We were lucky to catch up with Allan Saenz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Allan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights 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.

When I moved from Costa Rica to Los Alamos in 2003 with just $2,000, I never imagined I’d one day run an internet company or own an event center. I started by cleaning bikes and later volunteered at a small internet provider to learn everything I could. That led me to eventually purchase the company—now Los Alamos Network—which delivers high-speed fiber and wireless internet to over 3,000 homes and businesses across the region.

But one of the biggest risks I ever took was reopening a closed movie theater. The industry was declining, and the building had sat empty for years. Still, I saw potential—not just in the space, but in the community. I bought it and began transforming it into something completely new.

Today, that risk is SALA Los Alamos Event Center—a place where people gather for film, art, conversation, and connection. We host cultural programs, VR experiences, birthday parties, live events, and the Oppenheimer Festival, which now draws visitors from around the world.

It was a leap of faith—not just in business, but in people. And it reminded me that the biggest risks often have the greatest purpose.

Allan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Allan Saenz. I’m originally from Costa Rica and have lived in Los Alamos, New Mexico, for over 20 years. I grew up in a family that always ran small businesses, so from a young age, I witnessed both the struggles and the resilience that come with entrepreneurship. I helped wherever I could and learned early on that building something meaningful requires sacrifice, grit, and heart.

When I moved to Los Alamos in 2003 with just $2,000, I didn’t have much—but I carried that same entrepreneurial spirit. I started by cleaning bikes, then volunteered at a small local internet company to learn the ropes. After years of hard work, I had the opportunity to buy the business. Today, I run Los Alamos Network, serving over 3,000 customers across Northern New Mexico with high-speed fiber and wireless internet.

What sets us apart is that we’re deeply rooted in the community. We’re not a big corporation—we’re neighbors, problem-solvers, and partners in helping people stay connected.

My drive has always been fueled by vision. That’s why I took another big risk and bought an abandoned movie theater after the pandemic. While many saw a failing industry, I saw the chance to create a space where the community could gather, learn, and celebrate. In just two years, we transformed it into SALA Los Alamos Event Center—a home for film, VR experiences, cultural events, forums, birthday parties, and the Oppenheimer Festival.

There’s no room for failure when you believe in the people you’re serving. Every step of my journey has been guided by purpose, long-term thinking, and a belief that our community deserves spaces that connect and inspire.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’ve had to put everything on the line to build what I have. I came from a childhood shaped by hardship and a family that ran small businesses—I learned early what struggle looks like. When I moved to the U.S. with $2,000, I worked nonstop, often without pay, doing whatever it took: crawling through attics to run cables, climbing 150-foot towers in bad weather, fixing internet during snowstorms.

At times, there was no money. I faced burnout, and later went through a painful divorce while trying to hold everything together. But I never stopped. Resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about believing in the purpose behind your work, even when no one’s watching. That belief is what carried me forward, and it’s what still drives me today.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What’s helped me build my reputation is simple: trust. I do what I say I’ll do. Over the years, I’ve built real relationships—person to person, not just customer to business. People know they can count on me, whether it’s fixing their internet in a storm or stepping up to create something new for the community.

I care deeply about Los Alamos and want to see it thrive. That’s why people trust me—not just as a business owner, but as someone committed to building a better future here. My work has never been just about services; it’s about service to the people around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sala.losalamos.com
• Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/sala.losalamos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allan.saenz.18
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-saenz-60933a121/