We recently connected with Gonzalo Guillen and have shared our conversation below.

Gonzalo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

In my 20s, I was focused on gaining hands-on experience, building my finance, recruitment, and strategy expertise, and learning the nuances of working with C-level executives. Those years of working with multinational corporations and navigating complex markets gave me the foundation I needed to step confidently into entrepreneurship. Starting earlier would have meant missing out on that vital preparation—I honestly think it would have been a disaster. At that stage, I didn’t yet have the maturity, the network, or the understanding of what it takes to run a business in industries as dynamic as staffing, private equity, and construction.

By the time I hit my mid-30s, my business acumen was sharper, my vision was clearer, and I had the confidence to communicate and collaborate with leaders at the highest levels. That’s crucial when you’re offering solutions to companies that demand precision and value.

That said, I’m incredibly impressed with younger entrepreneurs who find their stride in their 20s. This new generation has remarkable creativity, adaptability, and technological savvy, and I find it inspiring. But for me, the timing aligned perfectly with where I was in life and my career. It gave me the tools to succeed and the perspective to stay grounded. No regrets—just gratitude for the journey and the lessons that prepared me for this chapter.

Gonzalo, 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?

I’m the CEO and Founder of HR Exchange, a staffing and recruitment firm built on a foundation of faith, family, fitness, finance, and friendship. My journey into this industry was as much serendipitous as it was fueled by a deep desire to help others. It started when I applied for a marketing role through Robert Half, and the recruiter, recognizing my potential, suggested I consider becoming a recruiter myself. That suggestion set me on a path that completely changed my life.

Before entering recruitment, I had already been helping people around me with their careers. I had rewritten a resume and prepped a friend with a DUI for job interviews, helping him land a role despite the odds. I was also helping my mom, and those experiences gave me a profound sense of fulfillment. I realized I was naturally inclined toward connecting people with opportunities.

My formal recruitment journey began as a temp office recruiter—a high-pressure role that taught me resilience and adaptability. Later, I transitioned to Ascendo Resources, where I learned how to scale a business and penetrate new markets, especially in Jacksonville. This is where the entrepreneurial spark took hold. I wanted to build something of my own, and HR Exchange was born.

Initially, HR Exchange was a lifestyle business, allowing me to prioritize my health and strength training while pursuing my professional goals. Over time, it has evolved into a dynamic, process-driven organization working with private equity firms, family offices, real estate investment trusts, and C-level executives. It’s a lot of fun and deeply rewarding to dive into complex industries like fintech, AI, insurance, and real estate development operations. Each client brings unique challenges, and we thrive on solving them.

What sets HR Exchange apart is our personalized, faith-based approach. We treat every candidate and client with the utmost respect, going the extra mile to ensure the perfect match. We create customized recruitment strategies and provide strategic guidance to candidates to prepare them for success. Unlike many firms, we offer a six-month guarantee—double the industry average—because we believe in the quality of our placements and want to give our clients peace of mind.

At HR Exchange, we don’t just fill roles; we build relationships. Whether it’s helping companies find top-tier talent or guiding candidates to life-changing opportunities, we’re committed to excellence. Looking back on this journey, I’m most proud of the values we uphold and the impact we’ve had on both individuals and businesses. For anyone considering partnering with HR Exchange, know that we’re more than a staffing firm—we’re your strategic partner, committed to your success every step of the way.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my business partner, Ruben Aguilar, at a pivotal time in my life. I was lacking a father figure and searching for mentorship—someone who could guide me not just professionally but personally as well. Ruben filled that role in ways I couldn’t have imagined. He saw something special in me and was generous in sharing his knowledge, teaching me the ins and outs of the business.

Our paths first crossed at Robert Half, where we worked together. But the story gets even more interesting: we had actually met years before through church. At the time, I had no idea how significant that connection would become. Adding another layer of serendipity, Ruben was also the inspiration for JP Ramos, the recruiter who had placed me in a role and ultimately introduced me to the world of recruitment.

Ruben’s mentorship and belief in me became the foundation of our partnership. He helped me understand the industry from a strategic perspective, showing me not just how to recruit but how to lead, connect with people, and approach challenges with faith and perseverance. Over time, we realized we shared the same values—faith, family, fitness, finance, and friendship—which became the pillars of HR Exchange.

Our partnership has been built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a deep commitment to serving others. Ruben not only gave me the mentorship I was craving but also inspired me to become a mentor myself, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Together, we’ve created a company that reflects our shared vision, and I’m grateful every day for the way our paths aligned.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Several resources have profoundly influenced my approach to management, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Here are five books that have had the most significant impact on me, shaping both my business acumen and personal philosophy:

1. “Your Next Five Moves” and “Choose Your Enemies Wisely” by Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David has been a mentor-from-afar since 2017. As an immigrant who loves this country, I relate deeply to his story and vision. What stands out to me is his strategic thinking—both books offer a blueprint for navigating business and leadership. Your Next Five Moves is about planning ahead, understanding your goals, and positioning yourself for success in the long term. Meanwhile, Choose Your Enemies Wisely highlights the importance of discerning relationships and competition in business. Patrick’s ability to break down complex strategies into actionable steps has been transformative for my growth as a leader.

A fun personal connection: Patrick named his daughter Senna after the famous Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, someone I admired growing up for his relentless pursuit of excellence and ability to push boundaries—a value I strive to emulate in business.

2. “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
This book fundamentally changed how I view the market and competition. It taught me to focus on creating a niche and defining a unique space—essentially finding a “blue ocean” where competition is irrelevant. At HR Exchange, this strategy translates into offering tailored recruitment solutions and an exceptional candidate experience in a way that stands out in a saturated staffing industry.

3. “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara
This book has been a game-changer for how I think about client experience. It emphasizes creating memorable moments and going above and beyond for your customers. In recruitment, the experience you provide—whether to clients or candidates—sets you apart. The lessons from Unreasonable Hospitality have shaped the way HR Exchange delivers not just placements but partnerships that leave a lasting impact.

4. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius
This classic work of Stoic philosophy helps me stay grounded and focused. As an entrepreneur, challenges come daily, and Meditations reminds me to focus on what I can control, maintain perspective, and lead with integrity. It’s also a deeply personal book for me, as I gifted it to my girlfriend, Maria. The timeless wisdom in its pages continues to guide my decisions, both in life and business.

These books have helped me refine my strategic thinking, leadership approach, and client relationships. Together, they provide a roadmap for building not just a successful business but also a meaningful life. For anyone looking to grow personally or professionally, I couldn’t recommend them more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hrxstaffing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gonzalo.hrx/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-a-guillen-52024250/
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-exchangestaffing/

Image Credits

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