Givepack

In a pleasant talk that we had with Alejandra and Juan Carlos Miquel, founding partners of Givepack, they shared with us the origins of their business, from the way it started as a simple idea in the mind of Juan Carlos in 2011 while he was working as a salesperson, to the challenges they had to navigate in the supply chain, sourcing, and warehousing business in recent years. They shared as well, the “ups and downs” that one faces on the entrepreneurial journey, but having a partner who acts as a complement makes the road easier.

“For us, success is to be a husband and wife team.”

It all started with a dream

Juan Carlos expressed that it all started as a dream when he worked as a salesman for a packaging company. He was constantly thinking of business ideas that would not only generate an income for him and his family but also generate a benefit for the community. That’s how Givepack emerged, a company dedicated to sourcing packaging for companies, with the plus that generates donations for affiliated foundations through every purchase.

He tells us that this idea arose in 2011 when he decided to register the Givepack.com domain, but it was not until 6 years later that he decided to launch this project together with his wife and partner Alejandra Miquel. The operations started in a small office space where the two of them carried out all the tasks of the company. From sales, administration, distribution, marketing, and other activities that every business requires to function correctly, they were in charge of it.

Connecting dots

Like any other startup, the beginnings were not easy. They started Givepack fully financed by investing all of their savings in this project. They mentioned that they had to face many challenges and sacrifices in the first years but to this day, have paid off.

“Without a doubt, it has been a difficult road full of many challenges, but at the same time very rewarding. This entrepreneurial career is similar to climbing a mountain, when you reach a goal, you say - oh great, I’ve just arrived! but then you turn forward and see that another even bigger mountain follows the road.”

For Juan Carlos, connecting dots means aligning all the necessary aspects for the proper functioning of a company. This requires a lot of determination, passion, and above all, patience to be able to align all the points that a company like Givepack needs.

“I use a mechanism that has worked for me and has helped me grow. In my downs, I set myself the goal of thinking about my new project and that’s how I fill myself with energy to keep moving forward. I have around 200 projects in the pipeline and many of them already have their domain registered.” Juan Carlos Miquel

These challenges worked as a learning process and have given them the experience to be able to recognize and face new business opportunities, the necessary skills, contacts, and suppliers to overcome any challenge.

“The experience we have gained along the way has allowed us to diversify and offer comprehensive sourcing solutions to our clients. Another aspect that stands out to us is the honesty and transparency that we put on the table with our clients, which has allowed us to be an extension of their team and maintain long-term relations.”

Without a doubt, all the learning acquired has strengthened them to grow together with their customers and thus be able to offer a wide range of products and services. Recently Givepack sales have doubled year after year.

Alejandra and Juan Carlos mention that Workhub has been a great ally in this process because the flexibility that the workspace provides, has allowed them to exponentially grow and take certain risks that have been beneficial along the way.

Balance between family & business

Alejandra tells us that without a doubt one of the greatest satisfactions is being able to work with her partner and husband because they understand each other so well that they work as a perfect complement. She mentioned that the strengths of one complement the weaknesses of the other and vice versa. That has undoubtedly made them grow as a company and as a family.

“One of the biggest challenges we have faced as a couple and partners is knowing how to say – Ok, it´s time to cut it out, now is time for the family-. Although there are days that we are at the office until 3:00 p.m. to be able to attend a family event, we do not disconnect completely, sometimes we have to work on Saturdays and even on Sundays due to some particular need of our clients. The advantage of being an entrepreneur is that at certain moments, you manage your schedule and time.”

Alfabeto. The future from A to Z

The future for Alejandra and Juan Carlos looks promising. Both have set new challenges for themselves that will certainly lead them to further transcend this business path.

One of the next challenges in the evolution of the company is Alfabeto. Alfabeto is a company focused on providing sourcing solutions from A to Z with a twist in technology. (Alfabeto means Alphabet in Spanish)

“The experience acquired through all these years has strengthened us to continue evolving. We are currently developing a digital sourcing platform that will facilitate the work of our clients. We are in the last phases of this process that we trust will bring many benefits for companies that require an effective and, above all, efficient sourcing service.”

Alfabeto represents for this couple of entrepreneurs the next great challenge, or as they say, the next big mountain to climb.

“You really need to want it” Alejandra Miquel

Recommendations for entrepreneurs

Alejandra mentions that the startup career is not for everyone, great sacrifices are required, especially at the beginning of the project.

Juan Carlos mentions that it has been more than 12 years since he started with this idea, and the fruits of all the effort are barely visible.

He also recommends that entrepreneurs look for mechanisms that keep them constantly motivated since, like everything in life, there are ups and downs and it is in the downs that you have to be stronger and more resilient.

“Don't quit and dream big."

Givepack facts

Years in Business: 6

Employees: 6

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/givepack/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/givepack

Instagram: @givepack

If you´re looking for a flexible office/warehouse space for your business Workhub is the ideal spot for you.