Interview with an Entrepreneur…
About 3 years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Ryan Corey, the owner of Autoline
Preowned, a local car dealership located near Jacksonville Beaches. We contacted Ryan
recently, to pick his brain on entrepreneurship, building a business at a young age,
balancing friends and family while working extremely hard. Also, we wanted to discuss how
spirituality impacts his life and business.
I have to preface the interview with this. When I met with Ryan, he asked me what Total
Integration Fitness was all about and what was our vision for it. When I explained TIF’s
vision to him, he expressed how glad he was to help and share his story and experiences
with our audience. Very quickly, it became evident how much our Lord Jesus Christ meant
to him. Not only how much He means to Ryan, but how much He means to his business as
well. This transcript does not give our interview full justice. I wish I was able to convey the
excitement and light in Ryan’s eyes when he talked about the Lord. He credits his brother,
Joey, sister Kelli, and Mom, with bringing him to Christ. He said a while back that he
noticed that Joey was visibly different, when he asked him about it, Joey shared why. Hats
off to you, Joey.
Q: What made you want to become an
entrepreneur?
A: I had to help out and provide for my family. Actually, I began working at the age of 13.
Since I am a third generation car guy, I was able to sell my first car at 16. I started going to
auto auctions at age 16 & 17. My friends and I were really into the skateboard culture when
I was a teen. We were actually into competitive skateboarding, but to enter some of the
bigger contests, you had to be sponsored by a company. To remedy this problem, we started a company named Flatline; and sold skateboards. I was selling cars and skateboards at the same time; however, the selling of cars began to really take off.
Q: You just returned from vacation. How
important is time away from work to you?
A: I feel it is very important. I have had a challenge with actually putting work on hold while
on vacation, as I am still working a little. I am getting better about it though.
Q: What is it like working with your family?
A: Working with my family at one point was my
greatest challenge. It was never easy for me to tell someone in my family that they were
not meeting my expectations. Looking back now it’s easy for me to see how essential
working with my family has contributed to the success of the company. My family has
always taken ownership and pride in the business and has had my back since day one and
because of that I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Q: What drives you? What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
A: Being saved. My relationship with God has changed my life in all aspects. My morals are
the same. I still try to do the right thing, but my purpose is different now. I focus more on
pouring into people and relationships.
Q: Who do you admire most in business?
A: Any business owner who is honest, cares about their people, and tries to find a purpose
for their business outside of financial gain.
Q: What do you attribute your success to?
A: I used to think it was because of my hard work, people around me, and being
different. I know now that all of my success comes from God.
Q: What advice do you have for entrepreneurs just starting out?
A: Have good intentions. Have a purpose for your business besides making money.
-Do what you say you are going to do.
-Be honest
-Look at things from someone else’s perspective
-Focus on making everyone around you better
Q: What is your daily routine?
A: This is where I wish I could say I wake up every morning at
5:30 and run 3 miles but that’s just not the case lol. Most days I’m up and working by 7am
preparing for the auto auctions, I never skip breakfast or throwing the frisbee with my dogs,
I work every weekday but I always try to be outside for sunset and then work again after
dinner if needed.
Q: What do you do in your down time?
A: Spend time with my wife, family and friends.
I still skateboard a little and ride motocross. I spend time growing my relationship with
God; that fills me up more than anything.
Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
A: I am a HUGE animal and music lover. I am an owner of three dogs, and I love Bob
Marley and Christian music.
Q: Who did you get you entrepreneurial skills from?
A: My dad and grandfather. When I was really young, I told my mom I wanted to become a
skateboarder and own Disney World.
Q: How can we reach you or Autoline on Social Media?
A: I’m personally not on social Media but
Autoline of course is! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autolinepreowned/ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/autolinepreowned/ Twitter:
https://twitter.com/autolinepreownd?lang=en
I have known Ryan for a little while professionally, and have always thought highly of him, not only because of his accomplishments, but how he carries himself and treats others.
Success can bring out the best or the worst in a person. As I stated earlier, it is evident who Ryan attributes his success to. By conducting this interview and getting to know him a littlebetter, it has only raised my opinion of him.
