Roderick Schacher is a dynamic entrepreneur and philanthropist, widely recognized for his visionary leadership in the fields of technology, real estate, and sustainable development. Born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Roderick pursued his higher education at Bentley University and Florida International University, where he honed his skills in finance and international business. As the founder and CEO of Grupo Visión, Roderick has played a transformative role in reshaping Central America’s business landscape, particularly by integrating technology into industries such as real estate, agriculture, and urban planning. His commitment to sustainable growth and environmental responsibility reflects his belief in creating a better future through innovative solutions. Roderick is also a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, philanthropy, and social impact, regularly engaging in initiatives that foster community development and educational opportunities for the underprivileged.
How did growing up in Honduras shape your approach to business and innovation?
Growing up in Honduras gave me a unique perspective on the intersection of challenges and opportunities. I witnessed firsthand how communities struggled with access to resources, education, and infrastructure, but I also saw the immense potential and resilience of the people. This environment shaped my understanding that innovation should be used as a tool for real-world problem-solving. Honduras is a region that’s ripe for development, and that realization instilled in me the desire to build solutions that are practical, impactful, and accessible. I knew early on that I wanted to lead initiatives that wouldn’t just generate profits but also empower communities and contribute to long-term, sustainable growth.
What drives your commitment to sustainability, particularly in your business ventures across technology and real estate?
Sustainability is more than just a business buzzword for me—it’s a personal commitment to ensuring that the growth we foster today doesn’t compromise the resources of tomorrow. In Central America, we are blessed with an abundance of natural resources, but they are also incredibly vulnerable. I see it as my responsibility, both as a businessman and a human being, to ensure that the projects I lead are mindful of the environment. Whether we are developing smart cities, advancing agricultural technologies, or constructing eco-friendly buildings, my goal is to create a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. Our actions today will shape the world future generations inherit, and I want to leave a legacy of responsible innovation.
How do you see the role of technology evolving in real estate and urban development in Central America?
The role of technology in real estate and urban development is transformative, and we’re just scratching the surface of its potential. In Central America, we have unique challenges—urbanization is increasing, but infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. Technology offers the opportunity to leapfrog some of these issues. From smart building technologies that enhance energy efficiency to data-driven urban planning that improves traffic flow and reduces pollution, we have a range of tools at our disposal. I’m especially excited about how IoT (Internet of Things) can be integrated into urban systems to make cities more livable and resilient. My vision is to create cities that not only meet the needs of their residents but also evolve sustainably over time.
You’ve been a strong advocate for empowering youth through education and entrepreneurship. Why do you see this as vital for Central America’s future?
The youth of Central America represent the region’s greatest untapped resource. When I look at the challenges we face—whether it’s economic inequality, limited access to education, or political instability—I see a generation of young people who have the potential to transform their communities if given the right tools. Entrepreneurship is key to unlocking that potential. When young people are equipped with the skills and confidence to innovate and create their own opportunities, they become agents of change. At Grupo Visión, we invest in programs that not only provide technical training but also cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, because I believe that the future of this region depends on empowering the next generation to build, lead, and innovate.
How do you balance your dual roles as an entrepreneur and a philanthropist?
For me, there’s no real separation between business and philanthropy. In my mind, they are two sides of the same coin. Every business decision I make takes into account how we can positively impact the communities we operate in. Whether it’s creating jobs, supporting education, or promoting sustainability, I believe that a successful business must contribute to the greater good. Philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks—it’s about integrating social responsibility into your business model so that growth and giving back are part of the same process. I take pride in knowing that the success of my ventures is not just measured by financial returns but also by the positive impact we have on people’s lives.
Can you share a project you’re particularly proud of and why it stands out to you?
One of the projects I’m most proud of is the AI-driven initiative we launched to improve agricultural productivity in rural Honduras. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, but it’s often constrained by outdated practices and a lack of access to resources. By introducing AI-based solutions, we’ve been able to help farmers better manage their crops, optimize their use of water and fertilizers, and predict weather patterns more accurately. This initiative isn’t just about boosting yields—it’s about empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods in a sustainable way. It’s a perfect example of how technology can be used for social impact, and it reinforces my belief that innovation should always have a human-centered focus.
What do you think is the most pressing challenge facing Central America today, and how can business leaders address it?
Without a doubt, inequality is the most pressing challenge. Whether it’s inequality in access to education, healthcare, or economic opportunities, it’s a pervasive issue that holds the region back. Business leaders have a critical role to play in addressing this. We can’t wait for governments to solve these problems on their own. It’s up to us to invest in communities, create jobs, provide training, and ensure that our businesses are inclusive. At Grupo Visión, we make a conscious effort to hire locally, to provide continuous learning opportunities for our employees, and to support initiatives that close the inequality gap. It’s about recognizing that business success and social progress go hand in hand.
What is the legacy you hope to leave through your work at Grupo Visión and beyond?
I want my legacy to be one of transformation—of people, communities, and industries. I hope that when people look at the work we’ve done at Grupo Visión, they see a company that didn’t just innovate for the sake of innovation but did so with a clear purpose: to uplift communities, to promote sustainable growth, and to create opportunities where there were none before. I want future generations to look back and say that we were part of the solution to the challenges facing our region, and that through our work, we made Central America stronger, more equitable, and more resilient.