Chicago entrepreneur credits mentor with helping him succeed
Yesterday’s Chicago Tribune carried an article by Ann Meyer titled: “Mentors ease path to profits.” She tells the story of two men. One is George Burciaga.
Today, he is the CEO of SmarTECHS, a Chicago-based IT firm that provides full-service, innovative technology solutions for national and local clients in both the private and public sectors. He’s been featured on the Hispanic Entrepreneur blog. He was named Illinois Small Business Person of the Year. It wasn’t always easy.
He grew up in Pilsen, right outside of Chicago. The UIC Neighborhoods Initiative web site tells us that “In addition to poverty and related social problems, Pilsen residents must cope with high levels of violence.”
Burciaga saw entrepreneurship as a way to help himself and his family. He had a strong work ethic that came from his family and culture. What he didn’t have was know-how.
That’s where the second man I referred to came in. His name is Richard Wallace, president of Beverage Consultants International in Chicago.
Burciaga says of Wallace: “He gave me a lot of business structure that I never had. He made it clear he believed in me. I couldn’t let him down.”
For his part, Wallace downplays his role. He says, “I gave him the opportunity, but once he got the confidence, there was no stopping him.”
That’s like many mentoring relationships that I’ve seen. The mentor is proud of the protégé but also gives full credit.
George Burciaga was lucky to find a mentor when he needed one. You may have to search for one, but don’t despair. You can look around where you live and work or you can visit Momentor where the purpose is to help you find mentors and other resources that will help you become successful.
