Introduction: Arturo Moreno is a self-made billionaire and the founder of the largest billboard advertising company in the world, Outdoor Systems. He is also the first Hispanic owner of a Major League Baseball team, the Los Angeles Angels. Moreno’s success story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, and his dedication and hard work are a testament to his vision and determination.
Early Life and Career
Arturo “Arte” Moreno was born on August 14, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona. His parents were Mexican immigrants, and his father worked as a migrant farmworker. Moreno grew up in a low-income household, but he was determined to make something of his life.
After high school, Moreno joined the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1968 and returned to the United States to start a career. Moreno worked odd jobs before he landed a job as a salesman for a billboard advertising company in Phoenix, Arizona. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a manager before deciding to start his own advertising company.
Founding of Outdoor Systems
In 1984, Moreno founded Outdoor Systems, a billboard advertising company, with a loan from his parents. He started small with just three employees, but he had big plans. Moreno knew that advertising was a lucrative industry, and he was determined to make Outdoor Systems the biggest and best in the business.
Arturo Moreno strategy was simple: buy up as many billboards as possible and make them more visible and appealing to advertisers. He also pioneered the use of digital billboards, which allowed advertisers to change their messages more frequently and target specific demographics. Under Moreno’s leadership, Outdoor Systems grew rapidly, and in 1999, the company was acquired by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation for $8.7 billion.
Ownership of the Los Angeles Angels
In 2003, Moreno made headlines when he became the first Hispanic owner of a Major League Baseball team, the Los Angeles Angels. Moreno was a long-time fan of the team and was eager to bring his business acumen and vision to the sport. Under Moreno’s ownership, the Angels have won multiple division titles and a World Series championship in 2002.
Conclusion:
Arturo Moreno’s success story is a testament to his vision, determination, and hard work. From humble beginnings, he built the largest billboard advertising company in the world and became the first Hispanic owner of a Major League Baseball team. Moreno’s dedication to his business and his community has made him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and a respected figure in the sports world.
