We had the good fortune of connecting with Ramon “Ray” Nuñez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ramon “Ray”, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The journey to launching DobleImpact began in the most unassuming of places: the bustling, noisy living room of my family home. Picture a young kid, not yet tall enough to change the TV channel without jumping, but already a seasoned pro at navigating the complexities of two languages. That was me, the go-to translator in a household where English was a guest and Spanish reigned supreme. Each translation, whether for a doctor’s appointment, a parent-teacher meeting, or understanding a utility bill, was more than a language task; it was an exercise in cultural interpretation. This early role as a family interpreter was not just about conveying words but emotions, intentions, and nuances – a complex dance between two cultures.
Years later, my career path led me through diverse roles – from a head of marketing to a development director, and even a stint as a political campaign manager. Each role was like a piece of a puzzle, helping me realize there’s this enormous, vibrant tapestry of bilingual communication needs just waiting to be acknowledged. It seemed like everywhere I looked, from boardrooms to campaign trails, the need for genuine bilingual engagement was staring back at me, waving frantically for attention.
Imagine trying to explain the intricacies of a political slogan in Spanish to someone whose command of the language extends to just ‘fiesta’ and ‘cerveza.’ Amidst the laughter and playful eye-rolls in these situations, the idea for DobleImpact started to take root. It struck me: why not develop a platform that goes beyond literal translation to genuinely resonate with the cultural and personal nuances of people’s lives? True communication isn’t just about getting the words right; it’s about connecting with the real, vibrant spirit of diverse cultures.
DobleImpact is about transforming those early experiences of navigating two languages into a tool that empowers organizations to speak to and with their diverse audiences. We wanted to take those funny, awkward, and sometimes frustrating experiences of bilingual folks and turn them into something powerful. Our mission? To ensure every ‘buenas tardes’ is met with the warmth it deserves and every English phrase finds its vibrant Spanish counterpart.
Today, DobleImpact stands as a testament to every childhood translator, every marketing maverick who dreamed of more inclusive campaigns, and every communications director who knew that ‘one-size-fits-all’ doesn’t work in a world as beautifully diverse as ours. As we grow, our commitment remains steadfast – to dismantle language barriers and ensure that every voice, in any language, is heard and valued.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
DobleImpact, at its core, is more than just a business; it’s a bridge connecting cultures through the power of language. What sets us apart is our deep understanding and appreciation for the cultural nuances that come with bilingual communication. We’re not just about translating words; we’re about creating a dialogue that resonates with people’s lives and cultures in both English and Spanish.
What I’m most proud of, and excited about, is how DobleImpact has evolved into a platform that empowers businesses and organizations to communicate effectively with a broader, more diverse audience. It’s thrilling to see our clients connect more authentically with the Spanish-speaking community, breaking down language barriers and building stronger relationships.
Getting to where we are today was certainly not a smooth ride. The biggest challenge was shifting the traditional mindset of bilingual communication from a mere afterthought to a strategic and cultural priority. We overcame this by consistently demonstrating the value and impact of culturally nuanced content. It was about showing, not just telling, the difference that true understanding of a language and its cultural context can make. I co-founded a marketing agency in 2020 with my partner, Taryn, and we time and time again ran into companies and organizations of all sizes that were looking for this service. Building this was a no brainer but the work to get here and demonstrate value in the market certainly wasn’t easy.
The journey taught me a few vital lessons: perseverance is key, adaptability is crucial, and always stay true to your vision. Every challenge was an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine our approach.
What I want the world to know about DobleImpact is that we’re here to change the narrative of bilingual communication. We’re here to showcase that bilingual content is not just a necessity for business success but also a powerful tool for cultural inclusivity and connection. Our story is a testament to the belief that language should unite, not divide, and that every word, in any language, has the power to connect hearts and minds.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh man, this is when people will find out I’m not actually from San Diego. Both my sisters were born in San Diego and I still have some family in the area. So I’ll shout out two of my favorite spots. First, I’d take my friends down to Chula Vista to Birrieria Don Rafa. I grew up in Michoacan, Mexico and in our area we were known for beef birria. There are very few spots north of the border that can compare to traditional family cooked meals, but Don Rafa knows how to do it right.
I, of course, have to represent my culture to my friends and bring them to Bazaar Del Mundo in Old Town San Diego. There’s so much forgotten history of the area that is important to bring to light and remind folks that we are on blended land. There is so much to take in and celebrate in Old Town!
I have a 2.5 year old and parent friends that I would love to take to the San Diego Zoo. I have vivid memories of going there as a kid and I would love to bring the next generation in to experience the magic.
While you’re in town, you have to check out the beaches. A lot of my friends are on the east coast and I’d be a terrible friend if I didn’t show them what a real beach looks like! We’d go to the cliff walks and spend the afternoon grabbing an ice cream and walking along the boardwalk.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, this shoutout unequivocally goes to my parents, the unsung heroes of my story. Their brave decision to bring me to the United States as a child laid the cornerstone for my success. Growing up immersed in two cultures, I learned to navigate and blend diverse worlds, a skill that became the bedrock of my career. Their sacrifices, resilience, and belief in a better life beyond what was visible instilled in me the values of hard work and adaptability. So, to my parents, muchisimas gracias for the gift of a bicultural life and for setting me on a path that has exceeded even your greatest dreams. DobleImpact stands as a tribute to your legacy and the boundless opportunities you opened for me.
Website: www.dobleimpact.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raynunezdotorg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raynunezdotorg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RayNunezdotorg