Introduction and presentation by Mario Castillo
Sergio Carbonell introduces Mario Castillo, founder of MetalArte, a leading company in the signage sector in Spain. Mario anticipates that he will share his life experience as a migrant and entrepreneur, addressing the challenges and achievements on his way to success.
The beginnings in Venezuela: First steps in signage
Mario narrates his beginnings in Venezuela, working in a family business of metal carpentry and locksmithing. He explains how he began collaborating with designers, developing his skill in the manufacture of body letters and vinyl. He emphasizes that in Venezuela there was no figure of the sign maker as such, which led him to learn in a self-taught way.
Emigrating to Spain: Challenges and First Work Experiences
Mario recounts his arrival in Spain in 2014 on a student visa and the difficulty of finding a job. He shares how he worked as a sign installer for four years, travelling all over Spain and getting to know the sector in depth. He also explains how cultural and technical changes, such as millimeter measurements and differences in tool names, posed an initial challenge.
Decision to start a business: Regularization and first steps
Faced with difficulties in getting a work contract that would allow him to regularize his situation, Mario decided to become an entrepreneur. He shares how he developed a detailed business plan that included economic projections and his application for a loan with AvalMadrid, which marked the formal start of MetalArte.
Industry Innovation: Flexible Neon Specialization
Mario talks about the evolution of MetalArte and how they managed to position themselves as leaders in the manufacture of flexible second-generation neon. Since 2020, they have manufactured more than 3,000 units, learning from initial mistakes and constantly improving the quality of their products. He also comments on how innovation and experimentation have been key to differentiating themselves in the market.
Digital Marketing and Social Media: Driving Growth
Mario highlights the role of digital marketing in the growth of MetalArte. Their Instagram account, managed internally, acts as a visual catalog that attracts customers organically. In addition, he explains how they carry out specific campaigns for different products, such as corporeal letters and stickers, managing to capture the attention of potential buyers.
Training and community: Courses to promote other entrepreneurs
MetalArte has developed face-to-face and online courses to teach techniques such as flexible neon, infinite mirrors and dynamic RGB. Mario underlines how these courses have helped sign makers and people from other sectors to undertake and reinvent themselves professionally. In addition, he mentions the creation of a learning community on WhatsApp where participants share doubts and solutions.
Differences between working in Venezuela and Spain
Mario compares the technological and infrastructure differences between the two countries.
Challenges of the sector and the importance of training talent
Mario reflects on the lack of qualified personnel in the signage sector in Spain and the need to create formal training to attract and train talent. It also analyzes the technological differences between Venezuela and Spain, highlighting the advantages offered by the latter for entrepreneurship in the sector.
MetalArte's vision of the future
Mario shares his dream of turning MetalArte into a large company with advanced machinery, an extensive team and a constant capacity for innovation. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes that entrepreneurship has been a rewarding experience that motivates him to continue growing.
Closing and final reflections
Sergio thanks Mario for his participation and highlights how his story is an inspiring example for those who seek to undertake and overcome obstacles in a new country. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of perseverance and creativity on the path to success.
