Business View Caribbean | Volume 8, Issue 8

74 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 natural evolution, even in an industry sector that is typically male-dominated. Rivera started as Controller, then became General Manager, and while in that role did the Manager’s buyout. She recounts, “We worked in the company, we knew the business, and we believe it was a great move. We learned a lot in the process. We always performed as an owner anyway, previous to our purchase. To be honest, it’s the same as far as time dedication. But the responsibility is no longer shared and it is all on your shoulders; you have to make the decision and take the leap of faith. We have to have a connection between the mind and the heart, if those are not aligned, it’s very difficult to reach your goals. With the mind and heart working together, you can put in the passion that is needed. Being an entrepreneur is not easy, and you have to really want it to pursue.” Danosa Caribbean is based in Bayamón, Puerto Rico with over 120,000 square feet of total operating and warehouse space in three locations. One houses the main plant and warehouse, nearby is another warehouse, and a third warehouse is on the western part of the island. The machinery is fully automated and runs with few people. In 1999/2000, the company changed all the production lines, and every year they bring in more automation and innovation with a goal of increasing efficiency. Rivera notes, “Operational costs in general are getting higher, so to keep competitive you have to innovate. We’re very selective, we’re enthused with it, and we’re always looking at how to bring more innovation within our operation.” Since they manufacture, and have installers that only install exclusively Danosa products, the company has about 1800 direct and indirect employees – a key provider of jobs in the region. Along with a line of 32 products, they private label products for third parties. The main territory is Puerto Rico, followed by the Dominican Republic, as well as most of the Caribbean islands. us a little proud.” Rivera believes Puerto Rico was ready for a change; the suppliers, the clients, the employees, everyone was on board and happy for Danosa Caribbean to become a wholly-owned Puerto Rican company. And they put their words into action. Since then, the business has grown every single year, except for 2020 after the pandemic hit, which remained the same as 2019 though they were closed for 3 months. “During those three months we had a backlog, but we were closed down; we couldn’t continue manufacturing, nobody could go out to do work – thus sales were totally detained. Ending up the same as far as sales and effectiveness of operations is an extraordinarily good sign in dire times,” says Rivera. Her rise in status within the company was a