Diego Ocampo Elevates Indy’s Small Food Businesses with Sustainable Solutions
Tell us about your business.
Boxtopia Packaging Solutions is a local, Indianapolis-based importer and distributor of food service packaging. We serve independent restaurants, cafés, caterers, food trucks, and small chains with a single-source portfolio of eco-friendly (compostable, recyclable) and conventional products. We specialize in customized packaging designed to highlight and elevate our clients’ brands. Boxtopia pairs global sourcing with domestic manufacturer partnerships to keep pricing competitive and lead times reliable.
What inspired you to start or become part of your business/organization?
I started Boxtopia after seeing how many small food businesses struggled to access sustainable and branded packaging at a reasonable cost. I wanted to make that transition simple and affordable, while creating a dependable local supply option that keeps dollars and jobs in Indy. Helping neighborhood restaurants look professional and grow their brand is what still motivates me every day.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your journey as a business owner or leader?
My Hispanic heritage has greatly shaped my journey as a business owner. Having worked in different countries and cultures, I’ve seen firsthand how we, as Hispanics, have an incredible ability to adapt, collaborate, and work hard. This adaptability and teamwork have given me the resilience to navigate tough times and ultimately start my own business. It’s this blend of cultural strength and personal experience that continues to influence how I lead and grow Boxtopia.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
It’s a moment to celebrate our stories and recognize how Hispanic workers and entrepreneurs contribute to the region’s growth and country economy. Professionally, it reminds me to open doors for others, through mentorship, fair opportunities, and showing that sustainable business and community impact can go hand in hand.
How has being part of the Indy Chamber, or the Indianapolis business community more broadly, supported your growth as an entrepreneur/small business?
I arrived in Indy three years ago, and the Indy Chamber truly opened doors for me in the business world. They connected me with people when I knew no one, broadened my perspective, and supported my business financing needs with low-interest, easy-access loans. Through their networking opportunities, I brought in new clients and built relationships with other business owners, allowing us to exchange best practices and learn from one another. Thanks to the Chamber, I received mentorship and guidance from their team and partners, which helped me grow my business. In short, the Indy Chamber has been both an incredible ally and a guide on my entrepreneurial journey.
What advice would you share with other Hispanic entrepreneurs or small business owners in Indy?
Put customer service first, be responsive, reliable, and proactive, and treat every order as the start of a long-term relationship. Focus on contributing to the community, the city, and the local economy before prioritizing profit; when you create real value and impact, the money follows. Stay professional in everything you do, clear communication, transparent pricing, on-time delivery, and ask for feedback so you can improve continuously. Build relationships through groups like the Indy Chamber, Kelly Business School, seek mentors, and show up consistently for your customers; that consistency is what fuels sustainable growth.
