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Commodities trader invests his talents in Ecuador

For Felix Hernandez, trading commodities in the New York Stock Exchange has always been an exhilarating career.  When he became a Christian, he decided he needed to build on those talents and serve others in his Christian walk.

Investing and expanding businesses comes naturally, says Felix—one company he launched grew from three employees to 300 within the eight years he managed it. Yet, within his church in New Jersey, he had trouble finding any opportunity to use his strongest gifts to serve.  For years, he and his wife Sandy volunteered through a Samaritan’s Purse program, helped out at local food shelters, and even built houses in Mexico. 

“I started thinking that I’m not using my God-given abilities in business,” he says.  “And, frankly I’m pretty bad at building houses.”

In 2008, Felix searched online for ways to use his business knowledge to serve when he learned about the need for small and medium business loans in developing countries.  He heard about Partners Worldwide, attended a conference, and soon got connected with business members of Partners for Christian Development - Ecuador (PCD-E). 

He dove right in.  Leading a team of business people from the U.S., he and others offer business loans to entrepreneurs in Ecuador, mentoring each one throughout the loan process to achieve structure, measure performance, and expand operations.  According to Felix, their criteria for qualified loan candidates is high—entrepreneurs must be motivated by their own calling to business, have strong potential to grow and create more jobs, and have completed a solid business plan.  On average, the loans are $5,000.

“We offer accountability,” he says, “to help them determine their profit margins, their competitive threats, and how to expand the business economically.  Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you naturally understand finance.” 

Monica Cevallos, one mentee, expanded her restaurant this year through a loan and moved the business out of her house.  She now employs four people.  “Her life has changed dramatically,” he says.   

Team members and friends in the U.S. have also seen change in their own lives, he adds.  “When I talk to business people who want to use their business skills to further the kingdom, they get pumped up about it.”

Two of them are husband and wife duo Mark and Nathally Florio, Ecuadorian-American restaurant owners who joined the team after they heard the opportunity through Felix at church.  “People love being able to go back to their country and help people there,” says Felix, noting that speaking Spanish is an advantage for the couple, and for him as a Cuban-American. 

Other church members invest their business talents in their own New Jersey neighborhood—helping people launch small businesses, transition through immigration to the U.S., and secure food, housing, and jobs for low-income families.

For Felix, integrating his faith and passion for business will only continue. “My wife and I always wanted to be involved in something like this.  Giving back to a community and helping in a way that maximizes the talents God gave me is fantastic.  That’s what I love about it.”