Jon Porta
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Interpretation

22+ years interpreting in rooms where communication can't fail.

From diplomatic summits to field missions to technical briefings, I've worked across the Americas in settings most interpreters never see: port infrastructure, boatlift operations, mining sites, community development programs, documentary productions — including live broadcast coverage of the Grammys and Oscars for Guatemalan television.

Sectors

Diplomacy & International DevelopmentJustice SystemsPublic HealthCommunity DevelopmentMicrofinanceReligious & Humanitarian OrganizationsDocumentary ProductionMarine & Heavy EquipmentMining (Nickel)Agriculture & Animal NutritionInfrastructure (railways, ports)Commercial & Trade Presentations

Modalities

SimultaneousConsecutiveRemote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI)Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)Event Language CoordinationSubtitling (transcription, translation, timecoding, rendering)Voiceover/Narration (training videos, corporate content)Live TV Broadcast Interpretation

Clients have included USAID, OAS, DOJ, UNHCR, and USACE. Currently affiliated with Spanish Solutions for remote and on-site assignments.

Get a Quote

Tell me about your event and I'll get back to you with availability and pricing.

Consulting

Every engagement starts the same way: with a beer — let's grab one and talk it through.

If it makes sense to go further, I run a paid diagnostic — the cost of which is credited toward the project if we move forward. From there, work happens in phases.

Depending on what you need, I show up in different ways:

Spitball ideas

You're working through something and want an experienced outside perspective. I don't execute — I help you think.

Hands-on support

You need specific work done — systems, processes, strategy — but the responsibility for the outcome stays with your team.

Share the burden

You want someone who shares the stake in the outcome, not just the workload.

Industries

HospitalitySystems & AutomationHandmade Goods ManufacturingGeneral BusinessCivic & Artistic Movements

Book a Call

Pick a slot and grab a beer — or skip ahead and reserve your spot below.

Optional: cover the cost ahead of time (Q65 / Q90 — not required to book).

What I've Built

RoadRunner Guatemala

Co-founded RoadRunner Guatemala and led its first three years — building the operating model, validating the business, and driving a full pivot from a tour operator to a virtual broker agency model. Currently focused on regional expansion across Central America: developing supplier partnerships in new markets and recruiting wholesale buyers and clients seeking the region as a destination.

B&B Imports

Co-founded B&B Imports, currently in early-stage growth bringing premium Belgian beer into the Guatemalan market, with additional brands in development. My role centers on local infrastructure and logistics: managing relationships with accountants, attorneys, customs agents, and other local service providers, and supporting import process compliance. I also contribute to business strategy alongside my partner, who leads day-to-day execution.

UTZ Means Good

Co-founded and led UTZ Means Good for nearly 6 years, building two business units: UTZ Market, an export marketplace for Guatemalan artisan products, and UTZ Box, an export logistics and fulfillment operation. Led the construction of the company from concept through growth stage — initiating both business units and directing the brand, supply chain, vendor relationships, and operational systems, including the pivots that kept the company moving forward. Recognized with the Innovative Entrepreneurship Award from the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT) in 2017, and named UPS's fastest-growing client in 2018.