The risk of starting a new company was not new to Mr. Cardenas. Born in the City of Cali, Colombia Mr. Cardenas demonstrated a keen sense of entrepreneurial spirit by developing small organizations that met the needs of his potential customers. In 1986 at the age of 16 Diego created and co-founded ComSoft Ltda., a service oriented computer-consulting firm in the city of Cali, Colombia. This organization set high standards in an industry that was still in its infancy in Colombia. He created the first online content delivery service in 1986 that provided e-mail and bulletin board service via 300-baud modem. Through the efforts of Diego, ComSoft won the “2nd Best Small Business” award in the City of Cali Colombia, given in the “Segundo Congreso del Espiritu Empresarial” and hosted by ICESI, Instituto Colombiano de Estudios Superiores e Incolda www.icesi.edu.co .

Multiple write-ups on the computer publications both on National and International media where published about ComSoft, publications such as Computes Gazette (a United States publication with a worldwide circulation of 2 million users, an ABC Publication) and local newspapers and radio stations.

In 1996, Diego Cardenas entered, participated and formed a partnership to start Stomp, Inc., a manufacturer of computer software and accessories. Together they invented their first product, the CD Stomper CD/DVD labeling System www.cdstomper.com . The CD Stomper became a success and is the most recognized labeling applicator on the market.

In 2001, Stomp, Inc. celebrated its fifth year of financial success. Today, the company is a multimillion-dollar business with over 50 employees and products sold worldwide. However, there was a time, when success seemed very far away. Since 1999 when Diego joined Stomp, Inc he took great risk investing his time, knowledge and potential earnings in the company. He believed in the success of the company and most of all he believed in the value of the products. Mr. Cardenas thought as long as the company did not remain stagnates in the industry they could succeed. Success was not overnight, and only through hard work and perseverance, did Stomp succeed. To Diego, failure was never an option.

When Avery Dennison www.avery.com acquired the CD Stomper from Stomp, Mr. Cardenas went to work on developing new products with the capital obtained in the transaction. In some cases, the resources to successfully test the new and innovative products were not accessible at Stomp. However, due to his many established contacts in the industry, he was able to gain access to very sophisticated equipment to test future Stomp products.

In 2005 Mr. Cardenas was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma, a rare type of tumor located in the brain. After taking some time to work on his health Diego is now back new and improved ready to take on new challenges!

Currently Diego has the biggest Spanish language tech blog hosted within the Univision.com network www.compuhombre.com , he has also hosted a weekly Spanish Internet and broadcast based computer talk radio show called “CompuHombre”, which airs every Sunday from 2pm to 3pm pacific standard time. The program is a live show where the listeners can interact with the host by asking questions about their technology needs. The program also showcases state of the art products and services in the technology field.

In addition to this Diego is the president and founder of Portus Technologies, Inc. www.portustechnologies.com a small wholesale distribution company that focuses exporting gaming consoles to Latin America. The company has also become one of the fastest growing re-sellers in the eBay marketplace within the 1st year of trading in the eBay space. Diego Cardenas enjoys the status of “power seller” at the titanium level, within the eBay trading community.

 

As part of Diego’s effort in giving back to the community, in 2008 Diego became an instructor/motivator/coach for the Academy of Business Leadership at its campus in USC (University of Southern California). During this brief academic role, Diego taught basic business skills and 7 core values to underprivileged and “bright students” of the Los Angeles area. In addition Diego has always seen himself as an educator, he wants to bring to our new generations the knowledge and experience that he has acquired to through the years of private service in the labor force.

 

Mr. Cardenas has earned degrees in the field of computer technology and business. He has worked very hard to learn the latest trends in the industry. Even with his brilliant mind, he will not try to intimidate those who know less. He is always sharing his knowledge of the industry to all employees. It is his belief that the more everyone knows the more successful everyone will become.

In 2001, Mr. Cardenas graduated from Pepperdine University www.pepperdine.edu with a Master of Science degree in Technology Management. As a member of the senior management team for Stomp, Inc, Mr. Cardenas strives to be on the cutting edge in the competitive business world. He is also a role model to other individuals, proving that anyone can accomplish anything as long as they are dedicated.

Even with his demanding work schedule, Mr. Cardenas continues an active role in the Hispanic community. Diego has been a member of the Orange County Chapter National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) www.organceounty.nshmba.org and held the Position of President for the 2004 NSHMBA Orange County Chapter. Diego is also a member of the Latino Business Association (LBA), www.lbausa.com , NALEO www.naleo.org and Latino Coalition www.thelatinocoalition.com and co-founder of Hispanic-Net Southern California www.hispanic-net and www.nshp.org , where he won the entrepreneur of the year award in 2001.

Diego’s future goals are to become a University educator, earn his PhD while at the same time looking at new business opportunities.

Mr. Cardenas’ philosophy has always been to never quit in his endeavor for success. Although the risk to start some of his ventures was substantial, failure was never an alternative. His positive attitude has been a reflection on all of the employees/co-workers and partners and should be a role model for all young Hispanic entrepreneurs with an idea. Currently Mr. Cardenas is looking for new products and ideas that can take his leadership abilities to the next level.

 
Check out my about.me profile!