2013 Outstanding Small Business Person of the Year
Sergio Bermudez, President/Owner, El Mezquite Markets
Business History
Sergio Bermudez, President, El Mezquite Market Enterprises, has been in the grocery business for nearly 15 years. His stores provide a wide array of products, both from Mexico and domestically. Integrated within each grocery store, is a full-service meat market and in-store restaurant, serving a variety of fresh cooked food daily.
His business began in the South Valley in 1998. Today, he has expanded to six locations with over 250 employees. In addition, he has a wholesale distribution company, an asset holding company, and six check cashing locations. Under the leadership of Sergio Bermudez, the company has experienced unprecedented growth, while at the same time keeping the unique character and providing great customer service. Mr. Bermudez, a mover and a shaker under 40, could teach a class on business marketing and sales at the Harvard School of Business.
The growth of the El Mezquite Markets has been largely due to Mr. Bermudez’s innate ability to find his market niche within the various geographical areas of the Albuquerque metropolitan area, including Rio Rancho and Los Lunas. He knows how to leverage his relationships with his suppliers for the benefit of his customers.
Sergio Bermudez has also demonstrated leadership in the community. His desire to establish quality store locations within the community, allows him to give back with donations to special events and contributions to social and religious organizations.
Mr. Bermudez has a long history of working with his community and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Bermudez, a member for almost 10 years, continues to be a critical player in the Chamber’s effort to work with the immigrant business community. His crown jewel is the annual, premier golf tournament. In collaboration with the University of New Mexico, El Mezquite Market and the University of New Mexico have provided scholarships to immigrant students not eligible for the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship. The golf tournament is its 5th year providing financial assistance to this group of students.
Albuquerque Hispano Chamber Involvement
Mr. Bermudez also serves as an ambassador for the Chamber. Whenever he has an opportunity, he shares his experience as a member and as a board member. He works very closely with the Mexican immigrant business community, in explaining the value and benefits of becoming a member of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. He has given back to the chamber both with his time and his donations. He is also a Herencia Founder and sponsor of many Chamber events.
Congratulations, Sergio Bermudez, for your contributions to the Albuquerque community and your outstanding qualifications as Small Business Person of 2013.