We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sandra Atiles-tyrrell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sandra, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from my upbringing. I grew up in a middle-class family in Puerto Rico. My parents divorced when I was young, and my grandparents stepped in to help raise me and my brother while my mom worked two jobs to keep us in private school. We weren’t poor, but we were on the lower end of middle class. This meant learning how to “make do” with the limited resources we had—whether it was clothing, toys, or school supplies.
Nothing came easy for us, but we made the best of what we had and worked hard for what we wanted. These lessons shaped my perspective as I transitioned into adulthood and entered the workforce. That foundation of resourcefulness and determination continues to guide me in both my personal and professional life.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the owner of SAT Solutions, a certified woman-owned business specializing in providing industrial supplies to government agencies. My journey began in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I learned the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and resilience. Those lessons shaped who I am today and are at the heart of my entrepreneurial journey. I found my first grown up job with UPS at the age of 19. I started in customer service and worked my way to a part time supervisory position at the hub. It was without a doubt a tough job, but it gave me the experience I would need in my future roles with Grainger, GE, and as lastly as a manufacturer representative.
SAT Solutions was established in 2018 with the goal of becoming a trusted partner for government agencies and contractors. What makes our work special is our commitment to providing exceptional service and high-quality products, all while representing the diverse fabric of our community. We strive to provide our government customers the product they need, at a fair price while providing excellent service.
This year, I’m focused on expanding our government contracts by continuing to partner with Prime Contractors as a trustworthy minority business enterprise (MBE). Our aim is to help them meet their diversity goals while showcasing the value a business like ours can bring.
In addition to running my business, I’m passionate about giving back to the community. As a board member of the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber, I’ve made it a mission to help fellow entrepreneurs navigate the often-complicated process of obtaining government certifications. I want to empower others to take advantage of these opportunities, just as I’ve done.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My Desire to Learn, Integrity and Adaptability. I am a firm believer that you can do anything you set your mind into if you are open to learning. Find your passion and never stop learning. Integrity – The saying to always do what’s right when no one is looking is true for a reason. And adaptability – managing change is a skill everyone should have. Change will always be a part of our lives, wether we like it or not. We need to be prepared to adapt to whatever comes our way. If we resist. we won’t be able to react when the time comes.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
The past 12 months have been incredibly rewarding and transformative for me. One of the most significant milestones was leaving my full-time job to fully dedicate myself to SAT Solutions, the business my husband and I have passionately built together. This transition not only allowed me to focus 100% on growing our company but also opened doors to opportunities I had never considered before.
I’ve experienced tremendous personal and professional growth, particularly in learning the power of networking. Building genuine connections has enriched my life and business, helping me establish meaningful relationships with clients, vendors, and community partners.
One highlight of the year was being part of an inspiring book project, where I had the honor of contributing a chapter. It was a humbling experience that allowed me to share my story and connect with a broader audience. Additionally, I was appointed as a board member of the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber, a role that has deepened my commitment to giving back and supporting fellow entrepreneurs in our community.
Thanks to the flexibility of being self-employed, I’ve also been able to become more active in my community, both professionally and personally. This past year has shown me that growth comes not just from achieving goals but from embracing new opportunities and building a life centered around purpose and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://satindustrialsolutions.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-atiles-tyrrell-mba-2633a751



Image Credits
Jon Montis Photography
Maria Parrilla Photography
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