For Carlos Lopez being an entrepreneur in the travel industry isn’t just about succeeding financially, it’s about making an impact on others. His company, Casa Travel, Inc., is a national wholesaler and consolidator that specializes in travel to Latin America and the Caribbean, working closely with travel agencies, money exchange businesses, and other firms that sell airline tickets.
“We make a difference by providing a tool to agents that allows them to generate more revenue,” says Lopez. “If they can make an extra $1,000 or $10,000 a year, that’s income they didn’t have before in their business. To me it’s important to be significant, to add value, and to make a difference in someone else’s business.”
Lopez always wanted to be an entrepreneur, following in the footsteps of his father—a Mexican immigrant who owned a company in the garment industry—and his sister, who owned a trade show exhibit firm. Lopez came to Minnesota from Los Angeles to work at his sister’s company, Skyline Displays, while earning an international relations degree from the University of Minnesota.
At Skyline, Lopez got an up-close education in business, which he has put to use since starting Casa Travel with a partner. Today, the firm works with more than 20 airlines and plans to expand into the retail market in 2008. Its retail arm will work directly with consumers, offering expert advice in trip planning to Mexico and Central and South America.
Lopez volunteers at his church, teaching a class for newlyweds with his wife, and he coaches his children’s soccer teams. One of his most rewarding achievements is coaching Richfield’s traveling squad to the state championship title. Lopez is a leader in the travel industry, where he serves on the Latin advisory boards for Continental and Delta Airlines. He aims to be a team leader who makes decisions in work and life from the perspective of “us-we-ours” instead of “I-me-mine.”
