Mario DeLuca started his company DeLuca Technologies one year after Hurricane Katrina hit. Since then, he has seen incredible success, including having his latest venture showcased by Microsoft in a global customer success story. DeLuca partnered with local entrepreneur and founder of Doggie Bus Troy Bergeron, to make the “Uber for Dogs” app. However, this success did not happen overnight. DeLuca has had a love for programming since 6th grade.

“I begged my parents to take me to the library and Barnes & Noble so I could read books about programming. Before long, I was writing code myself. I’ve always had a drive to understand how things work beneath the surface and to keep learning more.”

DeLuca Technologies provides end-to-end software services, including AI-powered applications, mobile and web platforms, legacy system modernization, and project rescue. AI has been instrumental in helping improve not only his personal workflow but also the efficiency of DeLuca Technologies.

UNO was always the choice when it came to attending a university. People asked if he would attend school in California or Seattle to be closer to the tech industry, but New Orleans was home, and he didn’t want to leave.

During his time at UNO, DeLuca majored in Business Administration, but he also took computer science and HRT classes. “UNO was where it all began for me. When I came to UNO, I focused on the business side of technology. That’s where I learned how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and translate real-world challenges into innovative business and software solutions.” said DeLuca. Dr. Bordelon’s teachings have stuck with DeLuca to this day because she encouraged out of the box thinking and real-world applications.

“UNO did not just prepare me for a career. It gave me a foundation I am proud to represent. I remain deeply connected to the New Orleans community. I regularly collaborate with local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startups, offering not just software solutions, but strategic insight that helps them grow, adapt, and thrive,” said DeLuca.

After nearly 20 years in business, Mr. DeLuca encourages students to keep learning, be ready to pivot, and stay persistent. During the early years of business, especially while New

Orleans was rebuilding after Katrina, he noted things were slow. He could have given up, but he chose to keep going.

“The key is persistence. When life knocks you down, you have to get back up, because staying down means giving up. No matter how hard it gets, keep moving forward.”

Last year, DeLuca worked with Bergeron to create Doggie Bus, a rideshare-style app for pets. It allows pet owners to schedule, track, and receive real-time updates about their dog’s ride. The app was built using Microsoft Azure and .NET MAUI. This year, Microsoft featured Doggie Bus in its global customer success story bringing it national attention. The business has since launched its franchise model, with the first franchisee already on the road. DeLuca continues to enjoy a strong, collaborative relationship with Microsoft and the developer community, building on the momentum of their recent success story.

If he could give his younger self advice, it would be: “Don’t be afraid to share the work you’ve done.” Showcasing your accomplishments helps expand your network and connect with like-minded individuals, including peers in your industry.

Reflecting on his journey, DeLuca shares one final piece of advice:

“For anyone pursuing a goal, the real path to success is not talent or luck. It is loving what you do, working harder than anyone else, and refusing to quit. There are no shortcuts. Just focus, consistency, and grit.”