Ares Saldana
Phidev
500 W Overland Ave., #250W
915-730-3817
www.phidev.com
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and can you share the story of how you started your first venture?
I’ve always been driven by the idea of building solutions—whether that means solving a technical challenge or helping a business grow. When Phidev started in 2008, many local businesses were just starting to realize the potential of having a strong digital presence. I saw a need and an opportunity to bring something valuable to the table. What started as a passion for tech and design turned into a company that today helps businesses in North America and Europe navigate the digital world with confidence.
What do you consider to be the most special qualities or aspects of your business?
Phidev is more than a digital agency—it’s a long-term partner for the businesses we work with. We focus on delivering digital solutions that actually solve problems, whether it’s through marketing automation, website development, or custom software. What makes us special is our small, highly committed team. Most of us have been working together for years, and that shows in the consistency, creativity, and quality of our work. We don’t chase trends for the sake of it—we listen, we understand, and we build strategically.
How do you approach risk-taking in your business endeavors, and what strategies do you employ to manage and mitigate potential risks?
I don’t believe in jumping blindly into something new. Every big decision at Phidev is backed by data, insight from our clients, and open conversations with the team. We test before we scale, and we listen before we act. At the same time, I always leave space for experimentation. Some of our most successful ideas came from trying something new, watching it fail fast, and then refining it until it worked.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Start with solving a real problem. It’s easy to get caught up in building the “next big thing,” but real success comes from understanding people’s needs and offering something that makes their lives easier or better. Also, don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Launch, learn, and improve as you go. And surround yourself with people who are smarter than you—it’s the best investment you can make in your growth as a business owner and a human being.
Photography by Annabella Mireles