Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Catalina & Jonathan Cadiz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Catalina & Jonathan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The journey to launching our business started, as many do, with a dream and a vision – but turning that vision into reality required significant planning, resources, and determination. The first major step was securing the investment to make it happen. We knew that if we wanted to create something truly impactful, we had to start with the right foundation. This meant purchasing the necessary machinery, sourcing reliable suppliers, and finding the perfect location to set up our operations.

We rented our space in August if I remember right, but the process of setting everything up took several months. During that time, we created the company, came up with the logo and corporate image, handled the banking documents, and activated the permits we needed to sell. It was a whirlwind of logistics: coordinating deliveries, installing equipment, and hiring staff to ensure we could deliver the quality we envisioned. Finally, in December, after months of preparation and countless late nights, we were ready to open our doors. It wasn’t an easy road, but each step taught us the value of perseverance and careful planning – lessons that continue to guide us as we grow.

Catalina & Jonathan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started in this industry when I was 22 years old, back in my university days in Chile. It all began with a simple idea: helping businesses bring their visions to life through quality graphic solutions. One of my first steps was going to an interview for a project where I realized how much I enjoyed not only the creative process but also the challenge of solving practical problems for businesses. Over the years, I’ve developed my skills and grown within this field, and when my wife joined me, we became a stronger team.

Today, we focus on solving the graphic needs of companies, offering everything from branding and promotional materials to customized solutions for their business goals. What sets us apart is not just the quality of our products but also our ability to guide clients based on our over 17 years of experience. We don’t just sell products – we suggest what will truly work for their businesses. Our fast turnaround times and attention to detail are two things we’re incredibly proud of, and they’re what our clients value the most. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: invest in quality and trust experts who genuinely care about your success. That’s what we strive to do every day.

Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.

Yes, we’ve sold businesses before, and each experience taught us valuable lessons. We sold our graphic agency in Chile, which is the same business we’ve now relaunched and expanded in the U.S. The sale process was relatively smooth because we had a clear structure, reliable systems, and a strong reputation of 17 years. A friend who was interested in the business approached us, so we walked him through everything – from the operations to the know-how – ensuring a seamless transition. He was thrilled to acquire a thriving business on our country.

Catalina also sold a business she started in university: a line of custom jackets that were highly exclusive and popular in Chile at the time. She had a great run with it, offering unique pieces at premium prices, but decided to move on to focus on new ventures. The key takeaway from both sales is that having a well-organized business with clear processes and strong client relationships makes it more attractive to buyers. If you’re considering selling a business, my advice is to focus on building value beyond just profits – systems, branding, and goodwill can make all the difference.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

We met in the city of Chillan, Chile, through her cousin, who happened to be my lawyer at the time. I was just starting a project to open a bar, and Catalina was in university pursuing her degree in economics and business. Our shared interests made us click instantly. I had studied accounting, so we were naturally aligned when it came to discussing ideas and problem-solving.

One day, I was driving her cousin and we pick her up at her house, and when I saw her, I was immediately drawn to her. I asked for her number and invited her to support me with the bar project. She agreed, and we started working together. Over time, our professional partnership turned into something more. Now, after more than 8 years of working side by side, we’ve built a life and a business together – and we’re happily married. It’s been an incredible journey, both professionally and personally, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner in business and life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.canvas-advertising.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canvas.advertising
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canvasadvertising
• Other: TIKTOK

  https://www.tiktok.com/@canvas.advertising

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