By: Michael P. Moore
Before leaving his job at Chilean nonprofit organization ‘Techo para Chile,’ Salvador Achondo had a vision – to become an entrepreneur who would have a triple-impact on society: economic, environmental, and social. His passion and ambition have led to the creation of a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures, each focused on solving market needs while providing a positive triple-impact on Latin American society.
Throughout his 13-year entrepreneurial journey, Achondo has firmly established himself as a charismatic leader and a systemic problem solver. He has addressed audiences at influential conferences like the XVIII Latin American Conference at MIT and COP26, sharing insights on how businesses can be economically viable while also contributing positively to environmental and social causes.
Achondo’s immense dedication to fostering impact entrepreneurship has led him to be recognized as one of the “100 jóvenes líderes” (100 young leaders) by El Mercurio, Chile’s most influential newspaper. This accolade is a testament to his outstanding achievements and his potential to make significant positive impacts in the future. Achondo’s contributions extend beyond his own projects as he provides mentoring and support to over 150 young entrepreneurs, fostering a new generation of triple-impact business visionaries.
As the Founder and CEO of Getback, Achondo is currently transforming the e-commerce industry in Latin America. Presently available in Chile, Argentina, and Mexico, Getback aims to revolutionize the post-sales process of e-commerce products and reverse logistics. The company is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of e-commerce by utilizing cutting-edge technology to ensure 100% traceability of products and reintegrating them into the market to prevent unnecessary landfilling.
Achondo’s track-record of developing successful businesses that provide measurable economic, social, and environmental impact is impressive. His inaugural venture, Algramo, effectively reduced the cost of essential products by 30%, significantly enhancing the purchasing power of local communities. Furthermore, Algramo has enabled communities to save over 360,000 kg of CO2 and reuse more than 2.5 million liters of water through reusable containers.
Other successful ventures including Alcom, Contable, and Getback further exemplify Achondo’s unstoppable commitment to creating sustainable solutions for contemporary issues. Alcom brought internet connectivity to over 7,200 individuals in areas neglected by mainstream telecommunication services. Contable offered an innovative and accessible accounting service to more than 1,800 small business owners in Chile, facilitating their compliance with financial regulations. Lastly, Getback has processed over 100,000 product returns and exchanges, preventing at least 50% of these items from ending up in landfills and reintegrating them into the market as second-hand items.
Achondo’s entrepreneurial journey sonorously echoes his mission of advancing triple-impact businesses across Latin America. He has demonstrated that enterprises can simultaneously be economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious. He exhibits that identifying market needs and transforming them into business models can create a cycle of positive impacts on society and the environment.
Now, Achondo sets his sights on the US markets, seeking to replicate and expand his success abroad. With his enviable record of creating transformative businesses, his endeavors will undoubtedly make invaluable contributions to the global entrepreneurial landscape.
Without question, Salvador Achondo leaves an indelible mark in the realm of Latin American entrepreneurship. He is a testament to the immense power of vision, determination, and innovation. His journey serves as a beacon of inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide, encouraging them to pioneer businesses that contribute positively to society, the environment, and the economy. The legacy of Achondo’s impact will undoubtedly endure, influencing the entrepreneurial ecosystem for generations to come.
Published By: Aize Perez