We had the good fortune of connecting with Leo Cortes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Since 2008, I have been passionately involved in the world of 3D printing, and I have even built a successful company in Brazil called Triddo. In 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to supply all of the 3D printed parts for the Rio 2016 Olympics games. It was an exciting and rewarding experience that solidified my love for the industry. After that, I received a special skills visa and moved to San Diego, where I worked in the field for five years. During my time there, I gained invaluable experience and knowledge, which eventually led me to pursue my dream of starting my own business in the industry. So, I founded 037 Designs, which has been thriving ever since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m someone who loves to help out by designing parts. I get really excited when I can help someone take their great idea and turn it into a real, physical object. Listening to people’s design concepts is one of my favorite things – it really gets my creative juices flowing! I love coming up with design solutions and using 3D printing technology to make them a reality. The best part is, 3D printing gives me so many options to explore and create without any limits.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just gotta say, I’m a total beach bum. Wind n Sea, Scripps Pier, Pacific Beach Boardwalk…those are my go-to spots. And of course, I can never forget about my house, haha. But seriously, there’s nothing better than soaking up the sun and catching some waves.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I just wanted to take a moment to thank all the amazing people who supported me during my first years in the US. It was a tough journey from getting a temporary special skills visa to becoming a permanent resident, but I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help. I especially want to give a shoutout to all the wonderful folks who were involved in the immigration paperwork process. Your efforts made all the difference for me. I was so grateful to receive recommendation letters from fantastic institutions like Google, UCSD, Duke University, Emory University, and other companies based in San Diego. To all of you who vouched for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart! And last but not least, my wife, who is the primary reason behind my success.

Website: www.037designs.com

Instagram: @037.designs

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-ferrari-cortes-2b218738/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.