Member Spotlight: Barrios Consulting Group

In this month’s Member Spotlight, we shine a light on Barrios Consulting Group, a transportation consultancy based in Orlando, FL, on a mission to revolutionize Florida’s transportation landscape. Learn more as we speak with founder, Jorge Barrios, about his vision for the future of transportation in Downtown Orlando!

Tell us a little bit about Barrios Consulting Group (BCG)!

BCG is a small but mighty transportation consulting company, born right here at Venture X in February 2024. We are passionate about making Florida’s transportation system safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. We are experts at using data and data visualization to answer important transportation questions and help our clients make more informed decisions.

What’s one unique challenge facing Florida’s transportation system that your company is passionate about solving?

Florida cities are notoriously dangerous for people on foot or on bicycles. As a bicycle commuter, I know first-hand the conditions that make people wary about getting on a bicycle here in Orlando. Fortunately, there are many ways to make this very efficient mode of transportation also very safe and comfortable.

What led you to start your company?

It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and it just seemed like the right time to make the leap. I’m hoping it will give me more flexibility in the types of opportunities I can pursue and in how and where I do the work. I am loving the challenge and learning opportunities that come from wearing all the hats.

What sets your business apart from your competitors?

As a small business, we are leaner and nimbler than more established companies. That translates to greater purpose and creativity, but also to being efficient with our client’s resources.

What is something you wish you’d known when you were just starting your business?

That I needed to get both a City of Orlando and Orange County business tax receipt!

How do you navigate your work-life balance?

Unlike many other small consulting companies that are home-based, I like coming to the office to create a break between time at home and at work. It helps me focus and be more productive when I’m working, but it also lets me fully enjoy time at home with family.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

There’s a part of me that has always enjoyed doing applied research. I’ve got a good handle on what problems my clients are dealing with, but to me, the best part is to go digging for the latest data and tools and mesh together a new approach that helps my clients make more informed decisions.

How has being a part of the Venture X Orlando community affected you and your business?

Starting a new company by yourself can feel lonely. I’m glad to be part of Venture X and have interaction and sharing of ideas on a daily basis. The fact that people from all sorts of industries work here together has helped me expand my understanding of what business is.

If you had a friend in town and you could take them to one of your favorite restaurants or spots in your community, where would you take them?

Tough one. Orlando has so many good spots now. If they’re visiting me at Venture X, coffee at Robinson is a must. But for lunch or dinner, I’d take them to Mamak on Mills50.

If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about Orlando’s transportation, what would it be?

That’d be a very busy magic wand, but if I had to choose just one thing, I’d build on the SunRail system by electrifying it, expanding coverage and hours, and developing affordable housing around existing and new stations.

To get in contact with Jorge, email [email protected].

We would like to thank BCG for being a part of our Member Spotlight series! If you are interested in being a part of this series, please speak to your community manager.