In the world of entrepreneurship, success stories often emerge from the most unexpected backgrounds, and the story of Luis and Cyndi Cortes, the dynamic founders of Cortes Ventures Inc., is no exception. This power couple’s journey is a testament to hard work, passion, and their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Luis Cortes, a former dishwasher turned executive, embarked on his career trajectory at the renowned Chipotle Mexican Grill. His journey began in the expansion market of Nashville, Tennessee, where he started as an entry-level employee. Over the course of nine years and an incredible 47 store openings, Luis Cortes proved his mettle and dedication. His determination and relentless pursuit of success eventually led him to explore the world of tech startups, where he honed his entrepreneurial skills. His journey took him to industry giants like Apple Inc. and the Nashville-based legal tech startup, Cicayda.
On the other side of the spectrum, we find Cyndi Cortes, a mathematician with a passion for numbers and a heart for entrepreneurship. Her career began in academia, teaching at various colleges in Florida and Nashville. However, her love for numbers transcended the classroom, and she ventured into the world of healthier baked goods. Cyndi launched “Divine Little Donuts,” a brand that offered gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar alternatives for health-conscious snackers.
Fate intervened in a serendipitous way when Luis and Cyndi crossed paths and, just three months later, decided to tie the knot. Their shared vision and desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives led to the birth of Cortes Ventures Inc. Their mission? To provide exceptional experiences and unparalleled hospitality to their customers and employees alike.
Cortes Ventures Inc. found its early success by becoming the largest licensee of Red Bicycle Coffee, a boutique specialty coffee house based in Nashville. Their journey with Red Bicycle Coffee began in October 2021 when they acquired an underperforming shop in South Nashville. With their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Cyndi and Luis quickly turned the shop around. Their secret? Prioritizing the well-being and happiness of both clients and employees, establishing streamlined processes, and creating a harmonious work environment.
Today, the Cortes power couple owns and operates the thriving Mt. Juliet location, with plans to open their third shop in Nashville on October 15th. Their vision extends beyond coffee shops; they aspire to transform Cortes Ventures Inc. into a regional hospitality group known for exceptional customer experiences and a profound commitment to treating their employees with respect.
Their business motto is simple yet profound: “Three R – respect, resilience, and reliability.” These values are the cornerstone of their entrepreneurial journey, driving every decision they make.
Beyond their remarkable business success, Luis and Cyndi Cortes are driven by their love for God and their two beloved children, Angel and Luna. Their faith and family values are deeply embedded in their business ethos, creating a company culture built on integrity and empathy.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the journey of Luis and Cyndi Cortes is far from over. This power couple’s remarkable story continues to unfold, and their dedication to exceptional hospitality is bound to leave a lasting mark. Keep an eye out for Cortes Ventures Inc. as they continue to expand their footprint, serving up your favorite breakfast and specialty drinks, all while exemplifying the values of respect, resilience, and reliability. Luis and Cyndi Cortes are a true inspiration in the world of entrepreneurship, proving that with determination, passion, and a heart for people, anything is possible. Cheers to their continued success!
