Carlos Tarifa Salazar
Founder & Director, EcoTouch
Guiding the company
- Bachelor of Science in Economics
- Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Economic Development
- Cultural Anthropology, History and Sociology
Carlos began his studies in the U.S. pursuing Animal Science, but a growing interest in how cultures shape their economies led him to earn a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Economic Development from Oregon State University.
Building my house
The highlands of Bolivia
Upon returning to Bolivia, Carlos started a small packaging factory in La Paz. His entrepreneurial path then took him to Santa Cruz, where he launched a business focused on export-ready packaging, including prepress services and high-fidelity printing.
With the arrival of internet access in the region, his company expanded into web and multimedia design—always with the goal of promoting Bolivian exports.
Eventually, an opportunity to export hardwood flooring to Japan inspired Carlos to sell his tech business and step into the world of forestry.
As a sawmill manager living deep in the Amazon basin, he developed a deep understanding of Bolivian hardwood species and the demanding standards of international markets.
Ipe logs
My first timber frame roof
A presentation of large rough-cut timber in a construction fair led to the creation of custom timber frame roofs—an ambitious feat using tropical hardwoods like Cumaru, known for their extreme density (more than twice that of Eastern white pine). Though the work was rewarding, it wasn’t scalable or export-friendly.
Pictures below show the beautiful roofs that were created.
Back in Santa Cruz, Carlos turned his focus to designing small, high-quality wood products that could be shipped globally.
After years of experimentation and refinement, he developed a handcrafted acoustic speaker that honors both the natural richness of Bolivian hardwoods and the precision of artisan craftsmanship.
“This product is the result of everything I’ve learned—about design, sustainability, and global quality. I’m proud to share it with the world.”
