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

Hi Jose, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to have the independence and freedom to call my own shots and follow my heart. I have always had an independent spirit… I also saw an opening in the market to create something unique and different.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are The POPGarage. We are a boutique production and development company that creates and produces unique content… from large award shows like The Latin Grammys to online conferences like the Latin Alternative Music Conferences. We also develop stories in the non-scripted and scripted worlds. I am a student of life… so all along my personal and professional trajectory, I pushed myself to learn new things. I tried to stay true to who I am and what I am passionate about. Trying to keep an open mind and the attitude of a 16 year old helps me to still get excited about ideas and projects. There are many lessons that I have embraced along the way… but trying to do the right thing and treating others with respect and honesty has always worked for me. I go to bed with a clear conscience that I try to do the best that I can… and I try to contribute to making the world a better place in my own small way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well… Miami is so over the top, and that is not my scene… been there, done that got the picture. I would stay away from crowded areas and flashy places. Going to places like Wynwood and Coconut Grove in off hours, bike rides thru funky neighborhoods and cool trails… eating in yummy hole-in-the-walls.

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?
Shoutout to my wife Melanie Masterson for being a cornerstone, sounding board, accomplice, partner in crime and psychologist!

Website: www.thepopgarage.com

Instagram: @thepopgarage

Linkedin: @josetillan

Image Credits
Jose Tillan, Fred Criswell

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