In a world where many aspire to the comforts of a stable corporate job, Rafael Romero’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Hailing from Venezuela, Rafael’s journey is not just about professional success; it’s a story of overcoming personal and cultural challenges while staying true to his vision.

Rafael began his career in Venezuela, where he studied audit while balancing work and education. His hard work paid off when he received an unexpected opportunity: a transfer to Chicago through his firm’s global program. This chance to live out his dream of working in the United States was both exhilarating and daunting. “I couldn’t even believe it,” Rafael shared. “My dream was always to come to the States.”

But the move wasn’t without its challenges. Transitioning from the warm climate of Venezuela to the frigid Chicago winters was just one of many adjustments. More significant was the cultural and linguistic shift. While Rafael had a solid foundation in English, the specialized terminology of accounting in a new environment was a hurdle. Despite these obstacles, Rafael’s determination to succeed never wavered.

Rafael’s story is marked by perseverance. He often found himself working long hours, both at his job and on his studies, to ensure he could thrive in his new environment. He didn’t shy away from seeking help and surrounding himself with positive influences. “Surround yourself with good mentors,” he advises. “Surround yourself with positive people that you can learn from, but never give up.”

After five years at Deloitte, Rafael made a bold move—leaving corporate America to co-found Falco Systems, a tech company specializing in facial recognition technology for international flights. The transition wasn’t easy, but for Rafael, it was the best decision he ever made. “It’s been the best three years of my life,” he reflects, describing his foray into the world of aviation and technology.

Rafael’s leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t a complete departure from his past. He leveraged his extensive network and continued to work part-time as a consultant to pay the bills while building Falco Systems. This balancing act, though challenging, allowed him to fully commit to his new venture while maintaining financial stability.

One of the most striking aspects of Rafael’s story is his approach to networking. He doesn’t just meet people; he connects the dots. This mindset has been crucial to the growth of Falco Systems, allowing him to bring in key partners and advisors who share his vision. “It’s about connecting, not just networking,” he emphasizes.

Rafael’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those in similar positions, is simple yet profound: find the right partners and ensure your passion aligns with your work. “You need to find a problem and come up with the solution,” he says. And, perhaps most importantly, always have a client in mind when developing that solution.

Falco Systems has made significant strides, recently becoming a member of 1871, the largest software incubator in Chicago. The company’s technology is already being implemented in airports, and Rafael is in talks with major players like T-Mobile and United Airlines to expand its applications.

Rafael’s story is one of grit, determination, and the willingness to take calculated risks. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t come overnight, but with perseverance and the right connections, the possibilities are limitless. For those looking to follow Rafael’s journey, he invites you to connect with him on LinkedIn and follow Falco Systems as they continue to innovate and lead in the tech space.

Mark Denzler, the President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers Association, sat down with Nick DeGregorio on the CEO Roundtable to share his insights and experiences in the manufacturing sector. Mark's journey is a testament to the resilience and innovation that define American manufacturing.

Mark's story begins in Decatur, Illinois, where his father worked in a manufacturing plant. This early exposure to the industry instilled in him a deep appreciation for the value of hard work and the vital role manufacturing plays in the economy. "Manufacturing put food on the table for me growing up," Mark shared. His passion for the industry is palpable, and his commitment to advancing manufacturing in Illinois is unwavering.

One of the key topics Mark discussed is the changing landscape of education and career choices for young people. He pointed out that the number of high school graduates going directly to college is at an all-time low. "One in three high school graduates are no longer going to a four-year university," he noted. This shift is partly due to the growing awareness of alternative career paths in sectors like manufacturing, which offer lucrative opportunities without the burden of student debt.

Mark emphasized the importance of showcasing the diverse opportunities within the manufacturing sector. "When you work in manufacturing, you can be in engineering, accounting, sales, or marketing," he explained. The industry is not just about working on the production floor; it encompasses a wide range of roles that are essential to its success.

A significant challenge facing the manufacturing sector is workforce diversity. Mark highlighted the need to attract a more diverse pool of talent. "Too many people, quite frankly, look like me. They're older, they're white, and they're male," he said. To address this, the IMA has implemented initiatives to attract women, minorities, ex-offenders, and returning veterans to the industry. These efforts are crucial for the sector's growth and sustainability.

Mark also spoke about the innovative ways the IMA is promoting manufacturing. One such initiative is Maker's Madness, a competition to showcase the coolest products made in Illinois. "We get about 300,000 votes and a couple hundred products," he shared. This event, along with the IMA's Manufacturing Hall of Fame, highlights the sector's contributions and celebrates its achievements.

The conversation turned to the economic impact of manufacturing in Illinois. Mark proudly mentioned that manufacturing produces the single largest share of the state's economy, employing 650,000 individuals across nearly 4,000 companies. The sector's ripple effect on the economy is immense, as these jobs support other industries and services.

Addressing the future, Mark expressed optimism about the role of quantum computing in manufacturing. He discussed the governor's budget allocation for a new quantum campus in the Chicagoland area, which promises to position Illinois as a leader in this cutting-edge technology. "Quantum is really going to be a game-changer for technology," he said, highlighting its potential to revolutionize various sectors, including cybersecurity and drug development.

Throughout the interview, Mark's dedication to the manufacturing sector shone through. His passion for the industry, combined with his strategic vision, positions the IMA as a pivotal player in driving the sector's growth and innovation. As Mark aptly put it, "Manufacturing makes the world a better place every single day."

For anyone considering a career in manufacturing, Mark's advice is simple yet profound: "Follow your passion." Whether you're a young person exploring career options or an entrepreneur looking to make a mark in the industry, the opportunities in manufacturing are vast and varied.

Mark's insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in the manufacturing sector. His...

Ron Martinez II's story is one of grit, resilience, and innovation. Starting as a carpet cleaner, Ron transitioned into banking, where he rapidly advanced from teller to high-level positions at Wells Fargo and Citibank. Despite lucrative opportunities, Ron chose to venture into entrepreneurship, co-founding ChatterVize, a dynamic texting platform for businesses.

Ron’s journey underscores the importance of intentionality and seizing opportunities. He speaks candidly about the lessons learned from his banking career, the significance of networking, and the value of genuine connections in business. Ron's insights on leveraging technology, like texting strategies, to enhance client engagement are transformative.

His leadership style, shaped by his diverse experiences, emphasizes understanding individual and business needs in various seasons. Ron’s dedication to his team and clients is a testament to his commitment to building meaningful relationships and fostering community.