In recent years, supplier diversity has been embraced both locally, by Indy’s leading companies, and nationally as the corporate community increasingly makes large, vocal commitments to equity and inclusion. According to the 2022 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report by Stanford Business, the U.S. is home to more than 62.5 million Latinos, representing 19% of the U.S. population. With an economic output of $2.8 trillion and nearly five million businesses across the country generating more than $800 billion in annual revenue, Latinos are a prominent consumer base and a growing source of economic activity. While we celebrate the momentum that continues to open doors for diverse business owners, at Morales Group, we’re pausing during Hispanic Heritage Month to reflect on the trailblazers who have paved paths of opportunity long before it was embraced by corporations.
Pioneering Hispanic Businesses
In the early 2000s, supplier diversity was still an emerging concept in the corporate community, and at that time, it was incredibly difficult for Hispanic businesses to access the resources needed to launch, and scale in meaningful, sustainable ways. The fabric of our communities and the ecosystems in which we do business still failed to acknowledge areas where diverse business owners needed additional support to survive and thrive. Despite the turbulent climate, Indy’s pioneering Hispanic business leaders stepped out on faith, transforming their dreams into brick-and-mortar realities and finding ways to build successful businesses while investing in others.
Here are a few local trailblazers in our community:
Cabello Associates
(Photo provided/Casey Harrison)
As a first-generation American and the first member of her family to attend college, Kathy Cabello understood firsthand the challenges Latinos face in pursuing higher education. After completing her B.S. and earning her MBA from the University of Notre Dame, she began her career as a computer engineer. As her career progressed, she discovered her love for marketing and strategy, which ultimately led to the creation of Cabello Associates, a full-service marketing consultancy that provides services to companies across the globe. While Kathy’s corporate trajectory is impressive in and of itself—earning her various awards and accolades from local to national levels—her commitment to mentorship and bringing other Hispanic professionals along with her is a true testament to who she is.
Kathy serves Latino students across the state of Indiana through Project Stepping Stone of Indiana (PSS). With a track record of nearly 20 years of success, this program empowers Indiana’s Latino students to see the value of higher education and equips them with tools to succeed in college and beyond. PSS has awarded over $400,000 in college scholarships to more than 200 Indiana students. Kathy’s commitments to Latino youth provide job exposure and talent development and help bridge the education-to-workforce pipeline—all of which tremendously benefit the future of Indianapolis’ economy.
Camacho Equipment & Janitorial Supply
(Photo provided/Casey Harrison)
And while his peers celebrate their 20th anniversary, Jesse Camacho, President and CEO of Camacho Equipment & Janitorial Supply is preparing to celebrate his business’ tenth anniversary in Central Indiana. Jesse has methodically developed a loyal customer base focusing on quality services and exceptional customer experiences. Through his participation in the Hispanic Business Council’s Mentor/Protege Program, he was able to access the resources, education, and business knowledge needed to scale his business in a way that has increased both his staff and his capacity to serve businesses across the country.
In 2023, Camacho Equipment & Janitorial Supply was one of three companies awarded over $989 million in federal contracts with support from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA)—an incredible accomplishment not just for Jesse but for the entire state of Indiana.
Morales Group
In 2003, Tomas Morales founded Morales Group initially as a way to bridge jobs and resources to the Hispanic community but it morphed into the global community over the last 20 years. His innovations in the staffing industry include a business model rooted in workforce development meant to advance associates, as well as the fierce promotion of diversity in the workplace.
The organization has prospered with rapid growth, helping over 200,000 people over the years successfully connect with employment opportunities throughout the Midwest and beyond. Morales Group has consistently received industry recognition including Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce—earning the title six times to date. While his investments into the fabric of Indiana’s corporate community are impressive, Tom’s commitments to uplifting the Latino and Hispanic community are equally as impactful.
Through programs like Youth with a Mission’s (YWAM) Home of Hope program, Tom has been able to use his business for good. Over the last nine years, he has been able to bless many families in Mexico by helping to build 23 homes with the Morales Group team and the company’s philanthropic resources. This illustrates Tom’s desire to use his business to provide blessings and life-changing opportunities to others. Recently, Tom was recognized as one of the Indiana Historical Society’s 2023 Living Legends, the first ever Hispanic leader to be honored, and he was inducted into the Purdue University Boiler Business Exchange’s Hall of Fame.
Undeniable, inclusive impact
Hispanic-owned businesses play a pivotal role in our communities, bringing about a host of valuable contributions. They are vital economic engines, infusing vitality into local economies through job creation and revenue generation—growth that often acts as a catalyst for community development, leading to enhancements in infrastructure and services. These businesses also serve as stewards of Hispanic culture, preserving traditions and sharing them through distinctive products, services, and company cultures. In doing so, they not only enrich the cultural fabric of our society but also champion diversity and inclusion, affording everyone the opportunity to embrace the vibrancy and beauty of Hispanic heritage. Ultimately, Hispanic-owned businesses transcend mere enterprises; they stand as cornerstones of community empowerment, fostering economic independence and social cohesion while paying heartfelt tribute to the cultures that inspire them.
Hispanic Heritage Month provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of Indy’s Hispanic businesses, including those who have been pivotal in cultivating a Hispanic business ecosystem in Central Indiana and beyond. The separate journeys of Kathy, Tom, and Jesse exemplify the remarkable achievements of Hispanic entrepreneurs in Central Indiana—and the ripples of impact those investments have on families, cultures, and communities.
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, let us remember and celebrate the Hispanic businesses that have not only succeeded but have also shown us the true meaning of corporate responsibility and community engagement. With humility, courage, and a commitment to being a light for others, they continue to inspire us all to build better futures for our communities.
