Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Cruz.
Hi Mario, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Mario Cruz, a passionate tech enthusiast, maker, and co-founder of Bárbaro Mojo, a Cuban-inspired hot sauce brand deeply rooted in family tradition and creativity. Our journey began one memorable Christmas Eve when my son, Kevin, and I decided to handcraft hot sauces as heartfelt gifts for friends and family. It is a fun expression of our Cuban heritage and love for bold, vibrant flavors.
Our hobby gained momentum during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone was spending more time at home. Friends eagerly shared their bottles online, quickly amplifying excitement about our sauces. Their enthusiasm inspired us to scale our passion project into a thriving brand.
Today, Bárbaro Mojo is proudly featured not only in beloved Miami establishments like Chug’s and major grocery chains such as Sedano’s but also in Cuban eateries outside Florida—including Cafecito on King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. Through all our growth, the spirit of craftsmanship, authenticity, and family connection that sparked our journey continues to guide everything we do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Launching Bárbaro Mojo from our home kitchen was exciting, but scaling a hobby into a business came with its own set of challenges. Initially, navigating regulations, packaging, and distribution was a steep learning curve. Ensuring consistency and quality as we moved from small-batch homemade sauces to larger-scale production required meticulous attention and patience.
The COVID pandemic, while sparking initial interest in our sauces, also presented logistical hurdles—from sourcing ingredients and packaging materials during supply chain disruptions to finding ways to safely distribute and market our products when in-person opportunities were limited.
Expanding beyond Miami posed another exciting challenge. Introducing our brand to markets outside of our hometown, like Cafecito in Charleston, required building new relationships, earning trust, and effectively communicating our story to customers unfamiliar with Cuban culinary traditions.
Despite these obstacles, our maker ethos enabled us to remain adaptable, resourceful, and resilient. Each challenge became an opportunity to innovate and grow, ultimately making Bárbaro Mojo stronger and more connected to our community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My professional journey blends creativity, innovation, and community engagement. By day, I serve as the Chief Technology Officer at Watsco Ventures, leading technology-driven initiatives designed to revolutionize the HVAC industry through digital innovation and strategic investments.
Beyond my day job, I’m deeply committed to nurturing Miami’s maker community as the organizer of Maker Faire Miami. This event showcases local inventors, artists, and tech enthusiasts, fostering creativity and collaborative innovation.
Additionally, my passion for making comes alive through Bárbaro Mojo. What started as handmade gifts for friends has grown into a beloved product found in Cuban restaurants and specialty shops across the U.S.—from Miami to Charleston, SC, to Portland, OR. Our sauces not only celebrate Cuban culinary traditions but also build connections among diverse communities nationwide.
Whether through technology, community building, or culinary innovation, my work remains rooted in creativity, curiosity, and a commitment to bringing people together.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Many who know me through Bárbaro Mojo, Maker Faire Miami, or my role at Watsco Ventures might be surprised to learn that I was born in Cuba. Growing up as a Cuban immigrant profoundly shaped my perspective, giving me a deep appreciation for the qualities of community, creativity, and resourcefulness. Qualities I observed firsthand in my parents and that naturally align with both the Hispanic and Maker communities.
This rich cultural heritage inspired the creation of our sauces at Bárbaro Mojo and significantly influenced my approach as a maker, innovator, and community leader. Between 2024 and 2025, we proudly received over nine hot sauce awards, reflecting our dedication to quality and innovation. Bridging my Cuban roots with my passion for technology and creativity has enabled me to foster meaningful connections and celebrate my identity in rewarding ways across the United States.
Pricing:
- $10 for any bottle of Barbaro Mojo
- $35 for a 4 Pack of cuban hot sauces
Contact Info:
- Website: https://barbaromojo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaromojo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaroMojo/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barbaromojo/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BarbaroMojo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ0BOQL4P0J5aQqzfxhkFjQ
- Yelp: https://barbaromojo.com/blogs/recipe-and-news
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/barbaromojo/
Image Credits
All Pictures taken by our family and friends
