Meet Omar Negron who used his entrepreneurial skills to better people’s lives around him
Many of us wonder that running a business or being an entrepreneur is a skill that people are born with. But that is wrong. Anybody can be an entrepreneur and all you need to have is a sheer will to turn your million-dollar idea into action despite all the challenges one may face on this roller coaster ride. And I am just not writing glittery shimmery lines from my pocket but have Omar Negron’ story to prove it. Omar Negron runs a startup named ‘Remora’ which provides Puerto Rico with clean and filtered water.
So what does it take to be an entrepreneur and be your boss?
First, you need to be creative and look for opportunities during times of adversity. You can’t be cribbing about problems, leave that to others, you have to look for solutions. That is how you become different from the rest of the crowd.
Secondly, being an entrepreneur is not like eating a cake, one has to work hard also one must be ready to take risks that come along with running a business.
And lastly, one must be a passionate long-time learner. Once a person stops learning his/her business begins to contract.
Key takeaways from the interview:
- His inspiration to begin this start-up
- Challenges faced by him
- How he manages a start-up while still in college
Interview
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Omar Negron Ocasio, I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I recently graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras with a major in Accounting and Human Resources. From a very young age I emerged into the entrepreneurship world, my parents started multiple businesses that sadly failed within the first years of operations. Since then, I have always had a passion for creating new solutions for people and using entrepreneurship as a key to change the status quo. My favorite hobbies are wine night with friends, traveling, spending time outdoors, watching Rupaul’s Drag Race, and discovering new Netflix tv shows.
What inspired you to begin this start-up?
Back in 2017, after Hurricane Maria’s impact in Puerto Rico, I spent more than five months without water which motivated me to create Remora. A social enterprise dedicated to providing clean and potable water to communities through advanced technology and product white promoting sustainable living and protecting our water sources. Remora has won over 20 awards and I won 3rd place & the People’s Choice Award at the 2020 GSEA Global Finals.
What are some of the challenges you faced?
Making people understand the importance of social impact in business. People have to understand that businesses cannot afford to ignore the social aspect today. How will the company prosper if its customers are suffering? It is a two-way game, if you care for the customer then only the customer will care for you. But people don’t understand this concept. They think businesses are only established to make money.
How do you manage studies along with this?
I create schedules for everything I do. I make proper timetables and make sure I stick by them. Most importantly I am able to manage both things simultaneously because I am passionate about both.
How were the initial responses like?
It was difficult, people didn’t understand the value of the business until they actually saw it in action. And because my parents didn’t have a good experience in running a business they were a little worried for me and wanted me to try something else.
It requires a lot of courage and confidence to embark on something like this. Where do you find the strength and positivity to grow this venture every day?
In the greater good, we are doing with Remora. And during dull moments in life, I remember how with Remora I am able to provide the basic necessity of clean water to the people which gives me an instant push.
What all have changed since you began your journey as an entrepreneur?
My confidence and self-esteem have increased 🙂
So many students want to do something outside their academics but don’t know where to begin. What do you want to tell them?
Try it! Rather than wasting your time and effort in thinking about what could go wrong one must embark on this thrilling journey. If not successful, remember you will be learning a thousand things. So think about it, there is no loss here.
What’s the biggest learning lesson from your journey of being an entrepreneur?
There are possibilities in dark times.
What are your plans for the future?
Continue working with Remora, go worldwide, and creating new water filtration
What’s your motivation to keep going every day?
The new things I learn every day keep me excited throughout the day.
So excited to start your own venture? Think about it, maybe you’ll be the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates or maybe Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. Until then if you have any doubts or want to know about Omar Negron you can reach out to him on Linkedin.
Scholarship Track 