Hey everyone, my Name is Isaac Cardenas Casillas, and it’s a pleasure to meet you! I was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but I’ve lived here in the Canyon/Amarillo area for half of my life. I’m about to graduate from West Texas A&M University with my B.B.A. in Finance and a Minor in Economics, so you could say that I’m a pretty good fit for the Texas Panhandle Regional Development Corporation and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation. I plan to continue my education at WTAMU to pursue my Master of Science in Finance and Economics. Before you ask, yes, I am a nerd.
I’ve been pretty lucky and blessed that most of my work experience has been in professional business environments, like the Small Business Development Center as the Program Assistant and Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor Intern.
I think my experience has prepared me to learn new things here at the AEDC, but that doesn’t change the fact that I was still nervous and anxious coming here with a new environment and new people. Thankfully, the AEDC has welcomed me wholeheartedly, especially Andy and Doug who have been teaching me new things and helping me develop professionally.
Small businesses need financing all the time, and these businesses come to the TRPDC and the AEDC for that help. That’s why I’m here, I’ve been hired to help Doug and Andy with the small business loans that they make to the people who drive Amarillo’s economy.
These small business owners have big plans for Amarillo, and I can’t wait to see how it grows. I’m excited to be here, to learn new things, and to meet new and exciting people.