Buhotec is a family-owned company based in Miami, Florida founded in 2021 by Manuel Arana and Alejandro Gallo. Until this year, the company and its 26 employees had been strictly focused on the gaming business and it claims to be Florida’s number on gaming distributor. This year, however, Buhotec, which is a full-service technology provider and systems integrator, is entering the cinema business. Last year was the company’s most profitable year ever and it believes now is the right time to leverage that success and its experience in gaming to make the move into cinema. I recently spoke via email with Paula B. Silveira, Buhotec’s head of cinema sales, the person responsible for spearheading Buhotec's expansion into the cinema industry and fostering strategic partnerships with industry leaders. Here is that conversation.
DCR: Buhotec says it is the number one gaming distributor in Florida. What, exactly, does the company do?
PBS: Buhotec is a comprehensive entertainment solutions provider. Specializing in distributing gaming products and services, Buhotec boasted a revenue of $96 million in 2023, solidifying its position as a leader in the gaming industry across the United States and Latin American markets.
DCR: Many cinema businesses suffered greatly during the pandemic and the recovery has been slower than expected. Despite that, Buhotec decided to enter the cinema business this year. What prompted that decision?
PBS: Our decision to join the cinema industry this year is fueled by our sincere passion and commitment to assist exhibitors who faced hardships during the pandemic, as you accurately pointed out. Recognizing the industry's challenges, we identified an opportunity to make a positive impact, especially considering the upcoming second digital rollout projected around 2025. Despite the adversities experienced by the cinema industry during the pandemic, we see substantial potential for growth and innovation in this sector. As a new player, we are eager to bring a new perspective to the industry. Our primary goal is to contribute to its recovery by introducing an improved pricing strategy. By this, we mean working collaboratively with exhibitors to determine mutually beneficial pricing structures. These offerings are designed to bring value to every exhibitor, particularly during the anticipated second digital rollout. Confident in our ability to make a difference, we believe that by the close of 2024, we can establish ourselves as one of the premier Cinema Dealer in Miami, renowned for providing the best prices on cinema equipment.
DCR: I understand that many current Buhotec employees have cinema experience. How did that factor into the decision to enter the cinema market?
PBS: Buhotec's expansion into the cinema industry is a natural progression from the success it achieved in distributing gaming equipment. Co-founder Manuel Arana, with a background in the cinema industry and a profound passion for it, strategically assembled a team for this venture. The careful selection of individuals with expertise in the cinema sector positions us to navigate challenges with finesse, facilitating a seamless entry into this market.
DCR: I know that Buhotec is already working with such well-known cinema companies as Sharp, Harman and Volfoni. What other cinema businesses to you work with?
PBS: Buhotec has forged strategic partnerships with esteemed cinema industry leaders including Volfoni, Sharp, Tivoli, Severtson, Harkness, and has ongoing negotiations with other prominent brands. Additionally, we are actively collaborating with software companies to introduce innovative concepts to exhibitors. This underlines our commitment to providing top-notch solutions to our cinema customers. These robust collaborations not only fortify our standing in the industry but also empower us to deliver cutting-edge technology and services, ultimately elevating the cinema experience for our patrons.
DCR: What does Buhotec offer its cinema customers?
PBS: We offer the best prices in Miami coupled with exceptional service – a commitment we extend to all our existing and prospective customers. We invite our exhibitor readers to grant us the opportunity to provide a quote for their next project or renovation. Our dedication lies in furnishing innovative and dependable solutions that align with the ever-evolving requirements of the cinema industry.
DCR: Buhotec currently has offices in Miami, Florida, and all across Latin America. What, if any, plans do you have to expand the company beyond the regions you already serve?
PBS: We are excited to announce the recent opening of our office in Santiago, Chile, adding to our existing two offices in Mexico and Miami. Complementing this, we operate warehouses in key locations, including Miami, Los Angeles, and Laredo, Texas, as well as in Chile. With a dedicated team of local sales professionals spanning the United States, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Eastern Europe, we ensure personalized support for our clients. Moreover, our extensive network includes a comprehensive list of technicians across the United States and Latin America, guaranteeing swift and efficient local assistance.
While our current focus is on serving these regions seamlessly, we are actively exploring opportunities for strategic expansion beyond our existing territories. Our overarching goal is to leverage our expertise and services, bringing them to new markets and contributing to the global growth and success of Buhotec.