My Journey
How I came to building marketplaces that connect people
It all started when I experienced Remote Working for the first time.
At the age of 25, my perspective on work was transformed after reading "The 4-hour workweek" by Tim Ferris. This book ushered me into the world of remote work. My initiation began with platforms such as Odesk, evolving through Fiverr, Upwork, and more. I adeptly navigated tools like Trello and Asana, marking a significant transition in my professional journey.
The next significant chapter involved partnering with a reputable company in Los Angeles. Together, we pioneered a staff augmentation model, demonstrating our ability to integrate diverse time zones, cultures, and work methodologies.
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I saw a trend emerge and I decided to become the Builder of my next startup.
As remote work began its meteoric rise in 2019, I saw more than just a trend; I saw a unique niche for a service marketplace tailored to the LATAM community. This realization gave birth to tudelega.com. But building an app was only a part of the puzzle. To ensure its success, I understood that attention to detail was crucial. Rather than outsourcing, I embarked on a self-taught journey, diving deep into product design nuances. Using tools like Figma, I gained expertise in prototyping, wireframing, and usability testing. The ultimate goal was crystal clear: design interfaces that were user-centric and loved by all.
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Expanding Horizons and Embracing Collaboration
As my expertise grew, I ventured into designing more advanced functional components that culminated into responsive web pages. My explorations led me to Sharetribe, a low-code marketplace framework, unveiling opportunities for global collaboration. Partnerships with adept developers from Serbia and India became pivotal milestones. In this phase, I truly understood the importance of Agile and Git methodologies, realizing that beyond technology, team dynamics and communication were the heartbeats of successful projects.
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Rising to the Challenge of a Pandemic
The pandemic was a global challenge, but in challenges, I saw opportunities. I was drawn to create something impactful, something essential. This motivation birthed a new platform, managing and overseeing more than a million COVID-19 tests across the Dominican Republic and Mexico. But it wasn't just about numbers. Feedback like “This system has simplified our process like never before” was not just a compliment; it was validation. The new platform was more than functional; it became an integral tool that helped over 100 diverse professionals collaborate in real-time.
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Rediscovering the Essence of Community
The global crisis underscored the significance of community and mental well-being. Driven by this understanding, my wife and I initiated gatherings in parks. These were not just gatherings but healing sessions that encompassed yoga, meditation, and camaraderie. The overwhelming positive response from the community paved the way for "Dialogos". More than an event, "Dialogos" was a sanctuary where individuals shared life stories, lessons, and heartwarming experiences. Each session became a beacon of hope, personal growth, and mutual respect.
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The No-Code and Low-Code Revolution
With the evolution of technology, I was introduced to the dynamic world of no-code and low-code development. My objective was ambitious yet straightforward: develop high-quality tools without the hefty price tag. My toolkit expanded to include platforms like Airtable, Notion, and Webflow. With integrations like Calendly and Stripe, I was not just building platforms; I was crafting comprehensive ecosystems with intricate workflows and seamless process automations.
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Stepping into the AI Frontier
The introduction of Chat GPT-4 was not just another tech news headline for me. It was a revelation, a new chapter. While AI presented endless opportunities, it also reaffirmed a timeless truth: in certain sectors like home services, the human touch was irreplaceable.
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A Culmination of Insights
Every experience, every project led to the inception of AyudaLocal. It's not just another marketplace. It's a unique blend of a social network and marketplace, designed with the sole purpose of enhancing community ties. Its innovative features, especially the ChatGPT-integrated chatbot via WhatsApp, set it apart, promising an enriched user experience. AyudaLocal, while initially tailored for Mexico, has a grander vision: to transcend borders and become the platform of choice for local services throughout Latin America. As momentum builds, AyudaLocal is poised for exponential growth, promising both societal benefits and lucrative prospects for potential investors.
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More about me
I’ve completed two online Computer Science courses from Harvard, a professional certificate from Meta on Front-end technologies, a Generative AI course from Microsoft and I'm on track to earn a UX Design certification from Google. My academic background also includes a Business degree from the reputable Tec de Monterrey.
I aspire to lead a balanced life, where every domain aligns harmoniously, enabling me to give my best to the world. I’m currently exploring Generative AI, the potential of audio as the next-gen computer interface, and the evolving landscape of AI Companions.
My Evergreen Aspiration
My journey, my projects, all converge to one core philosophy: empowerment. Through platforms like AyudaLocal, I am on a mission to empower individuals, allowing them to not only showcase their unique talents but also to weave genuine connections and transform their passions into rewarding careers.