Be even more persistent. Being direct and consistent with your approach is incredibly important.
Known for his capabilities to further ensure a consistent brand experience, Luis Garcia-Fanjul brings more than 25 years of expertise in managing multifaceted business models. Garcia-Fanjul obtained a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami. Since 2009, he has been the chief operating officer of IUSA Group. As COO, he has taken IUSA Group’s metering systems and products international.
Currently, Luis acts as Executive Committee and Member of the Board of YouRent – a national, short-term vacation rental provider headquartered in Miami, Florida. Through YouRent, travelers can access a growing portfolio of privately acquired and managed residential properties in prominent downtown area in various cities.
Standardized design, centralized management, and ongoing positive guest experiences are of the cornerstones of the business model. As the YouRent concept expands domestically and internationally, Luis plays a pivotal role in building and executing the success of the corporation. In his spare time; Luis is an avid philanthropist and has been a member of various boards such as The American Red Cross, The Bread Against Misery Foundation, and the German American Business Council. He is also a loving husband and proud father.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
The idea originally came from a close friend of mine. He was running the company on a smaller scale and had asked for my advice on several occasions. After assisting him a few times, I saw the potential for expansion and success on a grander scale.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My typical day is hectic but always exciting. I keep productive by making a list and executing each item by the day’s end.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by visualizing the various outcomes of the idea first, then taking steps to achieve the best possible result. When you work with the destination in mind, it is easier to find the path to get you there.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Precisely the trend of the space we are in right now. We have studied the market and are very excited for what the future holds.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Persistence, persistence, persistence.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be even more persistent. Being direct and consistent with your approach is incredibly important.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Everyone better agree with me!
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I always try to surround myself with people who are genuine and receptive of new and interesting ideas. Different perspectives are pivotal in the ability to create a unique experience.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Taking calculated risks. No one can predict the future exactly, but you can use existing information, expert opinions and your business savvy to take smarter risks and lead to positive growth and gain.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
A failure I’ve experienced is trusting the wrong people. Of course, once I realized that everyone did not always have my best interest at heart, I made sure to learn from my mistakes. Everyone has moments of failure, but the best way to overcome them is to grow by making it a learning experience.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Use the variations in the market to your advantage. As our company expands throughout different parts of the U.S, it is incredible to see the difference in markets based on geography. With the influx of online businesses thriving, you can provide a service from one state, and capitalize in another, where the same service may be going for a much higher cost.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
A pass for the express lane on 1-95…
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Wunderlist! It helps me stay organized, allows me to share tasks with my team and actually visualize what needs to get done. It’s also free, but to be honest I would pay thousands for it. That’s how helpful it is to my day to day process.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Power of Nice by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval. In the cut-throat world of business, it can be a breath of fresh air to experience kindness. It’s free to be kind and the payout can be extremely profitable.
What is your favorite quote?
“Some people make things happen, some watch things happen, while others wonder what has happened.”
Key Learnings
- I always try to surround myself with people who are genuine and receptive of new and interesting ideas. Different perspectives are pivotal in the ability to create a unique experience.
- No one can predict the future exactly, but you can use existing information, expert opinions and your business savvy to take smarter risks and lead to positive growth and gain.
Connect:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.