Ricardo Rezk’s Advice for Immigrant Entrepreneurs

“I knew how to react quickly and live with a situation that was changing all the time.”

Q. What are the advantages to being an entrepreneur in the U.S. rather than in Argentina?

A. There’s much less bureaucracy.

My sister runs a small business in Italy and she had to fill out dozens of forms to open her store. Even in New York, where there’s a lot of red tape, it is much better than that.

Q. What advantages do you have being an immigrant?

A. Growing up in Argentina, I learned how to deal with hyperinflation and a very adverse economic environment.

I remember I would buy candy at school during the first recess, because later on the same day it would be more expensive. But you had to be very nimble too, and to act swiftly. When I came here, I realized I had an advantage. I knew how to react quickly and live with a situation that was changing all the time.

The fact that I spoke more than one language was also helpful.

It’s much easier to communicate with my buyers, suppliers, employees, many of whom speak Spanish.

Q. What advice do you have for an immigrant thinking about becoming an entrepreneur?

A. You need to plan, plan, plan.
Write a business plan. But also be prepared for it to change. You need to be flexible.

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