Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Pagan.
Hi Carlos, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In the wake of Hurricane Maria in September 2017, my family and I faced a life-altering decision to relocate to the United States. The journey led us to Jacksonville in February 2018, where the initial challenges were formidable. Our struggle was palpable without local family or friends and with my daughters unfamiliar with the English language. Yet, we confronted these obstacles head-on, uniting as a family to overcome adversity. Amidst this acclimatization, I discerned a profound opportunity for the Hispanic community in Jacksonville—a chance to contribute to the workforce and act as a new revenue stream for all-American businesses. This realization ignited a vision: I aspired to become the bridge connecting American enterprises with the Hispanic community. Thus, Vibe Multimedia LLC, my marketing agency, was born.
We specialize in crafting Hispanic creatives tailored to American businesses’ needs. Our journey included collaborations with major corporations such as the United States Census and Mayo Clinic and ongoing partnerships with the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Along this path, fate introduced me to iHeartMedia, where my Hispanic expertise converged with extensive data and research, exponentially expanding my knowledge in the field. Today, I proudly position myself as a trusted resource for numerous companies seeking a media consultant. Jacksonville, witnessing an influx of 1,000 Hispanics each month, inspired me to address the crucial information gap they face—employment opportunities, sources for Hispanic ingredients, and guidance on purchasing vehicles, homes, or motorcycles. It’s a mutually beneficial scenario, as I firmly believe that merely translating a document via Google is insufficient when conveying a message. Cultural nuances must be understood and overcome to achieve our collective goals. Now deeply engaged with all the Hispanic chambers of commerce in the city and actively participating in networking events, I am fervently dedicated to providing resources to the Hispanic community. In doing so, I bring forth new revenue streams for American businesses. Consider this: How does a Hispanic individual needing a job, a car, or a house discover the perfect match? It’s about creating connections and breaking down cultural barriers. As our city welcomes a thousand new Hispanics monthly, I am proud to play a pivotal role in fostering understand
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
When I decided that I was going to start the marketing agency (Vibe Multimedia LLC) I was determined but had no money to do it. I found out that you could get paid by donating plasma. So I started doing that and saving that money. Some times I took a bus, and walk if I didn’t had a ride. I donated plasma 2 times a week for around 8 or 9 months. Then I had enough money to pay for the LLC fees, registrations, website, etc. So literally Vibe Multimedia is the result of my “Blood, Sweat and Tears”.
In the face of adversity, our family’s journey was far from smooth. We arrived here weary, having endured months without electricity and phones, facing job and food crises triggered by the relentless hurricane. Jacksonville became both the backdrop and the battleground where resilience defined us. My wife and I, tired but undeterred, shouldered the responsibility of earning a living and navigating the unfamiliar waters of a new educational system for our daughters. After the workday, our evenings were transformed into makeshift classrooms, where we translated every line of our daughters’ homework to bridge the language gap. At ages 11 and 12, they couldn’t freely communicate at school, yet we persisted. Starting with nothing – no car, no money, a cramped one-bedroom apartment for a family of four – we faced the daily grind. I traversed a 30-minute walk to a factory job, worked ten hours, and retraced my steps home.
Meanwhile, my wife tackled the intricacies of the JTA system after securing a position as a phone operator at the DCF. Yet, our family emerged triumphant from the depths of those challenging beginnings. Fast forward two years and both of our daughters were recognized as students of the year. We transcended the initial struggles, progressing from a humble apartment to homeownership in 2021. Along the way, I became a leadership coach, entrepreneur, media consultant, and fervent advocate for the Hispanic community. Our story is a testament to the unwavering spirit that propels us to overcome hurdles, transform challenges into opportunities, and emerge stronger on the other side. Through determination and resilience, we turned adversity into a foundation for success, proving that even the most daunting obstacles can be conquered with perseverance. And this is only the beginning!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a highly skilled marketing expert specializing in understanding and leveraging Hispanic culture. My expertise lies in building strong relationships and delivering exceptional customer service. I am known for my proficiency in identifying and cultivating partnerships between businesses and the community, ensuring effective communication and client satisfaction. I take pride in bridging the gap between businesses and the Hispanic community, creating mutually beneficial relationships. My deep understanding of marketing trends, social media, and business development allows me to craft strategies that resonate with the target audience while achieving business objectives. My unique blend of marketing acumen and cultural insight sets me apart from others. By tailoring my approach to the specific needs and preferences of the Hispanic community, I bring a distinctive and practical perspective to my marketing strategies. This combination sets me apart and positions me as a valuable asset in marketing, media, and business development. I also work with nonprofits like St. Jude, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Jacksonville Sister Cities Association. One notable achievement I am particularly proud of is my successful track record in facilitating partnerships that drive business growth and contribute positively to the community. Whether through media collaborations, fundraising efforts, or innovative marketing campaigns, I consistently demonstrate my ability to make a meaningful impact in both the business and cultural spheres.
In summary, I am a marketing expert known for my specialization in Hispanic culture, ability to build strong relationships, and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. My unique approach, informed by a deep understanding of marketing trends and cultural nuances, sets me apart.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
The “Luck” element played a role in our relocation to Jacksonville. At our decision-making time, the potential destination was open-ended, devoid of any predetermined state or city. Remarkably, Jacksonville emerged as our chosen city, currently undergoing a significant demographic shift from predominantly American to notably diverse, with Hispanics assuming a prominent role. I didn’t know this at the moment, and it was a critical factor in my development in the city. This transformation strategically positions me as a high-value asset for any company operating in the town.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iheartmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlospaganpr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlos.pagan.iheart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlospagan/
