The Honorable Hector V. Barreto is Chairman of The Latino Coalition (TLC), one of the largest and most effective Latino advocacy groups in the nation. TLC's stature in the business community and the political community has grown steadily since Barreto took the helm of the organization in 2006. TLC's growing influence, membership and partnerships are all evidence of the effectiveness of his leadership approach.
Barreto is internationally recognized for his successful business ventures, community leadership, government service and as a leading voice for Latinos across the country. He is a frequent public speaker, media guest, panelist and commentator on business, politics and the Latino community.
Barreto served five years as the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration after being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He led the SBA to record heights of support for small-businesses, especially minority and female entrepreneurs who had historically been under-served, by leveraging a loan portfolio that exceeded $60 billion.
Born into an entrepreneurial family, Barreto gained invaluable business experience during his youth by helping to run his family restaurants, import/export business, and construction company. After graduating from Rockhurst University, he became the South Texas Area Manager for the Miller Brewing Company. In 1986 he moved to California and formed Barreto Insurance and Financial Services.
His community service includes being the founder and former chairman of Business Matchmaking, a highly recognized non-profit that has helped small-business owners gain access to government and corporate procurement representatives. Barreto is also a member of the boards of the United States Chamber of Commerce and serves on its council for small business.
Barreto founded Tributo a Mi Padre in 2011 in honor of his late father, Hector Barreto Sr. In 2013, Tributo tequila was awarded the prestigious 5 Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, making it the only tequila to hold this distinction.
He has been inducted into the Minority Business Hall of Fame and recognized by many organizations including the U.S. Congress, the California State Senate and Assembly and the American Red Cross. In 2006 he was presented with the prestigious Aguila Azteca Award by President Fox of Mexico. He recently received the Latino Leadership Magazine Maestro Award for Entrepreneurship.
Barreto is the author of The Engine of America, a book dedicated to motivating and inspiring entrepreneurs through real life stories and the winning formulas of successful business leaders.
