A true “Tico” (Costa Rica native), Martin Chacon has represented DSA in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean for more than 10 years.
José Martín Chacón Artavia
Regional Sales Engineer
How did you first connect with DSA?
I learned about DSA from a friend who represented DSA in Costa Rica and called on the medtech company I was working for at the time. As a supply chain manager, I saw the value in the ability to source multiple capabilities in a single place, particularly for new programs. My friend wanted to focus on building his own company, and I took that opportunity to begin this journey with DSA.
What is your background? How did your experience prepare you for the work you’re doing now?
I’m an engineer by profession. Before connecting with DSA, I worked in medtech roles including supply chain, production, and sales. Having experience on both sides—as a customer and a supplier—helped me to better understand my job. It also gave me personal experience with the frustration of not having a product on time or having quality issues.
What do you like best about your job?
I’m passionate about helping my customers solve challenges and identify opportunities for improvement, whether it’s new product development, risk mitigation, or value improvement programs. Being part of the solution and being an extension of my customers’ team is certainly the most gratifying part of my job. Being able to learn each day—about new procedures, new devices, new materials—keeps my mind challenged and engaged.
Do you have a personal philosophy or a way of doing business?
I’m very curious and ask a lot of questions. I believe that the more you know your customers’ needs, the better you can bring the right solutions to the table. And if we can’t help, we can be transparent about that and refer them to someone who can.
“Be humble but proud” may sound contradictory. But you need to be humble and recognize you don’t know everything, you aren’t indispensable, and you won’t always be well received. At the same time, be proud of who you are and be proud of your work. It’s amazing to share success stories about the obstacles you had to overcome to win.
Why is Costa Rica such a great place to do business?
Our highly educated people are eager to work and collaborate not only with skills, but with creative ideas to improve business. Not everyone knows that in 1949 we abolished our army and have focused our resources on education, which has led to economic and social stability. Our strategic geographical location allows nearshoring with a cost-efficient platform.
Costa Rica boasts incredible natural beauty and diverse wildlife. What is your experience with the local flora and fauna?
Despite our small size that represents only 0.03% of the world’s territory, our country contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity! Even in our residential neighborhood, we’re constantly visited by wildlife such as toucans, monkeys, racoon-like pizote, and large rodents like tepezcuintle and aguti. You may even hear coyotes at night!
What are your hobbies?
I love to mountain and road bike and also enjoy Sunday motorcycle rides with no final destination. Going to the beach and to the hot springs help me to relax and recharge along with a glass of good Ribera del Duero red wine. I really enjoy barbequing—it’s a great excuse to bring the family together.
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been happily married for 24 years and am the proud father of 3 “kids.” My son (22) is a lawyer, my older daughter (20) will graduate soon as an architect, and my younger daughter (16) is in her last year of high school and is looking to become a medical doctor. They are my motivation. We really enjoy spending time together traveling, eating, and singing karaoke. Our family also includes six dachshunds.
“Pura vida” is Costa Rica’s unofficial but ubiquitous motto. What does it mean to you?
“Pura Vida” is not only “pure life;” it’s a salute, it’s an acceptance, it’s a thanks, it’s a feeling. For me, it’s a reminder that we need to value life, value our time in this world, and balance important things in life. Time goes by so fast that most of us forget to take “Pura Vida Time.”
