Meet Isabel Olea: Story of a second-generation family entrepreneur a pioneering new paths in the business landscape
Company: Gauss Energia
Industries: Energy
Key Customers: CFE, Walmart, Mitsubishi, Chedraui, Pemex
Gauss Energia, founded in 2004 in Mexico, specializes in project development in the energy sector, primarily focusing on solar energy. The company initially focused on photovoltaic energy and expanded its portfolio over time. Despite facing setbacks such as natural calamities, Gauss Energia evolved with improved technology, ensuring business resilience against future natural disasters.
Isabel Olea,
MBA at Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business
2YMBA, 2024
About the founder:
Héctor Olea is a prominent figure in the Mexican energy sector, particularly known for his significant contributions to renewable energy. His extensive career spans over three decades, during which he has played a key role in positioning Gauss as a leading company in renewable energies. Héctor is not only the President and CEO of Gauss, a firm specializing in the development and structuring of investment opportunities in renewable energy projects, but he also chairs the Mexican Solar Energy Association.
Business Model:
The company's flagship project, Aura Solar, comprises three energy parts developed in the La Paz region of Mexico. Gauss Energia primarily operates in Latin America and serves key clients such as the CFE, Walmart, and Pemex. The company has expanded its presence to become a market leader in providing energy solutions, particularly in renewable energy.
Currently, the company is focusing on the expansion of Aura Solar 1 and 3, which has been possible with the purchase of solar panels. The company, Gauss Energia, is focused on domestic expansion as there is currently a monopoly over this market in the Mexico market. The focus on domestic expansion is due to the ever-changing laws of the Government making it difficult for competitors to keep up. Aura Solar 3 is focused on the renewables space, making Gauss Energia a leader in the renewable’s energy space.
Challenges Overcome:
The aftermath of the hurricane post Aura Solar 1 launch required substantial rebuilding efforts. This experience led to technological upgrades and better risk mitigation strategies, ensuring minimal disruption to operations during future natural calamities.
Impact of COVID-19:
The pandemic posed challenges, impacting Gauss Energia's operations initially, particularly in plant maintenance and workforce availability. However, it also prompted technological advancements, such as implementing a CRM system for better project management. Overall, the company adapted well and saw positive business outcomes post-pandemic, expanding Aura Solar projects and investing in more solar panels.
“Entrepreneurship is in my DNA” - Isabel Olea
Noticeable Accomplishments
2013: The New Economy Sustainable Energy Award for progress in sustainable energy
2014: Work of the Year by Grupo Expansión in recognition of the development of Aura Solar
2018: Opened first Large-Scale solar + storage facility in Mexico (Aura 3)
Isabel's Background and Entrepreneurial Ventures:
Isabel, associated with Gauss Energia, has a background in marketing and advertising. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Vyral Agency during the pandemic, specializing in branding, website development, social media, and advertising services. Her experience at Babson College greatly contributed to her entrepreneurial journey and business acumen.
Isabel's entrepreneurial endeavours complement the company's vision, showcasing a diversified skill set and a commitment to expanding her own marketing agency.
This story was written exclusively for the Babson Family Business Club by Dheeraj Ramesh Pherwani & Ishaan Jain, Members of the Babson Family Business Club.