The Power of Perseverance: Lessons from Successful Entrepreneurs
Success is never a straight line. It’s a journey marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless drive to overcome obstacles. On the recent episode of the Driven Not Given podcast, host JC Rangel sat down with four extraordinary CEOs: Melvin Gonzalez, founder of Mother's Brunch; Jose Perez, CEO of Nueva Real Estate; Manny Soto, founder of The Financial Architects Together, they shared their journeys, triumphs, and the lessons they've learned from their struggles.
Building Success Through Mindset and Grit
One key theme echoed by the guests was the importance of a strong mindset. JC Rangel emphasized that self-doubt is natural, even for the most successful people, but what sets winners apart is their ability to silence that doubt and move forward.
As Melvin Gonzalez explained, creating something from nothing requires mental toughness. "When you're building something for yourself, there will always be people trying to tear you down," he shared. After losing everything during the pandemic, Melvin rebuilt his restaurant empire from scratch in just 14 months. His advice? Surround yourself with the right people and stay laser-focused on your goals.
Takeaway: Mental resilience is the cornerstone of success. Invest in personal development, filter your circle, and trust in your vision.
The Value of Teamwork and Delegation
"To succeed, you need a strong team," said JC Rangel, emphasizing the importance of delegation. For business leaders, micromanaging everything is a recipe for burnout. Instead, focus on creating a team that can handle challenges and solve problems independently. As Melvin noted, "I owe my growth to my team. I delegate and let them handle the rest."
Similarly, Manny Soto highlighted how franchising his company allowed him to grow while empowering others to take ownership of their roles. Building a business is not just about personal effort—it’s about developing systems and empowering others to contribute.
Takeaway: Delegation is not a weakness; it’s a strategy. Empowering your team creates a foundation for scalable growth.
Lessons from Setbacks: Turning Losses into Comebacks
Every guest had a story of hitting rock bottom before bouncing back stronger. JC Rangel recalled losing everything during the 2019 financial crisis, which pushed him to reinvent himself in the solar industry. In three years, he built a team that completed over 2,100 solar installations, generating over $105 million in sales.
Melvin Gonzalez shared how he lost his livelihood during COVID-19, even sleeping on the floor for a year. Instead of giving up, he leaned on his family for support, focused on his strengths, and rebuilt his restaurant chain, Mother’s Brunch, to become one of the fastest-growing brands in Southern California.
Jose Perez, who faced setbacks while building his real estate brokerage, explained how surrounding himself with supportive friends and mentors helped him overcome challenges. "Your setbacks are setups for comebacks," he remarked.
Takeaway: Failure is not the end—it’s a stepping stone to future success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
The Role of Mentorship and Networking
A recurring theme was the importance of mentorship and a supportive network. Manny Soto reflected on his early days in network marketing, where personal development programs and mentorship gave him the tools to succeed. Jose Perez credited his mentors with helping him avoid pitfalls and navigate complex challenges.
Even JC Rangel acknowledged that his success in the solar industry came from the lessons he learned as a network marketer. He urged listeners to seek out mentors who align with their goals and can provide valuable guidance.
Takeaway: A strong mentor or network can accelerate your growth. Invest in relationships that inspire and challenge you to do better.
The stories shared on this Driven Not Given episode prove that success is about more than talent or luck—it’s about perseverance, strategy, and having the right mindset. Whether you’re starting a business, facing setbacks, or navigating growth, these lessons from JC Rangel and his guests offer a powerful reminder: success is built, not given.
As JC puts it, "Making money is like riding a bike. Once you know how, you can do it again."
