September EO Chicago Member Spotlight: Hernan Silva

EO Member: Hernan Silva

Company: CIO Landing

Years in Business: 30

How long have you been a member of EO Chicago and why did you join the organization?

I joined in May 2021 because I wanted to be able to share experiences with people who were having similar issues as I was.

What was your first job?

I worked in a tire shop when I was young, helping my mother with her business.

Can you describe your entrepreneurial journey? Where did you start and where do you hope to go in the future?

I started a local computer supply store in Buenos Aires with my mom and family in 1992. Following that, I founded my own business here in Chicago. In 2013, I merged my company with my current partner, joining CIO Landing. My goal has always been helping businesses to reach their full potential through technology.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Helping people and businesses be better at what they love to do.

What daily challenges do you face at work?

Every day brings something new to learn. Learning is nonstop. You must have the patience to understand the process.

What is the best career advice you ever received?

Implement EOS and join EO.

What are your goals for the future of your business?

Preparing businesses for tomorrow by understanding their business today. Or, my ten-year goal is to help improve 5000 businesses.

What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?

Converting my IT company into a business solutions franchise.

Who or what inspires you?

Being better today than I was yesterday.

If you could go back in time five years and share advice with your past self, what advice would you share?

I would tell myself to dream bigger!

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

My accent closed many doors in my life, the English language is a constant challenge. I am working to overcome this by practicing and improving everyday. Also, learning. I learned I was dyslexic as an adult and this has given me access to resources to help overcome challenges, such as listening instead of reading.

What brought you to Chicago?

I wanted to learn English and challenge myself.

How do you find work-life balance?

My family brings me back to earth, the weekends and afternoons are reserved for them.

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a firefighter, as most children do, but then I started working and discovered my passion for technology.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family and playing with my daughters the most. I’m also learning how to smoke Texas style BBQ, but my specialty is Argentinian BBQ.

What’s one thing still left on your bucket list?

Take a sabbatical year with my family.

What are you currently reading?

Good to Great by Jim Collins

If you could recommend one podcast, what would it be?

The GaryVee Audio Experience

What’s your favorite restaurant?

La Nonna, a small neighborhood Argentinian restaurant in Chicago.

What is your favorite part about working in the Chicagoland area?

My network—I have spent half of my life here.

What is your top Chicago activity?

I love the River Walk in the Loop and kayaking in Northfield.

Where’s your favorite place in the world to visit?

Vieques, Puerto Rico. This island is not as popular as Culebra.

Thank you to Hernan for sharing his story for our September member spotlight. The Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a global business network of more than 14,000 entrepreneurs in 198 chapters and 61 countries. EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life.
If you’re interested in becoming an EO Chicago member, check our membership requirements and submit an application to join today.