Now is time for my friend Olga Ramudo to share secrets and thoughts about what means to be a "Latino Woman" doing business - and doing it perfectly well - in America. Olga M. Ramudo is the President & CEO of Express Travel; an agency created and run but some of the most professional and savvy travel experts of south Florida.
1.- When did you start your business / career? Do you feel there’s something different between the way in which you did business when you started and now? Which is the role of technology in your profession?
The business was started in November, 1989, in partnership with my sister and best friend. There is DEFINETELY a difference from when we started 19 years ago and now. The internet and how information is disseminated has opened horizons for the traveller. Technology is a key element in our industry.
2.- Do you do business with Latin America? What do you think about doing business with Latin America? Is there any characteristic that is really different from doing business with American Companies?
Due to our strategic location in Miami recognized as the gateway to Latin America, and the number of Latin American companies that have headquartered in Florida , Latin America is the main travel destination sold by Express Travel. There is a big difference between doing business with Latin America and doing business with Anglos: Hispanics tend to book later, they are quite savvy in “wheeling and dealing”, and they are more demanding. Doing business with Latinos is more relationship driven and personal, than with American companies.
3.- Do you relate with other Latino women in your work? Which do you consider to be the most important characteristics of the way Latinas do business?
The majority of the staff of Express Travel (or 98%) is comprised of Hispanic women. Latinas work hard to please the customer and tend to go the extra mile. They are friendly and as the years go by, personal relationships are built.
4.- Which is the importance of networking for you? In which associations do you participate?
Networking is extremely important for me and for our business. I sit on the board of directors of the Tourism Development Council for Dade County, as well as on the Boards of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Camacol (Latin Chamber of Commerce), Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Beacon Council and the World Trade Center.
5.- Balance between family and life: can you tell us some experience that would show your incredible commitment to family and profession and that could be useful to other women?
Family is the most important thing in my life. Actually, I chose to be a stay at home mom, until my youngest son was 12 years old. They are now two grown men, however, when a decision needs to be made regarding work or family, including sons, nieces, nephews, godchildren etc., family does prevail. Positions, jobs, businesses, come and go, family stays with you forever.
6.- Can you share with our readers a phrase or experience that you believe to be useful to other women? Do you have a “leit motiv”?
Move forward and don’t be afraid…….. Go with your gut feeling….