The five founding members of the Maestro Entrepreneur Center each played a pivotal role in the establishment of the robust organization. Julissa Carielo, Willie Ng, Ramiro Cavazos, Chris Martinez, and Leslie Garcia each contributed their talents and skills to the conception of the center. As Maestro approaches its five year anniversary, it’s critical to acknowledge how these individuals created the framework and carried out a vision to make the Maestro Entrepreneur Center a reality. Their dedication to the mission has allowed the nonprofit to thrive many years later and have the ability to provide resources and tools for so many small and local businesses.

Willie Ng is a founding member of the Maestro Entrepreneur Center. Currently, Ng is CEO and President of Blue Armor Security Services Inc. and Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Maestro Center.

Ng has deep roots in the Alamo City. He was born and raised on the southeast side of San Antonio, earned several degrees from San Antonio universities, and even started his own business here.

“I was born and raised in San Antonio and I wanted to keep and invest all my money back to the community,” Ng said.

In  2003, Ng had the opportunity to launch his own small business which was an experience that grew his appreciation for the small business community.

“I loved being a small business owner because as everyone knows small business is the backbone and foundation of the city,” he said.

Several years ago, Julissa Carielo approached Ng about the possibility of being involved with the founding of the center and it was an easy answer for him.

“I said it’s a no-brainer,” he said. “Anything to help small businesses, I’m for it.”

As a founding member, Ng was mainly involved in coordinating behind the scenes. The main work, he credits to Carielo.

“I have to give it all to Julissa, she’s the one with the boots on the ground,” he said. “We had an idea, but she was the one that made it all happen.”

Ng has continued to remain involved with Maestro through his position on the board of directors as well as occasionally in leading some of the courses. He has seen first-hand how the center has grown since its’ inception.

“I think the growth is amazing and it went far beyond my expectations in just a short amount of time,” he said.

Ng believes the future for Maestro will entail partnership with other incubation centers as well as the outgrowing of the current location for Maestro.

“We’re excited about the progress and we look forward to what’s going to happen in the future with Maestro.”

Ultimately, Ng’s involvement with the Maestro Center has helped him grow as an entrepreneur and has allowed him to share and to learn what it takes to be a successful business owner.

“It’s important and it’s critical that we all do our part to help small business thrive and continue to be successful.”