With a passion for making impactful deals, an inclination towards the commercial aspects of business, a desire for more autonomy, and a dash of luck Jorge Charles was able to become a partner in and CBO of PID Electronics. Along the way, he’s learned about the importance of resilience as he traverses this difficult but rewarding path
Jorge embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, and his journey is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and dedication that drive success in the world of business.
What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
“The road is not easy. Sometimes you feel that nothing is working and you’re breaking yourself but you have to stand up.”
The first piece of advice that Jorge shared with us was that it’s not easy and you will get knocked down as an entrepreneur, but you shouldn’t let that deter you. Your ability to stand back up and keep going will determine your success.
“Always believe in yourself.”
Believing in your vision and intention with your business is incredibly important, however, it’s just as important to remain flexible in how those ideas come to life. Stay committed to your overall vision without being set in the “how” because the path forward may not always be the way you envisioned.
“Try to live with the least money you can.”
Sometimes business is booming and you’ll think that lush lifestyle most dream of is in reach, the next business may be dry and suddenly simply covering business expenses is a stretch. Jorge advises other entrepreneurs to live as comfortably as they can with the least amount of money possible to prepare for those times when cash flow isn’t really flowing.
What problem does your business solve and who are its customers?
When PID Electronics was founded 10 years ago, they began by selling electronic components. Over the years, they transitioned into doing electronic projects and eventually integrated software solutions to connect the data obtained from electronics to a software platform.
Currently, their primary focus is on selling data to their clients, helping them make better decisions in their day-to-day operations.
They work across various industries, including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, health tech, logistics, and more. They create custom projects based on their clients’ needs, offering a wide range of services and products. Their projects range from gathering and analyzing machine data for manufacturing optimization (e.g., OEM, overall equipment effectiveness) to monitoring and optimizing agricultural processes (e.g., monitoring ground conditions and controlling irrigation systems). They also provide logistics and machine monitoring solutions for industries like oil and gas.
Another problem that they solve at PID Electronics is detecting problems with technology and machines before they occur. Essentially, PID Electronics positions itself as a research and development (R&D) hub, creating solutions and products, across a variety of use cases and industries, to advance in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
What inspired you to become an Entrepreneur?
Jorge was inspired to become an entrepreneur due to his desire for autonomy and the opportunity to align his work with his passions and aspirations. After working in a large company based in Chihuahua, Mexico, he realized that sometimes the constraints and processes of a big corporation didn’t allow him to fully express his creativity or pursue what he truly felt was important.
Feeling the need to follow his instincts and create something that resonated with him, he left that job and had experiences working with various companies, including one that reached 500 employees. Although he did well with that company, it wasn’t quite what he was looking for and he was driven to create something more meaningful and aligned with his vision.
It was at this point that Jorge met Ricardo Estrada, a Chihuahua native, and was inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of innovative tech companies in Silicon Valley. Ricardo is the owner of PID Electronics and they began working together.
Ricardo posed the question of becoming partners because of Jorge’s passion for making impactful deals and his inclination towards the commercial aspects of the business. Aspects that have been pivotal in the growth and success of PID Electronics.
Knowing what you know now, how would you have spent a million dollars when you first started your business?
Jorge’s primary focus would have been investing in human resources and talent acquisition, prioritizing the hiring of seasoned professionals. Recognizing the crucial role of skill and experience, Jorge would’ve hired people better suited to expedite project development and elevate the quality of deliverables.
Jorge mentioned that a significant part of the investment would also have been allocated to training programs with the aim of upskilling the current workforce, equipping them with the necessary expertise to excel in intricate projects.
Jorge also imagines that he would’ve invested in advanced education, particularly focusing on leadership. This would have helped him broaden his understanding of industry dynamics and best practices, helping him make informed decisions and develop comprehensive strategies to steer PID Electronics toward sustained success and growth.
What is your proudest accomplishment as an Entrepreneur?
Jorge’s proudest moments as an entrepreneur revolve around when their clients are satisfied with the work they’ve done for them or when they reach a significant milestone in a project. Knowing that they’ve not only completed a project but also completed it in such a way that the client’s life and work are improved provides immense satisfaction for Jorge.
He is proud whenever they reach one of these milestones or receives affirmation and validation from a client that they’re happy with it.
What big goals are you looking to achieve?
For the rest of 2023 and moving into 2024, PID Electronics has many ongoing projects, a few of which involve the development of Chihuahua’s Outer Cluster – which Jorge is president of. Despite being time-consuming and unpaid, these projects hold personal significance and contribute to relationships with directors of other companies.
As the CBO of PID Electronics, Jorge is actively striving to meet the business goals set at the beginning of the year. He’s particularly focused on achieving the targeted numbers, especially in the commercial domain, and is investing additional hours to drive the company towards its objectives.
Additionally, Jorge is overseeing the integration of regional directors into the company, which is seen as a significant opportunity for PID Electronics. One regional director with extensive R&D experience is expected to make a substantial impact, having managed large teams of engineers and led research and development efforts in various companies.
Passion, skill, desire, and a bit of luck are what led Jorge to become an entrepreneur. What drove you to begin your own entrepreneurial journey? Contact us today so we can chat about and share your business as well as the inspirations and lessons behind it.
