David Martínez stands proudly with his family inside El Profe.
David Martínez was working as a welder in Aguascalientes, Mexico, when he was sidelined by a life-threatening stroke. Despite intensive physical rehabilitation, Martínez was unable to return to work and soon lost his job.
With a wife and four children to support, Martínez decided to launch his own business. For guidance, Martínez turned to the Center of Managerial Innovation of Aguascalientes Small Business Development Center, part of a network of organizations established by an U.S. Agency for International Development-partnership between the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG).
Through the Center, Martínez learned about marketing, financial analysis, and launching a small business. A Center staff member worked closely with him to identify marketplace needs and create a viable business plan. Martínez proudly opened the doors to El Profe, a bookstore that specializes in educational materials and books. Today, El Profe’s client base is growing, and sales are on the rise.