial and research resources with our Web experience to offer visitors the easiest way to find the information they’re seeking. You can access all the franchise coverage from Entrepreneur magazine, plus news and content you won’t find anywhere else in print or on the Web. Updated on a daily basis, the Franchise Zone is your one-stop shop for the latest and most thorough information you need about franchising.

Click below for the FranchiseZone 500 and the Top 10 Franchises for 2005

Website: Top 10 Franchise Businesses for 2005

Over 40 different Federal agencies assist or regulate businesses. With so many sources of information, finding what you want can be complicated and time-consuming. Business.gov is one of the E-Government initiatives in the President’s Management Agenda. It was developed to provide better customer service for small businesses interacting with the Federal Government.

Business.gov is a collaborative effort managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Partner executive departments include Department of Commerce (DOC), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor (DOL), and Department of Transportation (DOT). It also partners with the following independent agencies and government corporations: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), General Services Administration (GSA), and Social Security Administration (SSA).

SBA and their partner agencies share the belief that government can be more customer-focused and user-friendly in helping U.S. small businesses gain access to information and services from the government. Business.gov provides a one-stop, common access point for Federal Government services and information needed to assist with starting, running, and growing a business.

Business.gov guides you through the maze of government rules and regulations … and provides access to services and resources to help you start, grow, and succeed in business.

Link to the business.gov website by clicking on the website link below.

Website: Business.gov