“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”
Winston Churchill
Achievements
I have been extremely blessed to have had many mentors and sponsors throughout my personal and professional life. Listed below are a few of the key points of recognition that I have received throughout my career. Undeniably, the greatest achievement of my life has been to earn the title of Father to our two daughters- Sofia Isabel and Sarah Louise.
Recognized Servant Leader for Professional, Civic Involvement and as a Volunteer
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2023- NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
Issued by National Eagle Scouts Association & Pathway to Adventure Council -March 2023
The “NOESA” recognizes Eagle Scouts who have brought great honor to the highest rank of the Boy Scouts of America through their personal and professional contributions at the local, state and regional level.
Candidates for the NOESA have inspired others through their positive actions reflected by recognized accomplishments and devotion to their profession, hobby, community, and beliefs. Previous recipients include authors, explorers, television personalities, military flag officers, scientists, medical doctors, government officials, prominent business people, and entrepreneurs.
Nominations are determined by the local council NESA committee, Scout Executive, and council president. In rare cases, the National NESA Committee may originate nominations.
Each recipient’s record of service and accomplishments should elevate the public stature and reputation of Eagle Scouts.
Of the over 2.8M Eagle Scouts, it has been awarded to less than 2000 members.
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2022- Crain's Chicago Business Notable Gen X Leaders in Sports - Lou Sandoval
Behind Chicago's legendary sports teams and sports scene is an army of people in charge of business operations, marketing and public relations, philanthropic initiatives and other crucial off-court (or off-field) endeavors. The honorees profiled here have created outreach programs to serve and engage their fan base.
They promote diversity in sports overall by paving pathways to and financing for athletes from underserved demographics. They have founded nonprofits that ensure diversity in and access to sports for all. Their names might not be on the backs of jerseys and sweaters, but their work is highly visible, all the same.
Lou Sandoval- President/Managing Partner Halo Advisory Group
Lou Sandoval helps early- and growth-stage companies scale and become more efficient. The son of Mexican immigrants, he earned a merit badge for learning to sail en route to becoming an Eagle Scout. He joined the Chicago Yacht Club more than 20 years ago and recently served as the first Hispanic commodore in the club’s 145-year history. He has completed 22 Mackinac races, winning it nine times, and in 2021 became the first Latino sailor to be inducted into the Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation Hall of Fame. Sandoval serves on boards to grow access to boating in diverse communities and was the architect of the diversity, equity and inclusion strategic plan for the sport’s governing body, US Sailing.
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2022- Who's Who in Chicago Hispanic Business Power
Issued by NEGOCIOS NOW Business Magazine · Jun 2022
Negocios Now, a national award-winning publication focused on the Hispanic business community, celebrates the success of Chicago’s Hispanic community with “Who’s Who In Hispanic Business Power- Chicago” edition published in June 2022. Recognized in the category of Technology.
The goal is not only to recognize Hispanic achievement, but also to inspire other members of the community to similar endeavors. Honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of five business and civic leaders from within the state of Illinois in the following categories: Business, Non-Profits, Media, Cultural & Education, Government, and Corporate.
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2021- Lake Michigan Sailing Hall of Fame Inductee
Nominated to the Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation Class of 2021 Hall of Fame by the Chicago Yacht Club Board of Directors for my accomplishments in the sport of sailing and my professional contributions to the sport as well as my volunteer contributions to the betterment of the sport and expansion to underserved communities.
LMSRF member yacht club and sailing organization Board of Directors may nominate one or more individuals whom they feel would be worthy of this honor. Eligible individuals include individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of sail racing, were leaders and innovators in our sport, and deserve permanent recognition in Lake Michigan sailing history. Nominees should be or have been very active in sail racing on Lake Michigan, free of controversy and rating discrepancies, lifelong contributors to the sport, have displayed good sportsmanship whether winning or losing, and have the respect of his or her peers. Clubs can nominate any living or deceased individual whom they feel should be recognized and elected to the Lake Michigan Sailing Hall of Fame. Inductees are recognized in honor ceremonies at their respective organizations by a member of the LMSRF organization.
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2021 Chicago United Business Leader of Color Honoree
Chicago United Business Leaders of Color are 50 diverse, influential and accomplished individuals ready for corporate board directorships. Chosen from a highly competitive field of close to 100 nominees, the individuals selected demonstrate a broad range of professional experiences and proven track records of success in numerous industries.
Chicago United presents this group every other year to expand the pool of diverse, board-ready candidates for corporate boards. Since 2003, there have been 420 individuals to receive this honor who have dispelled the myth that there are not enough qualified, dynamic, visionary and talented executives of color to step into corporate board directorships in Chicago and beyond. Currently, there are Business Leaders of Color who fill more than 300 directorships.
