Meet Jose Benacerraf | Latam Entrepreneur, social volunteer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Benacerraf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
To me, risk taking is a way of life, in some people, it causes absolute panic and in others a tremendous rush and the energy to live. It is not an easy way of living, it may have more lows than highs but to those of us who are not afraid of failing several times, the rewards are certainly worth it. I started to be very attracted to risk taking (although I have only set foot in a casino twice with a $50 bill both times) upon entering university in Venezuela when I started in Civil Engineering and by the end of the 3rd semester I decided that I was wasting my time and switched to Law School after being inspired by a good friend of my father. I do not recall ever taking a safe route in my life since then as far as my career, my goals, and my eagerness and willingness to get involved in things I believed in, and those I found to have a purpose. Risk taking and wanting to get involved even in things I knew nothing about when I started them have proven to be my main source of learning, growth, and the driver to continuously wanting to know more about everything and never wanting to live my professional and volunteer life “in my comfort zone”.

What should our readers know about your business?
For the past 22 years I have dedicated my business and professional life to the field of Education in Latam. It has not been an easy ride; it has been the toughest rollercoaster I have ever ridden, and I am a rollercoaster lover. I started by chance after reading a line that caught my eye in a magazine at an airport connection to a regional manager’s meeting at the last multinational I worked for. A few months later I left a safe, high paying Management job with a potential great career path in the worst political moment in Venezuela’s history (up to that moment) when Hugo Chavez was about to win his first election. I remember my sisters thought I was crazy, but I believed education would never disappear and neither would the country, it might change but there would always be a way… We were ahead of our time in what we were doing in Venezuela and although we had a great solution it was never an easy sell, and even less, for a lawyer with no university degree in education… Well, it so happened that precisely not being part of the system is what allowed me to think outside the box and try new ideas in education services which connected with the more progressive and forward thinking schools, and even with some municipalities in the social work we provided for the benefit of their population. When we were at our business peak with a mature and solid team and business, the crisis got so hard that the education system started to crumble and we had to place our company in state of “induced coma” waiting for things to change and eventually pick up where we left off helping rebuild the country. After partnering with some bright people in Colombia and testing the waters there I settled in Miami with the family and started once again to study the field for my next move. Some time later I decided to revive an idea for which my co-founder, Eng. María Inés Garriga and I had won an entrepreneurial award but because of the country’s situation could not get it off the ground. Our company, repasar.com, a company specialized in academic support for school age students in Spanish speaking Latam countries. We are now in the process of possibly pivoting our first product and introducing two more now being developed. Along the way I have learned never to take anything for granted, not to assume stability in anything, countries, areas of business, and even the way we live (covid-19 for example). Assume everything might change quickly and be prepared for it, and if you have not prepared, be ready to move fast to deal with whatever is coming your way. Passion for what you do will take you a long way and it might just be what saves your business when tough time hit hard because sometimes, it is not just about money, it is about passion, people, and the reason why you started it all when you were just in the idea stage.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami has become not only a fun city with the passage of time but a very interesting one in terms of its growth in the cultural aspect and its pro sports life. For me, one of the most interesting times to be here is during Art Basel where the options to have a great time while doing something different are excellent. I am a music lover and enjoy all kinds of music, so taking advantage of all the Adrienne Arsht Center has to offer is a must as well as trying to book a spot at Sofar Sounds (www.sofarsounds.com) which is a great new, different, and laid back experience for anyone. I would definitely take them to the Arena to a Miami Heat game as the energy is always contagious and we always have a good time there. On a more traditional note, chilling in the beach is always a wanted option for us while enjoying some mojito’s in the sun. Lilian (my wife) and I particularly enjoy kayaking so if they are up for some exercising there a are a few good spots to do so. A restaurant we enjoy very much is Juvia especially on sunsets, great food and service. A relaxed Sunday brunch at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is always a hit. When we feel energetic and don’t mind the crowds we like to hang out at Ball & Chain at Calle 8 for some hours of salsa, merengue, bachata, and reggeton dancing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
One needs to be fair with one’s history and all who take part in it. From all of those whom I remember by name, and many of those whom I don’t, I am sure I have learned something in success or defeat, at a conscious or unconscious level, that is what makes us who we are. A BIG credit and recognition in my story goes to my mom Leni and my dad Armando. They have always believed in me, my potential, drive, and commitment in whatever I do, even at times when we would not agree, or they thought my decisions were the wrong ones. We are all human beings and emotions play an important role in how we face life, even if some make an effort to hide it, and having the unconditional support of people as important as your family makes a rough road much easier to travel for someone who constantly presents himself with new challenges. My inspiration, our 5 kids, smart, sensitive, and vivacious, each in their own path with the potential of being much more than me and reaching higher grounds than mine. I hope they learn from the good and the bad they have lived with me and seen from me so that their contribution to society leaves a bigger mark.

Website: https://repasar.com/
Instagram: @jose.repasa
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josebenacerraf/