Rising From The Rubble - The Puerto Rico Series (Part 2 of 3) | Carlos Goyco on How He Built Libros787 in the Wake of Hurricane Maria
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Episode Description
This is the second installment of our Puerto Rico series where we are trying to explore how destruction sews the seeds of opportunity and growth. And Carlos embodies this idea perfectly. Today, we sit down with Carlos Goyco, founder of Libros787, an online bookstore focused on selling books by Puerto Rican authors. Rather than letting the winds of disaster pin him to the ground, Carlos’ love for his community mobilized him to create Libros 787, an online bookstore focused on selling books by Puerto Rican authors. He started the company as a passion project to help his country in the aftermath of disaster, but after winning over $70K from multiple accelerator programs, Libros 787 has become much more than a hobby. It’s a way for Carlos to spread the treasure of Puerto Rican culture. And his love for his country started young, in the town of Ponce.
Show Notes
When Push Comes to Shove: Growing up in Ponce, Puerto Rico, how did Carlos’s relationship with his grandfather foster an early mindset of diligence and competitive grit?
The Road Less Traveled: How did Carlos’ elementary-school hobbies demonstrate his individuality and entrepreneurial tendencies?
Sparking Potential: How did Carlos’ extracurricular involvements in high school demonstrate his leadership potential?
Rewind and Refresh: Carlos reflects on the disillusionment of his college experience and how a much-needed return home was the final step in helping him put his life goals into perspective.
Revelation: How did working at summer camp in the States ignite Carlos’ curiosity?
Cold Reckoning: Carlos embarks on his Masters study in Spain, but the experience is far from what he had imagined.
Short-Lived Success: Back in Puerto Rico, Carlos begins his first entrepreneurial endeavour, founding a successful soccer camp with over 200 kids. But the next summer, things don’t go as well, teaching Carlos about the importance of the legal aspects of business.
The Road More Travelled: After his foray into entrepreneurship, Carlos returns to the traditional path with an office job that makes use of his honed marketing skills.
Eye of the Hurricane: Carlos describes the terrifying experience of Hurricane Maria and the state of Puerto Rico in its aftermath.
The Birth of Libros787: Carlos brainstorms a way to revive Puerto Rican culture amidst the destruction of Hurricane Maria and decides to create a website for selling books by Puerto Rican Author.
Pizza Office: In a town full of destruction where wifi is hard to come by, Carlos and his cofounder use any resources they can to get the company up and running, spending much of their time in an empty Pizza Hut.
Striking Gold: Libros787’s launch exceeds Carlos’ expectations. From abundant press coverage to winning over $40K from various startup accelerators, how does the community’s response lead Carlos to rethink his conception of Libros787 as a mere hobby?
COVID-19: How does Carlos’ business grow and thrive amidst the COVID-19 pandemic? And how has his mission evolved alongside it?
Parting Advice
Relevant Links
Libros 787 website: https://libros787.com/
Libros 787 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/libros787/
The Facts: Hurricane Maria’s effect on Puerto Rico - Mercy Corps (11/9/2020)
https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/quick-facts-hurricane-maria-puerto-rico
Island of Puerto Rico ‘destroyed’ by Hurricane Maria - ABC News, Youtube (11/20/2017): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNFnVIlE6cA
160+ Startup Incubators and Accelerators Around the World - Embroker (6/10/2020):
https://www.embroker.com/blog/accelerators-vs-incubators/
Parallel 18 Startup Accelerator (Libros787 Graduated from this accelerator): https://www.parallel18.com/
