About the author

Eder Holguin

<p> Eder Holguin&#39;s story was not always a success story. Born in Medellin, Colombia, he spent years as a young teen living on the streets, selling household goods door-to-door in order to eat and pay his way through school. A natural salesman and imaginative promoter, Holguin learned the secrets and psychology of marketing on the most fundamental level ?? face to face with the customer.</p> <p> By the time he was 16, Holguin had borrowed seed money, hired his own sales team, and had launched a low-budget direct-sales operation. At night, he took high school courses, and spent his spare hours at the local library. Over the next few years, with his fortunes slowly rising, Holguin acquired a business management degree from a local university, graduating near the top of his class.</p> <p> Eventually, he was able to work his way from Colombia to the U.S., landing in high-velocity New York City with little money and just a few phone numbers. &quot;Sure, it was intimidating to a newcomer, but I was computer oriented and knew I could find a way to transfer my sales and marketing skills to the online media space. It didn&#39;t happen overnight, that&#39;s for sure, but I had another handy skill: sheer determination.&quot;</p> <p> Never forgetting his own humble roots, Eder Holguin has reached out to help others who are unable to help themselves. For example, he is a member of the New York marketing and organizing committee for &#39;El Banquete del Millon&#39;, an important charity fundraiser held annually in various cities around the world. Sponsored by the El Minuto de Dios Corporation, the international event generates millions for homeless families in Colombia. &quot;We help feed the poor, build affordable housing, and provide educational opportunities. It offers hope for a better life to those who might otherwise have no hope at all.&quot;</p> <p> Reaching out on another front, Eder Holguin is in the process of establishing a foundation dedicated to rescuing street children in Colombia. &quot;I was once a homeless kid in Medellin and understand what needs to be done to make a positive, permanent difference in young lives. For obvious reasons, the foundation is close to my heart and I plan to have it up and running within the next year.&quot;</p>