Meet Luis Carranza | CFO at CharterUP, Technology Marketplace and Charter Bus Entrepreneur

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

Hi Luis, alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I joined CharterUP because of the exciting opportunity it presented to create value through operating, combined with the company’s mission and proven profitable business model. Prior to joining CharterUP in 2019, I had been working in investment banking for several years. While I enjoyed the work, I could tell that it was a lot more exciting and exhilarating for operators. I always told myself that if a great opportunity to create value through operating came along, I would take it. I had been searching for a couple of years until I found the perfect fit.

Armir had been a close friend of mine from back in the early days of my career. We both lived in Charlotte together before I moved to New York. When he approached me for advice on managing the hyper-growth stage and investor interest in his company, I saw firsthand the potential of the business. CharterUP stood out to me as one of the best businesses I had ever come across. The proven profitable business model, combined with the right industry for disruption and Armir’s amazing character, made it a perfect fit. I was eager to join the team and help lead the finance department and fundraising process. I moved to Atlanta, and I have never looked back since.

Beyond the business potential, I was drawn to CharterUP’s mission to become the leading charter bus marketplace. The implications of this mission are significant – by increasing the penetration of group travel, we are making the world a greener place. Charter buses are the most energy-efficient per-mile means of travel, and by creating a leading marketplace for the charter bus industry, we are automatically moving forward the mission of increasing group transportation and reducing our carbon footprint. This mission is very uncontroversial and super exciting to be a part of, and it’s always great to be a part of something that’s making a positive impact on the world.

What’s one piece of conventional advice you disagree with?

Conventional advice often suggests that in order to achieve success, you must choose between working smart or working hard, but I disagree. From my experience, true success requires both working smart and hard, as well as being committed to the journey for the long haul.

At CharterUP, this philosophy has been a significant contributing factor to our success. We prioritize efficiency and strategic thinking, but we also understand that hard work and perseverance are crucial for achieving our goals. Without the determination to keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges and setbacks, we wouldn’t have achieved the level of success that we have.

Ultimately, success is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it requires a combination of various elements. By working smart, hard, and long, and finding the right balance for your own situation, you can pave your path to success.

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?
Though I mainly spend time in Buckhead, I highly recommend visiting the Beltline. On pleasant days, it’s bustling with activity and filled with happy people enjoying the outdoors. They walk their dogs, share drinks, and smile all around. The Beltline is a must-see, especially for visitors from less green cities. Its abundance of trees and winding pathways create a truly unique and special experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a massive shoutout to my family, especially my dad, for providing me with the opportunity to grow up, study, and build a career in such an incredible country. My dad left behind a promising career and a strong social circle to start anew in America. He has always inspired me to dream big and put in my utmost effort to achieve my goals. Throughout my life, he has offered invaluable personal and career advice. Additionally, he’s a huge fan of Armir and CharterUP. Thank you, Dad!

Website: https://www.charterup.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lcarranza22/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/charter_up?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charterup/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charterup