Name: Ramon Gil

Company: Fresh Concentrate LLC - Multicultural Marketing and Design.

Current Clients: Lord Abbett & Co., iCentral Solutions, One Hundred Black Men, Upwardly Global, GoldAlwaysFree.com, Canal Street Picures, NYC  Mayor's Office, Shared Interest, INTAR Theatre, Northern Manhattan  Center for Immigrant Rights.

Crème Magazine: How did you get your start in the business?

Ramon Gil: While working as a graphic designer, I always volunteered with several different nonprofit organizations. Eventually they started giving me projects.  When I finally decided to launch my own  advertising and graphic design company, I had 15 years worth of  contacts in the non-profit and advertising industry to draw business  from. I tell all my employees and interns, "Keep in touch with  everyone you've ever worked with."  Business (and careers) is all  about building relationships.  And the more relationships you  cultivate, the more resources are at your disposal and the more options you have. As Jeffrey Gitomer said "All things being equal, people like to do business with friends. All things NOT being equal, people still want to do business with their friends."

Crème Magazine: What is your inspiration?

Ramon Gil: The idea that as professional communicators, we have the power to influence people. That power is not to be taken lightly. With that power comes responsibility. The responsibility to make a positive contribution in this world. That and nurturing young professionals and entrepreneurs either in the office or in the classroom.

Crème Magazine: What's the mission of your company?

Ramon Gil: To make a difference especially in the area of multiculturalism and education. To produce great creative work and excellent customer service. To create a working environment that values an employees' professional and personal development and a rich personal life.

Crème Magazine: What makes your business unique?

Ramon Gil: We pride ourselves in providing outstanding "worry-free" service to our clients. When we take on a job, we TAKE ON a job. Meaning, we'll take care of all contingencies and the client can rest assured  that we'll make it happen no matter what. We don't compete on price.  We compete on quality of service. When they're happy, we're happy.

Crème Magazine: What is your business motto?

Ramon Gil: Be True. Be Fair. Be Daring.

Crème Magazine: What are you currently working on?

Ramon Gil: Public service announcements for Upwardly Global; a non-profit placement agency for immigrants with professional degrees. An ad campaign to promote the many languages available on NYC's 311 information line.  A complete rebranding project for a technology company called iCentral Solutions. Promoting a new networking information website called ContactRun.com and An ad campaign for a new gaming PC called Project: War Machine.

Crème Magazine: What is your definition of a HOT SHOT?

Ramon Gil: Truth be told, I actually shy away from being called a hot-shot. To me a hot shot is someone who is extremely confident and obviously  so.  And confidence comes from KNOWING you can do something. While we are good at what we do, I believe in trying new things which may be outside of our comfort zone, which means that we're not always "extremely confident" about doing it. But we are confident enough to know that whatever the challenge, we will rise to the occasion. It's how we grow.