Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Raciel Castillo, founder and CEO of RC Technologies, located in New York City, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Thank you for interviewing me. We are RC Technologies, a climate-tech company building the next generation of carbon capture technology. In a nutshell, what we do is remove greenhouses gases from the atmosphere (that's the stuff that traps the heat which contributes to the changing of the climate) and put those gases to work by creating high-value, circular, environmentally-friendly products safely and effectively storing those greenhouse gases in these products and lifecycles. The process is called Carbon Capture and Utilization. Our customers are governments, companies small and large, like tech companies, manufacturing companies, mining companies, cement and steel producing companies, hospitals, space exploration companies and organizations, and everyday people like you and me.
Tell us about yourself
Well, I'm 31, I have a background in physics, and I like to invent things. What got me started working on my business? I was really anxious about climate change. I didn't know what to do or if anyone was even doing anything about it. All the news going around made it worse. Working on another project in the med-tech space, I was struck by inspiration while listening to a podcast. It could have been Joe Rogan's podcast or another one on science-related developments. Those were really the only podcasts I listened to at the time. The guest said, and I'm paraphrasing, "there's too much of this gas in the atmosphere that's trapping all this heat." And immediately, I perked up and said out loud to myself, "It got into the atmosphere, and surely there's a way to remove it." Of all the things the podcast spoke of, those were the words that hit me. That stroke of Divine inspiration is what planted the seed and got the ball rolling. I began sketching what is now our technology. I had no clue what I was doing. I just allowed my fingers to speak to and dance on the pages of my sketchbook. Really, it was Divine intervention. I drew a bunch of sketches and put my notebook down to go back to work on my posture correction device. I later picked my book back up and began researching how to do what I had sketched out. I had no clue what I was looking for, and I just knew it was possible. I believe all things are possible. That belief is what led us to where we are today. I saw what others were doing in the space and realized how different what we were doing was, which I think any company would be proud of, and continued hammering away. I didn't want big, bulky, ineffective machines. It's not necessary. I didn't want to use tons of power or other resources like water, for example, as that, too, is not necessary. We were different from the start, and that's what makes us so effective at carbon capture. Our efficiency is higher than any other technology currently in space, which is super important. Our process, as well, is incredibly efficient and lean, which also sets us apart. For me, utilization is a no-brainer. Storing anything underground (what is known as Carbon Capture and Storage)-- especially a gas as potent and as dangerous as carbon dioxide or methane, has severe consequences and short and long-term effects, some even fatal. What we do at RC technologies helps to completely remove from the table those consequences. Our long-term is also lean and efficient and becomes more efficient as time goes on, which is crucial for an ever-evolving future.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner? That's a great question! Ask me again in a couple of years.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I don't know if I would call it a hard thing, but something one may deal with, especially in a new field, is keeping your vision alive when everyone has a hard time seeing or believing in it the way you do. I'd say understanding your audience is super helpful, as well. Learn to be flexible with how things play out - it's so much fun if you allow it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Focus on win-win opportunities. Keep a positive mindset -- this is helpful because you may hear a lot of "no's," so being able to find a yes, or better yet, to CREATE a "yes" where there weren't any, is a great skill to foster. Keeping a positive mindset and finding the bright side of all things helps to do that. It takes practice, so don't beat yourself up. Also, never give up. You can take breaks, and you can work on several projects, but make sure you're always moving the needle, even if slightly. Moving the needle ensures success. Go out there and make the world a better place -- we need you. Focus on doing no harm, and in doing so, all the pieces will fall into place. Have faith in yourself and others. Have faith in God. Learn and grow from your mistakes - they are great teachers! Be of service. ASK QUESTIONS! That's more than 3, I know, but that's for someone out there. And lastly, be kind: to yourself and to others. We're all humans, and we're all on our own paths, find the beauty in that. Okay, okay. I'm done now.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rctechnologies.co/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/racielcastillo7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racielcastillo/
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