Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Benzaquen.
Hi Jorge, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the United States at the age of 10. Son and grandson to business owners and entrepreneurs that lost everything due to the state of the country. My mother (single mother of 4 kids) brought us here seeking a better future for her kids. She sacrificed a lot and I witness firsthand what hard work and determination looked like. I knew as a young boy I could not let her down. I also knew I wanted to be a business owner one day, but at the time I thought it was too risky. I took a safe path of going to school and graduating as a Mechanical Engineer. Once I felt stable financially, I started investing in Real Estate which has taught me many lessons and allowed me to feel more comfortable pursuing my dream of owning a business here in Orlando, FL my home for the past 20+ years. I have an amazing family. My Partner Lindsey Brennan, my Son Maverick Leon Benzaquen, and my beautiful and very smart dog, Willow Bee (which inspired the name of the business).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There has been many obstacles that I’m having to overcome throughout my journey of opening this business. Most notably, is the city permit and inspection process. It’s been almost a showstopper. A change of use clause in the process inundated the business and has held it up from opening by 3 months and counting.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Full-time, I work as a Program Manager for a local Aerospace company. I’ve always had a talent to see the big picture of a project to appropriately lead a team. I’ve worked on 14+ different programs and in several different functions. I’m known for my ability to understand the technical side of a program which allows me to lead more effectively. I’m most proud of my ability to adapt to any role within any program at a record pace.
Part-time, I’m an entrepreneur. I enjoy the journey of figuring out a solution to a problem or need. I’m also very family-oriented and when family needs help, I always make it a priority to help. That’s how Willow Bee Suites started. My mother was being pushed out of her massage therapy suite due to rents increasing at an exponential rate and I wanted to help her find a stable and comfortable place to run her practice. I partnered up with her business (ATherapist) and started Willow Bee Suites.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe this industry is very stable. It survived a pandemic and because of it, it only became stronger. Most cosmetologist and massage therapist want to run their own business at some point in their career. Salon Suites offers the benefits of salon ownership without the high stress and initial investment. This allows licensed professionals to focus on giving their clients individualized attention. I would not be surprised if this industry doubled within the next 10 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: WillowBeeSuites.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/willowbeesuites?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Other: https://goo.gl/maps/brixGQCAGg75Y3n56
