How would you describe yourself at, say, age 10?

I was a super high-energy, happy kid with a huge imagination. My brother and I were always up for adventures.
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Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mexico City and moved to Costa Rica during middle school. I dove right into the new culture and into the outdoor world Costa Rica offered: rafting, waterfall rappelling, mountain biking…
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Sounds exhausting. How did this environment shape you?

I’m proud to be Mexican. No question, that country had a strong influence on who I am today. The Mexican people appreciate life and value humor, family, and friendship. That’s what I’m all about too.
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What early lessons did you get from your parents?

My mom’s two rules: smile and work hard. I feel like there’s a lot wrapped in those two things.
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What past work have you done that helps inform your work at VMG?

I ran corporate development and expansion for Make It Nice, a restaurant holding company for some of the world’s best restaurants. I got to really understand what went into creating and building a moat around a brand to expand and create a leading hospitality company. I then joined a young company called Common House, which builds members clubs in growth markets. I was in the trenches with a driven team riding the startup rollercoaster and learned what it takes to grow a company at that stage and push growth forward. I think the combination of these experiences has given me the ability to empathize with the challenges founders face as well as better understand the operational aspects of our investments.
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What do your entrepreneurial partners have in common?

For founders, their brand is their entire universe. Like a jeweler, they look at their “gem” from different angles, including financial, marketing and cultural perspectives. They share grit and an almost obsessive optimism that wills dreams into reality. I find these qualities contagious and exhilarating.
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How so?

When we partner with a new brand, we basically hop on the boat they’ve built and begin to row towards the same goal – this push to succeed, to accomplish the same goals and to continue creating and building on a dream is extremely exciting.
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Sounds like you found a perfect adventure.

Working hard and smiling!