Financial Services Survey
About Us
Sal Ayala
Co-Founder and CEO
Sal has a passion for his family and living life to the fullest. He has three children a grandchild, and a beautiful wife. He loves horses, boats, and dirt bikes; basically, anything exciting and outdoors! Sal is the youngest in a family of five sisters. He was brought to the United States at the age of five and he was quick to learn that hard work and perseverance pay off. Sal believes any business should have the same core values as a family, and entrepreneurs must find a healthy balance between the two. Sal became an entrepreneur in 1996, when he opened his first insurance brokerage. He has owned and sold insurance brokerages and has owned Allstate agencies for 7 years of his career. In addition, he has also started multiple companies, from real estate and mortgage brokerages to a construction company.
In 2003 he franchised his business model combining insurance, mortgage and real estate. While building the franchise and becoming very involved in the technology and marketing sides of the franchise, Sal discovered his passion for digital marketing and the relation between marketing and technology. He then decided to offer these services outside his franchise to other businesses, starting UNIKO Enterprises, Inc.; DBA UNIKO Media Group and UNIKO MMP
His entrepreneurial spirit comes in large part from listening to his sisters talk about finding ways to supplement the family’s income. From selling clothes at the swap meet to prepare taxes for friends and family members at the kitchen table until finally being able to open their insurance agency and tax office.
To this day, Sal still owns an insurance agency, is thriving in the Online Digital Marketing world, and loves helping new entrepreneurs energize their ideas as well as helping existing entrepreneurs grow their businesses to the next level.
On a different note, Sal has served on several non-profit boards to help his community and advocate on behalf of small businesses. Sal currently sits on the board as a Director of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and is always looking for ways to give back to his community.
Javier Zuñiga
VP Relationship Development Officer
Javier Zuniga brings 20 years of proven, relationship-driven, solution-based, business development leadership to Gellyfish Commercial. His philosophy is “Cost is an issue in the absence of value.” He is a firm believer that we are a direct reflection of the people we serve and help succeed.
With an extensive record of accomplishments in the small business, business banking, and middle market sales space, Javier is a dedicated leader who defines himself as a “seller of happiness,” a phrase that captures his unique combination of interpersonal skills and financial insight.
A husband and father of two children, life outside of business keeps him busy enjoying his friends and family, and engaging in volunteer work to give back to his community.
Del Downey
Chief Business Development Officer
Del Downey brings 20 years of proven, relationship-driven, solution-based, business development leadership to UNIKO Biz Solutions. His philosophy is “People first, last, and always.” He is a firm believer that we are a direct reflection of the people we help succeed and serve and that if we take care of the people that we encounter, a rewarding life will surely follow.
A husband, father of five children, and grandfather of one, life outside of business keeps him busy enjoying all kinds of activities and events with his family.
“I am humbled and honored to be named CBDO with and for my new UNIKO family,” says Del. “Stand back and observe us or feel free to join us. Either way, we intend to disrupt the market and grow a new culture like never seen before. Let us work for and serve your business and become a part of our family of success. Do we grow business? You better believe it!”