Name: Louis Arriola
Age: 53
Profession: Telecommunications engineer, TV and film producer
One Word That Describes You: Spiritual
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
I am truly honored to be mentioned among a class of distinctive men. Having the opportunity to share my experiences, which can have a positive influence on others lives, is truly an honor.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
I’ve experienced going broke in my first two years as an entrepreneur, after leaving a high paying salary. Many didn’t understand my vision, but through my failures, I became stronger as a person. This allowed me to endure all of the negative talk, which eventually led me to a successful business.
As a result of my due diligence and perseverance, I am very proud to see my company LDI Networks continue to flourish in the telecommunications industry. As a strategic risk taker, I have now added TV and film producer to my resume. In just one year, while working with director Chris Stokes, I witnessed my independent film projects become lucrative business ventures.
Will to Love starring Keisha Knight-Pulliam, Marques Houston, and Draya Michelle saw immediate success when TV One Network bought the rights and released the TV film last year. Weekend With the Family, starring Karrueche Tran and Marques Houston, was released in select AMC Theaters last April.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
Loyalty.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
Currently in post production is a feature film, Howard High, starring black Hollywood’s Brian White and Marques Houston. [I also] invested in a cosmetic medical center called Tribeca in Miami Beach; partnered with The Whole Nine Magazine; made various real estate investments in Miami, Pasadena, and Panama; and I’m opening additional offices in Germany and Italy for telecommunications.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Put God first, and all else will be added to you.
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Never stop learning. Committing to being a perpetual student will keep you both hungry and humble.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
First, I begin to educate myself on all of the details of the meeting and it’s purpose. With this information, I make sure I’m properly equipped to effectively assist with any needed solutions.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation? Share a story about your best vacation.
My wife and I love to travel to exotic locations. Learning about other cultures is always a highlight. I recently went to one of the British Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dyke, to share in missionary work with my congregation. I met a man that always wanted his own Bible, and I had the privilege of being able to hand him his first one.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I have traveled just about everywhere I’ve always dreamed of. Honestly, there’s no place I’d rather stay than home, close to my family in Southern California.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Always do the work you love. If you do, you’ll never really work a day in your life!
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