BUSINESS
How do you hope to inspire, or what advice would you give the next generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs? I am actively involved in talking with local high school graduates, DECA students and other networking groups to share advice that might help them succeed faster. If I can help even one person save time or make a valuable connection, I feel I’ve accomplished something. Have you connected with other Hispanic-owned businesses in Maricopa for collaboration or support?
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally? It’s about unity, remembering my roots and those of my ancestors, and honoring the sacrifices they made and the hard work they put in so I could be here today. In what ways does your business give back to the local community? We sponsor Maricopa High School athletics, offer scholarships through the Maricopa Community Foundation, and support organizations like the Arts Horse Project.
Yes, absolutely. We’ve collaborated with many local businesses. One of our mottos is: Teamwork makes the dream work, and we live that every day. What are your hopes for the future of your business? I hope to continue growing alongside Maricopa and to remain a staple in the community. Who knows — maybe one day my four children will take over and grow the business even more!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage 6 Hispanic entrepreneurs on family, work and building a future in Maricopa BY ELIAS WEISS
M
others arrived chasing opportunity and a fresh start. Together, they’ve helped shape a city that’s still growing every day. For Hispanic Heritage Month, InMaricopa sat down with six local entrepreneurs to hear their stories. Editor’s note: Some quotes have been lightly edited for readability.
ARICOPA HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE come to build something new, and Hispanic-owned businesses are a big part of that story. They build, they fix, they inspire. In many ways, they keep our community moving. Some of these owners have roots here going back generations, while
Victor Moreno Victor Moreno Photography
Ray Nieves 911 Air Repair
Can you share a little about your family’s roots and what brought you to Maricopa? I am a third-generation
How do you hope to inspire, or what advice would you give the next generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs?
Can you share a little about your family’s
roots and what brought you to Maricopa? I was born and raised in
Maricopa resident. I was born in Chandler and have lived in Maricopa the majority of my life. I currently live in Rancho El Dorado
I started my photography business as a hobby with a small camera 10 years ago.
With dedication and hard work, everything is possible. My advice is: Don’t give up. Keep practicing and studying. Don’t be afraid to offer your services, even if you feel they aren’t perfect yet. That’s how you improve. businesses in Maricopa for collaboration or support? Always. Connecting with other businesses — Hispanic or not — is very important. The more, the better. Have you connected with other Hispanic-owned What are your hopes for the future of your business? I hope to keep growing and learning with every photo session, and to inspire new photographers to help make our business community even bigger, even with all the new smartphone technology.
Sonora, Mexico, until the age of 28. I moved to Maricopa for the opportunity of a better job. Are there traditions or values from your culture that influence how you run your business? Absolutely. Staying loyal to the traditional values of respect for others and strong family values has made my job easier to do and more fulfilling. What was the biggest challenge you faced when opening or staying open, and how did you overcome it? The biggest challenge was the number of talented photographers in the field. I overcame this by making my approach more personal, which helped me connect with customers and grow my business. What makes your business unique in the community? Maricopa is a small city, and I think the way I interact with the
with my wife, McKenzie, and our four children: Remy, Rayden, Alivia and Abi. Are there traditions or values from your culture that influence how you run your business? We treat our customers like family and always do the right thing. We remind ourselves to treat customers how we would want our grandparents to be treated. What was the biggest challenge you faced when opening or staying open, and how did you overcome it? The biggest challenges were marketing and finding quality help. We overcame this by building strong partnerships for marketing through networking and being involved in local events. We also created a positive culture that attracts the right people who help us grow without sacrificing our values. What makes your business unique in the community? Not many people can say they are from Maricopa like I can. That gives me a responsibility to be a pillar in the community by giving back through sponsorships, scholarships and supporting local organizations.
In what ways does your business give back to the local community? In many ways! I volunteer at nonprofit events, host free photoshoot events occasionally, and especially through my “Sponsor a Senior” program. For the last five years, I’ve provided free photo sessions to more than 600 graduating high school seniors — with the support of local businesses.
community sets me apart. My clients know me on a personal level, which creates stronger relationships. What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally? I feel proud and happy that the Hispanic community is recognized for our hard work and our commitment to growing the economy and values in this country.
InMaricopa.com | October 2025
October 2025 | InMaricopa.com
22
23
Powered by FlippingBook