Alan Albornoz: an entrepreneur who merges culture and business
In an exclusive interview, Alan Albornoz Romo, an architect by profession and a master in innovation management, shares his business story and his unique approach that combines regional culture with the business world.
“My grandfather, Don Alfredo Romo, was my main inspiration,” says Alan. “His entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to family showed me the way to the business world.”
Alan tells how he initially studied Business Administration, but his passion for architecture led him to follow that path. After working on several construction projects in Bogotá, Cali and Pasto, including multi-family homes, country houses, hotels, restaurants, among others, the real estate crisis and the pandemic led him to diversify his interests.
“We transitioned into the food and hospitality sector,” Alan explains. “We created Don Alfredo, a coffee shop that pays tribute to my grandfather and the rich coffee tradition of Nariño.”
Alan speaks passionately about the importance of institutionalizing Nariño coffee and changing the perception of the quality of local coffee, which is why a couple of years ago he created the brand, VILLAVICIOSA special coffee from Colombia, Nariño origin “We are working to bring coffee from Nariño to new markets and encourage greater local consumption,” he says.
Additionally, Alan shares how he integrated regional culture into his boutique hotel, Villaviciosa Hotel Boutique, creating a unique experience for guests. “Our hotel celebrates the rich history and culture of Nariño through the architecture, decoration and experiences we offer,” he says.
With his innovative approach and deep commitment to culture and regional development, Alan Albornoz Romo demonstrates that business success can go hand in hand with the preservation and promotion of cultural identity.
Alan shares his unique approach to providing services in Nariño, highlighting the importance of loving and valuing local people. “Our welcome is always with a cup of special Nariño coffee for all our guests,” says Alan. “We generate a connection and a very relevant affection through the culture of coffee and the region.”
Regarding service quality, Alan emphasizes the importance of personalizing the experience for each guest. “We want people to feel at home,” he says. “We know our guests’ preferences and strive to anticipate their needs.”
Reflecting on past challenges, Alan shares how the pandemic and national strike affected his businesses. However, he highlights the resilience of his team and his ability to adapt to circumstances. “We did a very interesting exercise during the pandemic, our receptionists became domiciliaries of the cafe, I took and packed orders and so did the entire team,” reveals Alan. “This approach helped us survive and continue serving our community.”
Regarding his current projects, Alan talks about the revival in the construction sector and his efforts to promote entrepreneurship and education in the region. “We are designing interesting projects for people who want to leave a legacy in Nariño,” he explains. “We want to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and provide opportunities for people to thrive in our community.”
With his commitment to excellence in service, his innovative approach, and his dedication to the community, Alan Albornoz Romo continues to be an inspiring example of how entrepreneurship can transform lives and entire communities.
In this last part of the interview with Alan Albornoz Romo, we delve into his vision of the future for Pasto and his commitment to sustainable development and collaboration between the private and public sectors.
Alan highlights the importance of cultivating the personal and professional growth of his employees, fostering a culture of learning and growth. “We want to educate people so that they grow,” he emphasizes. “You can be the leader of your own professional career and we want to be facilitators of that process.”
As for the present, Alan reveals his current efforts in the coffee business, seeking to expand his market both nationally and internationally. “Our objective is to promote the consumption of quality coffee and change consumption habits in institutions and homes,” he explains, while developing architectural designs, building private projects and generating consultancies to generate business models.
Regarding the future of Pasto, Alan shares his vision of a growing city, but intelligently planned. He highlights the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors to address urban challenges and promote sustainable development. “Pasto has great growth potential, but we need leadership and strategic planning to ensure a prosperous future,” he says.
Alan also calls for action to involve the community in decision-making and harness the talent and creativity of local youth and entrepreneurs. “We need to convene the smart people of the city and work together to build a bright future for Pasto,” he concludes.
With his approach focused on education, innovation and collaboration, Alan Albornoz Romo is emerging as a visionary leader who is transforming not only his business, but also the future of his city and his region.
This story is part of the project for the implementation of the corporate policy “In Nariño ours first” of the Pasto Chamber of Commerce. This initiative aims to promote the appropriation of the region’s brand, make the Nariño merchant and businessman visible by making their products and services known, and also promote a collective consciousness in Nariño that strengthens trust in our region.
