After a tumultuous two years, Internet-based Spanish-language book distributor iLeón.com—along with its original founder and CEO—is making a comeback. With the support of partners, Reuben E. Katz founded Verticalibros, an international media publishing and distribution company, and reacquired the iLeón name in February 2004. Katz, the original architect of the business, resigned in 2002, and was replaced by his chosen successor, Larry Bennett. Despite opening offices around the globe, the company faltered under Bennett, triggering its rapid demise. In March 2003, Xavier Xargay replaced Bennett, and just months after that, in November 2003, investors pulled the plug and iLeón was closed.

Speaking to Críticas, Katz is clearly energized by the opportunity to revive the business. "One thing I know for sure, there was never a problem with the model or the idea," he says about the company he started in his apartment in 1999.

There were, however, problems with the company's previous investors. "The initial investor, an old friend of mine, was gracious in giving me over $3.5 million over three years to build the business," Katz explains. "But his financial advisers never agreed with him and always tried to find a way to cut us out." Eventually, matters became too tense. Katz resigned and sold his stake in the company.

Those investors are now gone. But along with bringing back the iLeón name, which has managed to build considerable brand recognition, Katz must now deal with the company's lingering business problems. "In some areas they left the company in disarray," Katz concedes. "Some libraries didn't get great service," and, he adds, some major suppliers and publishers became alienated in the company's final months. But for Katz, the chance to revive iLeón has been energizing. "I truly believe everyone will understand this is a completely new company."

As for getting the business, well, back in business, Katz is taking more of a ground-floor approach. All the international offices are closed, and Katz, older and wiser, says the business model as well as the service will change considerably. The company now has a small warehouse in Tijuana, Mexico, and is considering opening another warehouse in California to help expedite service—a break from the company's earlier "virtual" business model.

Katz says a commitment to great service to the company's new customers and business partners will be the focus of the revival. "We will still be offering all the services needed for libraries to purchase titles, like MARC records, cataloging, and library binding," he says, "but we are less focused on technology and more focused on real hands on fulfillment and sales."