Juan Ramón is
Winner of the 2009 YBI Entrepreneur of the Year
competition.
More on the competition.
"In order to progress you
just have to want it."
Juan Ramón
Nuñez
Juan Ramón Nuñez:
The Light of Sound, Argentina
Supported by: Fundación Impulsar
At 34, Juan Ramón Nuñez has overcome many obstacles
in his life, but with his own strength and determination and
Fundación Impulsar’s help, he was able to achieve his twin dreams
of starting a community radio station and owning his own sound and
lighting business.
Juan Ramón has struggled with being orphaned
at a young age, losing his first wife and developing heart
problems. Saddled with expensive medical bills and with no job
prospects Juan Ramón was forced to live with his
young family in one of the most dangerous areas of Buenos
Aires.
For four years, Juan Ramón saved every penny he
could and was eventually able to set up a radio station to serve
the local community, FM Radio La Milagrosa.
Juan Ramón also set up an enterprise offering
electronic services for parties and other events but, unable to
afford his own equipment, the business struggled. A loan and mentor
from Fundación Impulsar allowed him to relaunch his company, The
Light of Sound, and make it a success.
Both of Juan Ramón’s enterprises have a social
responsibility aspect. He hosts a radio programme that collects
funds so poor children can obtain medical treatment, and he helps
another institution “La Buena Voluntad” by sending foodstuffs to
poverty-stricken areas.
Having been supported by Fundación Impulsar, he became an
important advocate of the cause and he has appeared on TV where he
talked about his experience as an entrepreneur and the opportunity
Fundación Impulsar gave him.
Juan Ramón feels that the business has huge
potential for growth and he is putting back the profits into the
business to fund his expansion plans. The most important thing for
Juan Ramón, however, is that social responsibility
remains central to all his endeavours.
More about the Entrepreneur of the
Year Award 2009