We recently connected with Gilda Mitat-del valle and have shared our conversation below.
Gilda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Embracing the Uncharted: The Entrepreneurial Journey of a Former Military Hospital Corpsman In the vast tapestry of human experience, the act of taking a risk can either be a footnote or the very crux of one’s life story. For some, like a former military hospital corpsman turned entrepreneur, risk-taking is the leitmotif that weaves through the narrative of their life, defining their path and shaping their destiny. This is the story of a person whose life has been a series of calculated leaps into the unknown, each one propelling them further into realms they had never imagined they could reach.
Born into a family with a history of bold decisions, including the monumental one of immigrating from Cuba to the United States, the seeds of daring were sown early. The small town they called home could not contain their burgeoning aspirations. Inspired by their parents’ audacity, they saw the military not just as a call to serve but as a gateway to the world beyond their familiar horizons. Joining the military, they embarked on a journey that would expand their worldview and introduce them to their passion for healthcare, a field they gravitated towards while serving as a hospital corpsman.
Upon leaving the military, the pursuit of a career in healthcare seemed like the natural next step, given their background and interests. However, life, as it often does, presented an unexpected detour. While temping at Duty-Free World and actively seeking a permanent position in healthcare, they were offered a full-time role with a promise of mentorship in business—a field far removed from their experience and comfort zone. In a decision that echoes the familial legacy of risk-taking, they chose to embrace this opportunity, thereby setting the stage for a remarkable journey in the business world.
The subsequent five years were transformative, exceeding the initial commitment of three years and culminating in reaching the highest position possible within the company. Yet, the horizon of their ambition kept expanding. Leaving the security of a familiar job for a role at Burger King as a sales, profit, and operations coach, they once again ventured into new territory. This leap was not just a career change but a geographical one as well, moving to San Antonio for the position. Although their tenure with Burger King was relatively short-lived, it was a pivotal chapter that led to the realization of the entrepreneurial potential San Antonio held.
In 2017, the entrepreneurial spirit took a definitive shape with the launch of two businesses, including CBD Relief. CBD Relief, more than just a venture, became a mission to provide education and support through certified CBD coaching, distinguishing itself from the typical smoke shop model. This commitment to offering value and expertise set the foundation for a trusted community presence in San Antonio.
The narrative took another intriguing turn with the pivot of their consulting company during the COVID-19 pandemic to acquire a farmers market facing closure. Recognizing the essential status of farmers markets during the pandemic, they seized the opportunity to rebrand and revamp the Bandera Pointe Artisan Market into the Bandera Market. This decision not only saved the market but propelled it to unprecedented success, growing the vendor count exponentially and serving as a testament to the power of vision and adaptability in the face of adversity.
However, with success came saturation, and in the summer of 2022, the decision was made to close the market. Yet, in true entrepreneurial spirit, this end was merely a segue into another beginning—the development of Market DR, a software solution designed to streamline and enhance the farmers market and event coordination experience. Market DR represents the culmination of lessons learned, challenges overcome, and the continuous pursuit of innovation.
From the military to healthcare, and from there to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, this journey is a compelling narrative of risk-taking, resilience, and relentless pursuit of growth. It underscores the belief that the paths less traveled, though fraught with uncertainty, hold the promise of discovery and the potential for greatness. This story is not just about the risks taken but about the doors they opened, the horizons they expanded, and the indelible mark left on the landscape of business and community service.
User
Okay this is an article about Gilda Mitat-Del Valle please use my name and make it more personal. Also use another word other than leitmotif. I owrked for burker king for 5 years before moving to texas. USe risk as the central core of the aritcle/ and tie it back toeven though its corny- you must take rrisks in life to move forward
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The Risk-Taker’s Path: Gilda Mitat-Del Valle’s Journey of Discovery and Growth
In every life story marked by significant achievement and personal growth, there’s a central theme that drives the narrative forward. For Gilda Mitat-Del Valle, that theme is risk. Throughout her life, Gilda has not just encountered risks; she has embraced them, turning uncertainty into opportunity and challenge into triumph. Her journey is a testament to the belief that to move forward, one must be willing to take risks, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Gilda’s story begins with a heritage of bravery and boldness, rooted in the history of her parents who took the ultimate gamble by moving from Cuba to the United States. This legacy of courage inspired Gilda to seek beyond the familiar confines of her hometown, leading her to the military. The military was not just a career choice; it was her passage to the world, her bridge to new horizons much like her parents’ journey years before. As a hospital corpsman, Gilda discovered her passion for healthcare, a field she was drawn to through various roles in dental and doctor’s offices before her military service.
After her military tenure, Gilda’s path seemed destined for healthcare. Yet, the universe had other plans. While temporarily working at Duty-Free World, waiting for the right opportunity in healthcare to come along, Gilda was presented with an unexpected proposition: a full-time role outside her field of expertise, with the promise of a business education from scratch. This was her crossroads, and in choosing the road less traveled by committing not just three but five transformative years, Gilda found herself on a remarkable journey of learning and leadership.
