When J. Felipe Gutierrez first enrolled at George Brown College (GBC) in 2019, he couldn't have predicted that his journey through the Hotel Operations Management program would lead him to become the CEO of a thriving creative agency. But for Gutierrez, the path to success wasn't about following a straight line; it was about building transferable skills and remaining open to new possibilities.
While at GBC, Gutierrez discovered that his true passion lay not in hotel operations but in creating experiences. Instead of seeing this as a setback, he viewed it as an opportunity. The program's comprehensive approach to business and service excellence gave him crucial foundations in accounting, management, and interpersonal skills—tools that would prove invaluable for his future entrepreneurial ventures. This, paired with a digital video editing program through the college’s Continuing Education offerings, allowed him to discover a new path that would become his professional passion.
Foundations of Success
Reflecting on his journey at GBC, Gutierrez traces his entrepreneurial success to several pivotal elements of his college experience. The support from faculty members proved instrumental, opening doors to crucial industry connections and helping Gutierrez build a robust professional network. He gained access to a diverse cohort of accomplished mentors who shaped his business acumen. Perhaps the most catalytic was the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management's guest lecture series, where the encounters sparked his ambition to create a venture that would succeed commercially and drive positive change in the community.
From classroom to creative agency
Today, as the CEO and co-founder of UnmannedAV, Gutierrez has transformed what began as a drone filming company into a creative agency and production house. The company's agility and versatility have attracted major corporate clients, with projects taking them across North America.
The early days were not easy. "It was a slow start—we didn't make any money for the first year and a half," he admits. But Gutierrez and his business partner remained committed to building a solid foundation. "What our clients like is that we're very versatile, and we can move fast," Gutierrez explains. "We can get an idea and a video into production in two weeks because we're a small, skilled team with diverse backgrounds."
Giving back: A core mission
Perhaps most impressive is Gutierrez's commitment to community service. His company pledges one month each year to pro bono work. It recently created an award-winning video for the Peterborough Humane Society that secured first place with a prize of $20,000 US and 1,600 pounds of food for the shelter at the annual Wagsies Animal Welfare Video Awards in New Orleans.
"When you get involved in the community and you want to create a great community, the community wants to grow with you as well," he shares.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, his advice is clear: invest in yourself. Develop soft skills, cultivate meaningful connections, and always consider the broader impact of your work. "If you work on yourself... it pays tenfold," Guiterrez reflects—a philosophy that has defined his entrepreneurial journey.
Gutierrez's journey highlights the transformative power of education, resilience, and purpose. From a hospitality student to an award-winning video production entrepreneur, his story is a powerful reminder that success is not about following a predetermined path but having the courage to create your own.
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