Roderick Schacher, a dynamic entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, is the founder and CEO of Grupo Visión, a technology and real estate development firm committed to sustainable growth and innovation across Central America. Roderick has built his career on a foundation of strategic vision, environmental responsibility, and a deep commitment to improving the socio-economic fabric of the region. Having studied finance at Bentley University and International Business at Florida International University, Roderick brings a unique blend of global insights and local understanding to every project he leads. Beyond his business acumen, he is deeply involved in philanthropic initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, education, and environmental conservation. His leadership is reshaping Central America’s development, both in the technological and real estate sectors, where innovation and sustainability meet.
How has growing up in Central America influenced your approach to business and entrepreneurship?
Growing up in Honduras, I was always aware of the many challenges we face as a region—whether it’s economic disparity, limited infrastructure, or environmental vulnerabilities. But alongside these challenges, I saw immense potential and resilience within the people and communities here. I realized early on that business could be a powerful tool for driving real change if approached with the right mindset.
This is why my business philosophy has always been rooted in finding ways to align profitability with social and environmental impact. I believe businesses in Central America have a responsibility to not just focus on short-term gains but to think about long-term sustainability. Whether it’s using technology to modernize industries or building real estate developments that prioritize green practices, my aim is always to contribute to the region’s growth while ensuring that we’re preserving the resources and opportunities for future generations.
What drives your commitment to sustainability in both technology and real estate sectors?
Sustainability, for me, is non-negotiable. I don’t believe we can build a better future without being mindful of the planet’s limitations. Central America is a region blessed with incredible biodiversity and natural beauty, but that also means it’s our duty to protect it. In every project I undertake, I look for ways to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and value.
In the real estate sector, this means designing eco-friendly buildings, integrating renewable energy sources, and focusing on green infrastructure that complements, rather than disrupts, the environment. In the technology sector, sustainability means creating solutions that are scalable and don’t deplete resources. For example, we’ve been working with farmers to use AI and IoT systems to optimize water and soil management, which not only improves crop yields but also conserves essential natural resources. My goal is always to create businesses and technologies that stand the test of time, and that can only happen if we prioritize sustainability.
How do you see the role of technology evolving in Central America’s development?
Technology is, without question, the catalyst for Central America’s next phase of development. In a region that has traditionally lagged behind global technological advancements, we now have the opportunity to leapfrog certain stages of development by embracing new technologies. This is especially true in sectors like agriculture, education, and urban planning, where digital tools can unlock efficiencies and new opportunities.
For instance, in agriculture, integrating AI, drones, and precision farming techniques is revolutionizing the way we grow food. It’s allowing small-scale farmers to be more competitive and sustainable, which is critical in a region where so many livelihoods depend on the land. In urban development, smart city technologies offer solutions for traffic management, energy consumption, and public services that could dramatically improve the quality of life in our cities.
At Grupo Visión, we’re constantly looking at how we can use technology to address some of the region’s most pressing challenges, while also ensuring that these solutions are accessible and affordable for the communities we serve. Technology is a tool, but its power lies in how we choose to wield it.
What challenges have you faced as a business leader advocating for sustainability and technology-driven solutions in a traditionally conservative market?
One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming resistance to change. Central America, like many other regions, has a deeply rooted reliance on traditional ways of doing things. Convincing stakeholders—whether they are government officials, business leaders, or even the general public—that investing in sustainable and technology-driven solutions is not only necessary but beneficial in the long run can be difficult.
There’s often a misconception that adopting sustainable practices or embracing advanced technology will be too costly or complicated. But what I’ve tried to demonstrate through my work at Grupo Visión is that these investments pay off, both economically and environmentally. Whether it’s using AI to improve crop yields or building energy-efficient properties that reduce operating costs, the benefits far outweigh the initial investment.
Another challenge is access to capital and resources for implementing these technologies, especially in rural areas. However, we’re making strides by forming strategic partnerships with global tech companies and investors who understand the potential Central America has and are willing to support these initiatives. My role as a business leader is to continue pushing the conversation forward and demonstrating the tangible benefits of these innovations.
What motivates your commitment to youth empowerment and philanthropy in the region?
The future of Central America rests on the shoulders of its young people. I’m a firm believer that if we want to see meaningful, long-term change, we need to invest in our youth. They are the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, and we have a responsibility to give them the tools they need to succeed.
Through my philanthropic efforts, I’ve focused on education and entrepreneurship because I see them as the keys to unlocking potential. If young people have access to quality education and the right resources, they can create opportunities for themselves and their communities. This is why I’m so passionate about supporting programs that teach entrepreneurship and technology skills. Whether it’s coding bootcamps or mentorship programs, we need to ensure that young people have access to the knowledge and support they need to thrive.
Philanthropy, for me, is about giving back to the community that has given me so much. I want to use my platform and resources to create a ripple effect, where the impact of my work extends far beyond the projects we complete and into the lives of the people who benefit from them.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work at Grupo Visión and beyond?
I want my legacy to be one of transformation—both in the sense of transforming industries through innovation and transforming lives through opportunity. I hope that the work we’re doing at Grupo Visión will inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to think beyond profit and prioritize the well-being of their communities and the environment.
Ultimately, I want to be remembered as someone who used business as a force for good, someone who helped bridge the gap between what’s possible and what’s sustainable. If I can look back one day and see that we’ve helped create a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Central America, then I’ll feel that I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.