Small Business Today Magazine SEP 2014 ELP ENTERPRISES | Page 11

At the center of Martha’s world is her wonderful family and her motivation for all the hard
work she does. She is seen here with (from left to right) her daughter Michelle’s fiancé,
Matt Floyd, daughter Michelle, grandson Austin, Martha, husband Dan, daughter Melissa, and
Melissa´s husband, Adam Guggisberg.
Photo by Gwen Juarez Photography

Martha loves to give back to the community. Not only does she
mentor other women in helping them succeed in business, she has
been very involved with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
for the past 15 years. Martha is quick to say that it is her passion.
In fact, when the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo starts, you
won’t see very much of her. Last year, Martha was on three committees. She is the first to tell you that she is a volunteer junkie yet
somehow she still manages to run a successful business!
Through her involvement with various community associations
and organizations, Martha has received many awards and recognitions but the one she is most proud of receiving is the E-10
Award from the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council in 2013. She has most recently been elected to the Board of
Directors for the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. In
addition, she is a member of the Houston Chapter of Executive
Women International, a member of the Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, a certified participating member of the Women’s
Business Enterprise Alliance, and a certified participating member
of the Houston Minority Development Council.
When she is not running her business, volunteering, or networking, Martha finds time to travel. She grew up swimming in
the South Florida area and loves doing anything near the water.
Her parents spoke to her in their native language her entire life
so Martha is fluent in Spanish. In addition, Martha has instilled
her Cuban heritage within her children who both know Spanish
as well. Stronger than her passion for the rodeo is her love for
her family. Growing up in a tight knit family, Martha is still close
with her brother and sisters. Although Martha’s father has passed
away, she talks to her mother by phone nearly every day sharing
the day’s events.

Martha loves spending time with her family but the apple of her
eye is grandson, Austin. She especially enjoys every minute she
gets to spend with him. Martha also enjoys dining out, drinking
good wine, and socializing with good friends. She elabor ]Y8