Maria Merce Martin, a Venezuelan immigrant, has built a successful career in the United States, founding Optime Consulting, a high-tech marketing firm that assists Fortune 500 companies in navigating international online markets. Her journey, which began in 2001 seeking refuge from violence in Venezuela, is a testament to resilience and gratitude for American opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Maria Merce Martin founded Optime Consulting, a successful marketing firm specializing in international online markets.
- Optime Consulting boasts $7 million in annual revenues, 100 employees, and offices in multiple countries.
- Martin is passionate about health and wellness, inspired by her parents’ health struggles.
- She organized a 5K run that raised $15,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, exceeding participation expectations.
Building an International Business
Upon arriving in Weston, Florida, in August 2001, Martin brought with her Optime Consulting, a company she had established three years prior. Optime Consulting acts as a crucial intermediary, connecting high-tech companies with international customers. The firm now generates $7 million in annual revenue, employs 100 people, and has offices in the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Spain. Their services include designing and executing multilingual customer loyalty programs, online marketing strategies, and social media campaigns for prominent clients such as Hewlett Packard, Citrix, Microsoft, and Motorola.
Roberto Ricossa, Vice President of Marketing at Avaya, a major business telecommunications company, has been a client for a decade. He describes Optime Consulting as a vital partner, praising their creativity and dedication to helping clients achieve their goals. He notes the company’s growth in international linguists, fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, highlighting their collaborative approach.
A Commitment to Health and Community
Beyond her business achievements, Martin is deeply committed to personal health and community involvement. Motivated by her father’s health issues related to diabetes, she prioritizes maintaining good health to ensure a high quality of life in her later years. This passion extended to organizing a 5K run in September at Markham Park in Sunrise. The event, supported by sponsors like Whole Foods and Midtown Athletic Club, successfully raised $15,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Despite initial skepticism from potential sponsors regarding participation numbers, Martin’s marketing expertise and connections led to over 1,000 participants, exceeding all expectations. Optime Consulting plans to make this a recurring annual event.
Life in Weston
Martin resides in Weston, a city with a significant Venezuelan population, often referred to as "Westonzuela." She lives with her husband, Guillermo Palm, who leads a computer and network security company called Odveloper, and their two daughters, Andrea and Michelle. When she experiences homesickness, Martin finds comfort in a local gas station’s PANNA Cafe Express, where she can enjoy an empanada and momentarily feel transported back to her native Caracas.