S2E16 | Manolo Betancur of Manolo’s Latin Bakery

SEASON 2: EPISODE NUMBER: 16

EPISODE GUEST: Manolo Betancur

Through the ebbs and flows of financial crises, pandemics, and life’s hardships, Manolo’s Latin Bakery owner, Manolo Betancur has continued to persist and focus on people first to find business success.

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Manolo Betancur has a plan — to bring his Latin bakery concept to the poorest towns of NC in hopes to create jobs, growth, and spark life on desolate Main Streets that can use some love.

It’s this attitude that has helped his Charlotte, NC bakery, Manolo’s Latin Bakery, find success. “Business is not about money, business is about people,” says the former Colombian Navy vet.  A Colombian native, Betancur grew up ‘under the influence of the U.S.’  He came to America and studied at King University in TN before making his way to Charlotte.
 
After taking over his ex-in-laws bakery, there were a few things he knew would be imperative to success.  He did not want to create a niche Colombian bakery, instead offering a broad selection of Latin cultures from Cuban pastelitos, to Mexican bread, and Argentinean empanadas.  And he believes businesses have a social responsibility to give back to the community and pay employees what they need to live in a metropolitan city.  He strives to create a culture of respect and harmony, knowing the importance of hiring people smarter than him. “I’m a very bad baker,” laughs Betancur.
 
Through the ebbs and flows of financial crises, pandemics, and life’s hardships, Betancur has continued to persist.  Failure is not an option for him.  “The American dream is still alive. What you need to do is just stand up and work hard, invest in yourself and invest in knowledge. Challenge and difficult times, they’re always going to be there.”

“Business is not about money, business is about people.”

– Manolo Betancur, Manolo’s Latin Bakery

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By |2024-06-03T10:20:35-05:00September 28th, 2021|Paper Trails, PodCasts, Season 2|0 Comments

S1E5 | “Didn’t Know the First Thing About Paper Products” Paving the Paper Trail with John & Nick

SEASON 1: EPISODE NUMBER: 5

EPISODE GUEST: John Kalogeromitros

It started as an idea…and they didn’t know the first thing about paper products.  With a small loan for inventory and a truck, these two paper pioneers set out to pave their own trail to success.

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It started as an idea. And real talk – they didn’t know the first thing about paper products. 

Growing up, cousins Nick and John’s family worked in the restaurant industry. It was John’s father who suggested they start a paper company. It seemed like a good option during the crashing economy of 2008 to start their own endeavor… so they did. 

With a small loan for inventory and a truck, these two paper pioneers set out to pave their own trail to success. 

“Businesses will grow with time and you have to learn,” Nick shares.  They have opposite approaches to business but their differences strike a balance. Nick heads up sales and John manages the inventory and warehouse. 

Are you a budding entrepreneur? Do you have a business idea but aren’t sure how to get started? Reach out. They’re happy to share their advice and hear yours.

And in the mean time, I motion to bring back Movie Monday. (9:22) It sounds like something fellow paper product salesman, Michael Scott, would have at Dunder Mifflin.

“Businesses will grow with time and you have to learn,” 

– Nick Kalogeromitros

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By |2022-03-23T13:38:58-05:00February 18th, 2020|Paper Trails, Season 1|0 Comments

S1E4 | Frank Kaltsounis Owner of Big View Diner, Ilios Noche & Ilios Crafted Greek

SEASON 1: EPISODE NUMBER: 4

EPISODE GUEST: Frank Kaltsouni

Through the ebbs and flows of financial crises, pandemics, and life’s hardships, Manolo’s Latin Bakery owner, Manolo Betancur has continued to persist and focus on people first to find business success.

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We’re back with episode 4 of the Paper Trails Podcast. This time we sit down with Frank Kaltsounis, the owner of Big View Diner, Ilios Noches, and Ilios Crafted Greek.

“You have to surround yourself with the best people and get yourself in best environment.  Even if it means sacrificing.”

– Frank Kaltsounis, owner of Big View Diner, Ilios Noche & Ilios Crafted Greek

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By |2022-03-23T13:38:59-05:00February 11th, 2020|Paper Trails, Season 1|0 Comments

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