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.
Interview with a Car Enthusiast…
Not too long ago, I discovered another really cool channel on YouTube! Me being the Corvette guy that I am, the Corvette in the thumbnail caught my eye. As I watched a few videos, I became more and more interested in the channel. The creator of the channel was making videos on his likes, and dislikes of his corvette. The transparency is what really caught my attention. He did videos on the purchase of his corvette. He was transparent about the cost and financing of his purchase. I felt that this added a lot of value to YouTube viewers. Being so intrigued, we reached out to “Mr. Cars, Costs, and Technology” for a Q & A session.
What inspired you to create your YouTube channel?
I’ve always had a passion for cars and videography/photography. YouTube seemed like the perfect outlet with the best of both worlds.
We know that you are a Corvette guy, so what do you like most about Corvettes?
Corvettes have always caught my attention even as a child. They’re like America’s automotive superheros. Corvettes offer an incredible experience and performance that’s actually attainable for an average person.
How much did saving and planning play a part in the purchase of your Corvettes?
Financial planning and saving played a huge part in the purchase of both of my Corvettes. At my age the odds were stacked against me to own a car like this. It was imperative that I research every cost involved
from the sticker price to the maintenance and insurance premiums. Taking a disciplined approach to savings was the only way for me to purchase my Corvettes without putting my other financial goals at risk.
How long was the savings/planning period, before purchasing your first Vette? What about the second?
Saving to purchase my home was the most challenging obstacle within the last 5 years. Once that process was complete, I never changed my spending habits which allowed me to save up for my first Corvette very quickly.
The first Corvette took about 2 years after purchasing the house. There was a roughly 2 year gap between the first Vette (C6) and the second one (C7). Luckily I was able to
use the equity from the first Corvette to expedite the process of purchasing the second one.
What was your first car?
A 1998 Ford Expedition.
What is your dream car?
It’s hard to decide on just one, but currently my dream car is the rumored C8 mid-engine Corvette. If I had to choose one that is currently available it would be the Koenigsegg One:1 .
Favorite driving music?
I like a little bit of everything, but believe it or not I’m a Christmas music fanatic. Outside of the few months that I can enjoy Christmas music I prefer the sound of my Corvette.
Where did you get your love of cars from?
I raced motocross as a kid, so I had a passion for engines and speed at a very early age. As I got older, cars began to open doors for me that dirt bikes could not. I still love that sport though and follow it closely.
They say that cars represent traits of the owner…What traits does your car have that represent you?
I would say consistent, practical, and made in America!
What do you think will be your next car purchase?
Z06!!
Lets say you have a dream 3 car garage? What vehicles would we find in it?
Koenigsegg One:1
2018 Corvette ZR1
2018 Ford F150 Raptor
Check out Cars, Cost, and Technology on YouTube.
- Published in Interview, personal finance
Interview with a Fitness Entrepreneur
This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with Jacksonville business owner and fitness professional, Keith Brown. Keith is the owner of Auxiliary Fitness.
Keith is a young, ambitious, and determined entrepreneur who grew up in Jacksonville. Keith strives to apply what he has learned throughout the years in academics and in the sports world to manifest his vision and constantly develop his mind, body, and spirit. He translates this same philosophy to his clients as well in order to help them achieve their goals. Keith is also currently working on his Master’s Degree in Public Health.
More about our conversation is below:
How did Auxiliary Fitness start?
I have always had a passion for sports, fitness, and health. I decided to turn this passion into a career and become a personal trainer. The human body is meant to move. We were not meant to be sedentary creatures. The term “auxiliary fitness” is simply supplementing the movements that we should be doing on a daily basis. My goal is to assist an individual with getting their body to function at the level that parallels where their mind or vision is.
How long have you been in business and personal training?
Auxiliary Fitness has been in existence for over 2 years. I have been personal training for 9 years professionally and even 6 years before then if you count family and friends. So about 15 years.
What is a typical day like for you?
I usually start my day around 4:30am with prayer and meditation. Later, I begin training clients at 6:00am for a few hours then take a break, which incorporates more prayer. I resume training for a few more hours on into the evening, closing out with prayer, after that I study.
What inspires and drives you?
FAITH. Grasping for and striving towards my vision and willing my way towards my goals and persevering through adversity.
Who do you admire and follow in business?
Reginald F. Lewis and Frank Lucas. They were savvy businessmen.
What is one of your biggest challenges as a young entrepreneur?
Finding a wife. Lol. Someone who has drive and goals that are comparable to my own. Someone who will support me and that I can support.
Who has had the most impact on you as a business owner?
A few close friends and mentors.
What do you do in your down time?
At the moment, mostly studying, but when I am not doing that, I am sleeping or binge watching TV. Looking forward to the series “Power” returning.
What is your favorite exercise?
Jogging! I feel free when I jog.
Do you have any advice for any fitness entrepreneurs just starting out?
Know what motivates you. Once you have that, then apply it 110% to achieving your goals.
Social media Links:
@quarterbackfitness on Instagram