Gilda’s tenure at Burger King, far from being a brief interlude, spanned five years of growth and learning before she made the bold decision to relocate to Texas. This move was not just a change of scenery but a leap into a new life chapter. San Antonio offered more than a new job; it presented a canvas for Gilda’s entrepreneurial spirit. Here, she took one of her most significant risks: leaving the security of her job to venture into the world of business ownership.
In 2017, Gilda’s entrepreneurial journey took shape with the launch of two businesses, including CBD Relief. CBD Relief was more than a venture; it was a mission to change the narrative around CBD, providing educated coaching and personalized services. This endeavor wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating a community cornerstone that offered guidance, support, and education on CBD, setting CBD Relief apart in the wellness sector.
The pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic to take over a farmers market facing closure due to the pandemic was another bold move. By transforming the Bandera Pointe Artisan Market into the Bandera Market, Gilda not only salvaged an essential community resource but also turned it into a thriving hub for local vendors and artisans. This risk, fueled by vision and determination, showcased Gilda’s ability to see opportunity in adversity and her commitment to serving her community.
As the Bandera Market chapter came to a close, Gilda was already looking to the future with the development of Market DR. This innovative software platform is a culmination of all the lessons learned and challenges faced, a tool designed to empower other entrepreneurs and market coordinators.
Gilda Mitat-Del Valle’s story is a powerful reminder that risks are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for growth, learning, and discovery. Her journey from the military to entrepreneurship embodies the essence of moving forward in life—embracing the unknown, making bold choices, and never letting the fear of failure overshadow the potential for success. It’s a narrative that resonates with anyone who understands that to truly live, one must be willing to take risks.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Introducing Gilda Mitat-Del Valle: A Pioneer in Wellness and Innovation
I am Gilda Mitat-Del Valle, an entrepreneur with a rich background that spans over 27 years in operations, both domestic and international, with a specific emphasis on sales, profit, and operations. My journey into entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in my experiences and expertise in these areas, combined with a profound commitment to health and wellness. Alongside my partner, who brings occupational therapy insights into our business, I have ventured into creating solutions that not only meet a wide range of needs but also make a significant impact on people’s lives. This collaborative approach has led to the establishment of Wellness Wagon by CBD Relief and the development of Market Dr, initiatives that stand at the intersection of healthcare, wellness, and technology.
Wellness Wagon by CBD Relief is a testament to our dedication to improving health and wellness through innovative means. Located at 11627 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78250, we specialize in CBD coaching, offering personalized guidance to help individuals understand and leverage the benefits of CBD products. Our services extend to same-day home delivery, veteran discounts, and a comprehensive loyalty program, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and appreciation for those who have served. Being hospital corpsman-owned and combining our operational expertise with occupational therapy insights, we provide a level of care and professionalism that sets us apart in the wellness industry. For more information, visit our website at www.cbdrelief.care or 210-366-4380 (call or text).
Market Dr is a reflection of our forward-thinking and problem-solving ethos. This soon-to-launch software is designed to revolutionize the management of events and farmers markets, addressing the challenges of coordination, vendor management, and fraud prevention. Drawing from our direct experiences and the lessons learned from operating the Bandera Market, Market Dr aims to provide a comprehensive solution that enhances efficiency, transparency, and community engagement in the market scene. Keep an eye on its development at www.marketdr.com or 740-563-2274.
What distinguishes my ventures is not solely the products and services we offer but the foundational values and approach we embody. My mission is to enact positive change, whether through the healing potentials of CBD or by empowering local markets and vendors with innovative tools. I am most proud of the tangible differences we’ve made in the lives of our clients and the broader community, witnessing the growth, wellness, and opportunities we’ve fostered.
To our prospective clients, followers, and supporters, know that our work is propelled by a drive for excellence, innovation, and genuine care. Whether you’re exploring the benefits of CBD, seeking quality wellness products, or a vendor aspiring for greater market engagement, our businesses are designed to support and elevate your journey. We are committed to delivering solutions that not only address immediate needs but also contribute to a healthier, more connected, and thriving community.
At the heart of my entrepreneurial path is a vision to blend operational expertise with a passion for wellness, creating ventures that are both impactful and enduring. As we look to the future, I invite you to join us in this mission to enhance health, support local economies, and introduce innovative solutions that resonate with the challenges and aspirations of our times.
Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?
The Strategic Acquisition of Bandera Artisan Market: A Lesson in Opportunity and Timing The decision to purchase a business is never taken lightly, especially under the shadow of a global pandemic. However, for an entrepreneur like myself, Gilda Mitat-Del Valle, the early days of COVID-19 presented a unique opportunity that aligned perfectly with both my strategic vision and my commitment to community engagement. This opportunity came in the form of the Bandera Artisan Market, a local market on the brink of closure as businesses worldwide were shutting down in March 2020.
