We recently connected with Sandra Atiles-tyrrell and have shared our conversation below.

Sandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were to start over today, I would be more decisive. When I first had the idea to start my business, I hesitated far too often, wondering when the “right time” would be to take the leap. A big part of that hesitation came from the uncertainty of leaving a job I loved and was successful in. The security of a steady income versus the financial unpredictability of entrepreneurship weighed heavily on me.

Additionally, I had seen how poor management could lead to the downfall of a business, and I was afraid of repeating those mistakes. I also allowed external factors, like the opinions of others, to cloud my judgment and create self-doubt about leaving stability to build something from scratch.

Thankfully, I have an incredibly supportive husband who believed in my vision and encouraged me to take the leap and helped me make it a reality, as well as friends who motivated me as well. Looking back, I wish I had trusted myself more and started sooner. I already had deep knowledge of the industry and confidence in the business model’s viability—I just needed to believe in my own potential.

If I could do it all over again, I would remind myself that waiting for the “perfect” moment only delays the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a proud Latina, born and raised in beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico. I found my first grown up job with UPS at the age of 19. I started in customer service and worked my way to a part time supervisory position at the hub. It was without a doubt a tough job, but it gave me the experience I would need in my future roles with Grainger, GE, and as lastly as a manufacturer representative.
My professional journey truly took shape during my time at WW Grainger, an important chapter in my career. Starting in the warehouse and advancing to inside sales, I ultimately took on the challenge of relocating to Tampa as an outside sales representative for government accounts. This role not only built my confidence and expanded my network but also allowed me to develop a strong understanding of government procurement and client relationship management. This is where I got the idea to start my business of being a resource for industrial supplies to Government agencies.
I further sharpened my skills at GE Lighting, gaining valuable insight into manufacturing, technology, and leadership, and continued my growth in the lighting industry as a manufacturer representative seller with Coresential and Affiliated Lighting and Controls.
Motivated by a lifelong dream of entrepreneurship and supported by my husband Kevin, I founded SAT Industrial Supplies & Solutions. Based in Tampa, our certified Woman-Owned, Minority-Owned Small Business is dedicated to providing industrial supplies to government entities with exceptional service and competitive pricing.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation is built on three key principles: ethics, resourcefulness, and responsiveness. As a tenured field seller, I established a track record of always doing what’s right for my customers. Early in my career, I learned that people buy from people they like… trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. People may have had countless options for purchasing the products I sold, but I worked hard to stand out by earning their trust.

I made it a point to always be available—answering calls even after business hours—and provided added value by introducing customers to the latest products and technologies from the manufacturers I represented.

Now, as a business owner, I carry these same principles forward. My focus remains on building strong relationships, delivering exceptional service, and offering solutions that customers can rely on. It’s this commitment that I believe sets SAT Solutions apart in the market.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most challenging times in my life was when I moved to Florida from Puerto Rico. I was working for Grainger at the time, and they had an opening for an Account Manager position in Tampa. I interviewed in September 2007 and, by October, I had packed up my entire life and moved. In just one month, everything changed—I left behind my family, my friends, and the only place I’d ever known to start fresh in a city I’d never been to.

I still remember the nerves I felt signing a lease for an apartment I had only seen online. The first time I walked into that apartment was the day I arrived in Tampa. It was overwhelming and emotional, but I kept telling myself, “You’re not the first person to make a move like this, and you won’t be the last.” It was a leap of faith, and I leaned on my belief that God would guide me through it.

Adjusting to the job was another hurdle. Back then, there were no smartphones or navigation apps to rely on. Every morning, I’d print directions from MapQuest, and heaven help me if there was construction or a road closure. I got lost more times than I can count, but funny enough, that’s how I learned my way around Tampa. Those first few months were tough, but they also taught me that sometimes, getting lost is the best way to find your footing.

Looking back now, I don’t know how I did it. But I know I couldn’t have done it alone. My family and friends back home were my lifeline, and the new friends I made in Tampa welcomed me like I was part of their family. That support made all the difference.

Moving to Tampa was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also one of the most rewarding. It taught me that resilience is about taking that scary first step and trusting that, even if the path isn’t clear, you’ll figure it out along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://satindustrialsolutions.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-atiles-tyrrell-mba-2633a751

Image Credits

Jon Montis Photography
Maria Parrilla Photography