Chicago United is a corporate membership and advocacy organization whose mission is to achieve parity in economic opportunity for people of color by advancing multiracial leadership in corporate governance, expanding the talent pipeline for executive-level management, and growing minority business. Founded in 1968, the organization is focused on transforming the Chicago region into the most inclusive business ecosystem in the nation by engaging the top publicly and privately held corporations in leading talent management and inclusive diversity practices. Chicago United's signature programs include its Business Leaders of Color publication, which showcases a diverse pool of corporate director candidates, the Five Forward Initiative™, designed to invigorate job creation in communities of color by increasing the scale of large Minority Business Enterprises in the Chicago region, Inside Inclusion featuring the Corporate Diversity Profile, and the Corporate Inclusion Institute, the first-ever citywide business talent development program
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2018 - MAESTRO Award- Entrepreneurship
Issued by LATINO LEADERS Magazine · Oct 2018
The Maestros, formerly known as the Maestro Awards Ceremony, is a gathering of influential Latino Leaders across the country, intended to recognize and celebrate the achievements of members of the Latino Community. Recipients hail from a range disciplines - Business, Education, Civil Service, Religion, Medicine, and more. The Maestros acknowledge the trailblazers and innovators in the Latino community with a gala and recognition of their achievements. Awardees are recognized as some of the most influential Latinos in the country.
Awards are given for Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Community Service.
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2015- Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award
Issued by Boy Scouts of America- Pathway to Adventure Council · Nov 2015
Presented by the National Boy Scouts of America Office, The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award recognizes outstanding service by an adult or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds. Recipients are nominated by a their peers and vetted by the nomination committee.
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2015, 2014 - Who's Who in Chicago Hispanic Business
Issued by NEGOCIOS NOW Business Magazine · Jun 2015
Negocios Now, a national award-winning publication focused on the Hispanic business community, celebrates the success of Chicago’s Hispanic community with its first “Who’s Who In Hispanic Chicago” special edition published in June 2015.
The goal is not only to recognize Hispanic achievement, but also to inspire other members of the community to similar endeavors. Honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of five business and civic leaders from within the state of Illinois in the following categories: Business, Non-Profits, Media, Cultural & Education, Government, and Corporate.
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2015- Chicago State University Latino Resource Center Corporate Citizen Award
Issued by Chicago State University · Apr 2015
Latino Resource Center Corporate Citizen Award: This prestigious honor is bestowed on a distinguished Latino who has demonstrated commitment to corporate, public and private institutions and organizations that work to improve the quality of life for the people in their communities.
The Latino Resource Center (LRC) was established in July 1988 to help Latino students make the transition into university life. The Center is a vital component of the cultural vitality at Chicago State University (CSU) and is responsible for organizing and coordinating Latino cultural programs at the University. In addition, the LRC helps Latino students as they enroll and through their academic tenure to insure successful completion of their degrees, while enhancing their college experience. The LRC also brings awareness into Latino communities about the programs and opportunities available at CSU, and acts as a liaison between CSU and surrounding Latino communities
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2013- Boating Industry- Movers and Shakers Finalist
Issued by BOATING INDUSTRY Magazine · Oct 2013
The Mover's and Shakers Award is given to marine industry professionals highlighted for their leadership. Identified on the basis of their 'willingness to take chances' , 'rethinking the way they do business' and 'embracing the changes facing the marine industry'.
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2011- Beneteau Dealer of the Year-North America
Issued by Beneteau America · Oct 2011 (Multi Year Recipient dating back to 2003)
The 'Dealer of the Year' award is issued to the number one dealer out of the 40 dealer network covering the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Karma Yacht Sales was the proud recipient of 'Service Dealer of the Year Award', having received a perfect NMMA Customer Service Initiative (CSI) score of 100% in 2011 along with receiving the President's Award for Sales.
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2011- Silver Beaver Award
Issued by Boy Scouts of America-Chicago Area Council · Feb 2011
The Silver Beaver Award is the highest recognition a Boy Scout council can bestow on an adult volunteer leader. The award is presented to those volunteers of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service to the Scouting program withing the Council. Nominations are recommended by the local council and approved by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. It is given to those who do not actively seek it.
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1982-Eagle Scout Award
Earned as a Scout within the Chicago Area Council -April 1982
The EAGLE SCOUT AWARD is the highest award available to youth members of the Boy Scouts of America. It is a recognition by the National Court of Honor, presented through the local council and a local court of honor.
It represents many years of dedicated effort , and the successful completion of a long process which started when the young man became a Boy Scout. It is a demonstration of how people, working together, can truly help mold a young man with a solid sense of leadership, citizenship, and responsibility
Since it was first awarded in 1912, more than 2 million young men have achieved the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank representing about 4% of the youth involved in Scouting.