The market’s imminent closure was not just a sign of the times but a potential opening for a new beginning. Recognizing the value of what the market represented—the community it served, the vendors it supported, and the potential it held—I approached the owner. My timing was critical; the owner was facing the burden of rent for the month, coupled with the requirement to give a 30-day notice. This pressure point presented a negotiation advantage.
I could have started a market from scratch and called it Bandera Market, but what I sought was more than just a name. I aimed to acquire the existing market’s digital footprint and vendor relationships. The social media pages and, most crucially, the Google page, although not densely populated with followers, were vital assets that would provide a running start for the rebranded market. Furthermore, the vendor list was a goldmine, representing established relationships that I intended to nurture and grow. Part of the negotiation included an agreement with the previous owner to not contact these vendors for five years, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity for the market’s stakeholders.
The acquisition process was straightforward yet strategic. I made an offer that the owner could hardly refuse, given his limited options: face the financial strain of closing without any relief or sell to me and walk away without the burden of debt. This decision was made easier by the fact that I was interested only in the market’s assets, not its liabilities. It was a win-win situation forged out of a challenging time.
The aftermath of the acquisition proved the importance of acquiring assets without assuming liabilities. Creditors did approach us, but the clear terms of the purchase protected us, placing us in a favorable position to rebuild and grow the market without the shadow of previous debts.
This experience underlines a crucial lesson in business acquisitions: the importance of timing, strategic thinking, and a clear understanding of what you are buying. It also highlights the significance of assets over liabilities, a principle that ensured we were not just acquiring a business but setting the stage for its success and expansion. The rebranded Bandera Market flourished beyond our expectations, growing from an average of 20 vendors to 120 on our busiest weekends. This growth was not just a testament to the strategic acquisition but to the power of vision, timing, and the ability to see opportunity where others saw closure.
In the world of entrepreneurship, the story of acquiring the Bandera Artisan Market is a compelling example of how calculated risks, combined with a clear strategy, can transform challenges into thriving opportunities. It’s a narrative that I am proud to share, not just as a business achievement, but as a testament to the resilience and potential of community-focused ventures, even in the face of global uncertainty.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Navigating Change: The Strategic Pivot of Gilda Mitat-Del Valle In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, adaptability is not just a skill—it’s a survival mechanism. My journey with the Bandera Market serves as a poignant testament to this truth, highlighting a period of significant challenge, adaptation, and ultimately, strategic pivot that reshaped my business landscape.
The Bandera Market, under my stewardship, experienced unprecedented growth and popularity. However, success, especially when rapid, can bring its own set of challenges. The shopping center that once welcomed the influx of visitors during the uncertain times of COVID-19, found the booming business a cause for concern rather than celebration. In an unforeseen turn of events, they decided that our bustling market was too much for the space, leading to our eviction—a decision that seemed counterintuitive given our contribution to the local community and economy.
Compounding this setback was the betrayal by some vendors we had nurtured and supported. These individuals, leveraging inside information and relationships built through the market, negotiated a deal with the shopping center to continue a market at the same location, promising to keep it to a modest size of 20 vendors. Their actions not only undercut our efforts but also sowed confusion among our loyal customers and vendors. The new coordinators further muddled the situation by misleadingly claiming that Bandera Market had closed, even though we had merely relocated.
The confusion was exacerbated by the deliberate misinformation spread by the new market’s owner, claiming to be the Bandera Market. This deception, combined with acts of sabotage like stealing our promotional signs, could have been a death knell for many businesses. However, I viewed these challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as indicators that it was time to pivot.
The concept of pivoting had always been part of my entrepreneurial philosophy, understanding that change is not only inevitable but also an opportunity for growth. This belief was fortuitously timed with the development of Market Dr, a project I had been nurturing for two years. With the physical market space no longer viable due to external pressures and a personal injury that limited my mobility, the decision to focus on CBD Relief and Market Dr became not just a choice but a necessity.
The pivot was multifaceted. While continuing to develop Market Dr, a robust event and farmers market management software, I also transformed www.banderamarket.com. The site, originally intended to support the physical Bandera Market, was repurposed into an online vendor shopping space. This transition allowed us to maintain our commitment to supporting local vendors, providing them with a platform for backlinks and online sales, even as we moved away from managing a physical market space.
This strategic pivot was not merely a response to adversity but a proactive step towards a new vision. It underscored the importance of resilience, the value of flexibility in business strategy, and the power of innovation. The transition allowed me to focus on areas where I could make the most impact, leveraging my expertise in operations and my passion for wellness through CBD Relief, while also bringing to life Market Dr, which promises to revolutionize the way markets and events are managed.
The story of this pivot is a reminder that in business, as in life, the ability to adapt and transform in the face of change is crucial. It’s about recognizing when the currents are shifting and having the courage to navigate new paths. For me, pivoting was not just about salvaging a situation but about embracing the opportunity to redefine my entrepreneurial journey, proving that with resilience and adaptability, every setback can be a setup for a comeback.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cbdrelief.care
- Instagram: cbdrelief.care
- Facebook: CBDreliefcare
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gildamitat/