Marco A. Rodriguez

Marco A. Rodriguez is an innovative and energized leader in business operations, recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a rising star. Marco is the Senior Vice President for San Jose Imports, Inc a 25-year importer and wholesaler of confectionary products from Mexico and Latin America. Marco is directly responsible for redeveloping the company supply chain in Mexico and the US, while restructuring the sales department to expand reach in target areas to effectively increase sales. Marco also manages the day-to-day operations of the Dulcelandia Candy Store brand, as well as its e-commerce website. Marco effectively implemented a dual language advertising campaign focused on news media and influencers to expand reach and drive new consumer traffic to each physical retail store location as well as the newly redesigned e-commerce site. Marco also updated and streamlined the customer experience in each physical store location while simultaneously opening new physical store locations in high traffic areas with a focus on the general market to bring a bit of Mexican culture to all neighborhoods. Prior to joining San Jose Imports, Inc., Marco was the operations manger at Lobo De Mar Restaurant where he increased sales during his tenure as a direct result of having initiated a multi-media advertising campaign to attract new customers. Marco also managed food costs below 10% while establishing systematically independent supply chains, improving efficiency and wait times by implementing new operational programs. Marco received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Loyola University Chicago, is a member of the Board of the ACERO Charter School Network, a Board Member of the Loyola GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade), and a Member of Crain’s Chicago Business 20 in their 20s 2017.