In the crowded halls of Coral Gables Senior High, standing out may be a hard task with hundreds of students walking on campus. However, under the school books, a student shines in a way most do not. Whether it is raising his hand in research class to give extra commentary on business videos, his knowledge about the industry makes him conspicuous. In any conversation he enters, sophomore Gael Aguilar makes sure to always make it business-related starting with, “Where does all this knowledge come from?”
Beginning with his time at Coral Gables Prep Academy, he started selling early versions of his mother’s plantain chips. Wanting to take a bigger role in the business, Aguilar took on new challenges like managing money, growing his persuasiveness and being able to think outside the box to help his mother, as demand grew.
Without thinking twice, Aguilar made it his mission to learn how to make 3-D model designs for his mother’s brand. Devoting himself to hours on the business, the skills attained in this small obstacle allowed Aguilar to ask for commission and create digitalized logos for other smaller companies.
“I remember last year in our research class Gael would bring us products to try and test from all over the world. It was always super interesting to see the things he talked about and all the experiences he had. Listening to him talk about all his accomplishments makes me want to do similar things,” sophomore Justin Hernandez said.
Through all these life challenges, Aguilar’s mother was his main role model, teaching him about the necessary skills in the financial world. In bettering his craft, he began reading business books such as “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” to find innovative ways to approach his customers, which in return continued to expand his view of profit.
Besides entrepreneurship, Aguilar took an interest in aeronautics. Accepted to take courses every day after his second class finishes, Aguilar entered George T. Baker College where he studies aviation. Using his gathered knowledge, he hopes to expand his horizons so he can become successful. Additionally, tackling his work duties after school, Aguilar’s engagement never stops, whether it is going to his warehouse to collect product shipments or simply signing paperwork.
More recently, Aguilar has taken on the role of entering the vending machine business. Going above and beyond with his entrance to the industry, Aguilar went big with his “Monsieur Papa Plantain Chips”, which is now featured in stores such as Fiesta, Sedanos, Costco, Fresco Y Mas and Winn Dixie. With his other product being “Mango Nectar”, shipments of the products are being imported, and through his established social network, Aguilar believes his success is only beginning.
“The journey has been difficult and will remain that way as it requires much effort even now especially after I have grown exponentially and working with more diverse businesses,” sophomore Aguilar said.
Looking to the future, Aguilar wants to expand his line of products into more consumables like cookies and ice cream. With an open mindset to his current satisfactory accomplishments, his inspiration to other Cavaliers defines what it means to grow a business. By hoping to share the same goals with other students, the fact remains that it is possible to become successful at just a young age.
“Oh, I plan to mix it all, having different areas of income and many areas of mastery. If I want to become successful I have to give myself all the advantages possible,” sophomore Aguilar said.
