Biography / Journey of Carlos Wizard Martins: Entrepreneurial Journey
Biography of Carlos Wizard Martins:
Carlos Wizard Martins, born in 1956 in Curitiba, Paraná,
Brazil, is a prominent Brazilian entrepreneur known for founding Grupo Multi, a
company specializing in franchising English courses. His journey into
entrepreneurship began with his upbringing and early experiences.
Early Exposure to English and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
At the age of thirteen, Martins and his family became
members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he had the
opportunity to interact with English-speaking missionaries. This interaction
sparked his interest in learning English, which became a pivotal skill in his
future entrepreneurial endeavors. Later, at the age of 18, Martins traveled to
the United States, working in Newark, New Jersey, where he further honed his
language skills and gained exposure to American culture.
Academic Pursuits and Return to Entrepreneurship
After his initial experiences in the United States, Martins
served a mission for the church in Portugal and later held leadership roles
within the community, including serving as a bishop. In the early 1980s, he
returned to the United States with his wife and young family to pursue higher
education at Brigham Young University. There, Martins studied Computer Science
and Statistics, gaining valuable academic insights that would later complement
his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Entrepreneurial Journey and Leadership in Education
Claudio Roberto Borges Martins began his career as a
computer systems analyst in Brazil. However, he soon discovered a more
lucrative opportunity: teaching English to his colleagues. This led him to
establish Wizard by Pearson, leveraging his teaching skills to create a
successful venture.
Carlos Martins: Entrepreneurship Journey
Carlos Martins, initially an English professor, transformed
his career by founding Grupo Multi, a company that dominated Brazil's language
education market. In 2013, he sold Grupo Multi to Pearson Education for a
staggering $719.6 million in cash, subsequently earning a spot on Forbes' list
of the wealthiest Brazilians.
Biography / Journey of Carlos Wizard Martins: Entrepreneurial Journey / Investor / Life lessons / Strategies /Brazilian entrepreneur/English courses
Carlos Martins: Companies
Carlos Wizard Martins founded Grupo Multi, known for brands
like Wizard by Pearson, Yázigi, and Skill. These companies are prominent in the
field of language education, especially English language training in Brazil.
Leadership in Religious Service
From 2001 to 2005, Martins served as the president of the
Brazil João Pessoa Mission, following years of leadership as president of the
Campinas Brazil Castelo Stake.
Personal and Professional Growth
Martins' path to success was intertwined with his faith
journey as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Raised
in Brazil, he first encountered English through LDS missionaries and later
served as a missionary himself in Portugal. Upon returning to Brazil, he
married and pursued higher education in the United States, where he combined
studies in computer science and statistics with teaching at the Missionary
Training Center.
Philanthropy and Interfaith Advocacy
Beyond his business acumen, Martins is a vocal advocate for
religious freedom and interfaith understanding. He champions hiring practices
that accommodate employees' religious needs, fostering collaboration and
inclusivity within his companies. His efforts extend globally, including
participation in the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the Role
of Faith, where he emphasized tolerance and dialogue following global
conflicts.
Literary Contributions and Global Influence
Martins' influence extends beyond business and advocacy. He
is the author of bestsellers such as "Vencendo a Própria Crise"
(Overcoming Personal Crisis) and "Desperte o Milionário que há em
Você" (Awaken the Millionaire Inside of You), which have resonated not
only in Brazil but also internationally, including China.
Carlos Martins: Legacy and Continued Impact
Martins continues to impact society through various
ventures, from his entrepreneurial endeavors to his philanthropic contributions
and advocacy for ethical business practices and religious freedom. His legacy
serves as a testament to the power of education, entrepreneurship, and faith in
fostering personal and societal growth.
Carlos Martins: Challenges and Successes
Martins' life is a testament to overcoming challenges and
seizing opportunities. From navigating political scrutiny to championing
refugee rights, his journey underscores the power of resilience and empathy in
fostering positive change. His legacy continues to inspire both in business and
humanitarian efforts.
Personal and Family Life
Martins and his wife, Vania Pimentel, have raised six
children together, balancing their family life alongside his professional
endeavors. Carlos Wizard Martins is deeply committed to his faith as an active
member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has also been
dedicated to philanthropy, establishing foundations that support education and
various social causes.
Apart from his business endeavors, Carlos Wizard Martins is
a polyglot fluent in several languages, including English, Portuguese, and
Spanish. He is also an accomplished author of self-help books that have
achieved bestseller status in Brazil.
Major Achievements
Carlos Wizard Martins led Grupo Multi to become a top player
in global English language education. His leadership saw the company expand
significantly, solidifying its position as one of the largest providers of
English training worldwide.
Awards & Achievements
Carlos Wizard Martins has been honored with prestigious
awards such as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009 and
the Brazilian government's Order of Merit for Education and Culture in 2010,
recognizing his contributions to education and entrepreneurship.
