Carlos Cortez | Local Leaders Achieving Success

Seven local entrepreneurs share their journeys from humble beginnings to thriving businesses. Discover the challenges they faced, the breakthroughs that fueled their growth and the insights that drove their success.

Carlos Cortez
Cortez Transportation Company

What was your first job and how did it impact you?

My first job was a summer janitorial position at the age of 14. The position gave me an understanding of responsibility and taught me how the actions of one impact others.

What inspired you to run your own business?

Working part time for another transportation company, I saw firsthand there was a market within my community and the surrounding region for limousine services. I had fallen in love with the industry and was inspired by the opportunity I saw, even while working on a part-time basis.

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your business?

My passion for the industry remains the same today as it was 20 years ago when I started my company. Always striving to provide professional, reliable first-class service to our clients. Whether it is a business executive or a family being transported to the airport, being a part of making a special day even more memorable for a bride and groom or students attending prom, I’m driven every day to make that positive impact on whomever we serve.

What strategies have been most effective for growing your business?

Our strategy of diversifying our fleet and making choices to keep us relevant in the industry has provided us the opportunity to grow our business by providing a wide range of vehicles within our fleet. We’ve grown our business by increasing the type of client needs we can service.

What is your proudest business achievement?

When my business was recognized as the Service Industry Firm, Kansas Minority-Owned Business of the Year 2023 by the Office of Minority & Women Business Development within the Kansas Department of Commerce. We have also been nominated again this year.

What impact do you hope your business will have on the community?

I hope my business will continue contributing to our community through economic impact with over 60% of our business coming from outside Shawnee County, as well as outside the state of Kansas. I hope to continue our efforts to make first-class first impressions of our community by providing discreet, professional and reliable ground transportation.