Ep 167: The Promotion He Never Wanted Changed His Life with Nestor Gutierrez

Speaker A: I started doing it, I'm like, damn, I really hate, I hate it. But it was a different type of hate. I was hating it because I was uncomfortable, you know. And months later, uh, I started liking it. I feel like at a dealership, you're just another number. You know, you're, you're replaced, borrow, and then you go and look for something else. And then that's kind of like the snowball effect. And you keep going through all that. And I think that's, that's, that's my personal, uh, opinion of what I see and what I hear. I have friends that work at dealership as well. And I mean, sometimes they're like, dude, it's hard to move up in a position because you cannot get capped out at some point either at a master tech or a service advisor. I mean, that's kind of like all that you're gonna do. Don't have limited beliefs. I think that's kind of the worst thing that someone can have. I know it's scary out there. Let's say right now you listen to this podcast, you're kind of on the brink of, you know what? I want to open up my own shop. I have a lot of experience. Go for it. You're listening to the Limitless Leadership Podcast podcast. The podcast designed to help automotive repair shops learn how to lead, coach, train and manage their team better by sharing proven techniques and thought provoking interviews from industry leaders.

Speaker B: Are you ready to transform your leadership

Speaker A: skills by tapping into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results? Let's get ready for liftoff. It's time to go from great to greater. Here's today's episode foreign.

Speaker B: And welcome back to another episode of the Limitless Leadership Podcast. I'm your host, Josh Parnell. And before we get started, don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, do all the things you need to on social media to help this podcast impact people and build leaders. Just like the leader I have sitting across from my computer screen today, my main man, my new friend, Nestor Gutierrez. He is the shop owner of Rancho Express Lube. Nestor and I connected a, uh, little while ago at Tectonic here in Houston, an incredible event, uh, presented by, uh, one of the show's, uh, sponsors, Tech Metric. If you're not with Tech Metric, what are you doing with your life? But that's another topic for another day. But anyway, so, uh, Nestor, man, uh, thanks for being here.

Speaker A: Hey, Josh, thank you for the opportunity, man. I really appreciate it. Uh, once again, I'm so glad, uh, that I met you at Tectonic and it kind of, you know, it's a prime example of, you know, what happens when you're in the right rooms, you know, this is a prime example. Opportunity. Opportunity, you know, so, so I love the energy.

Speaker B: Yeah. Awesome. Well, thank you for that. And, uh, and I agree with you, man. I mean, like, like getting in the right room, meeting the right people, connecting with the right audience, if you will, uh, it, man, it can be game changers for ourselves professionally and personally. And so I am personally excited to get to know you more. Uh, you know, you and I are just getting to know each other, so you're, you know, to some degree, still a stranger to me. But, um, I like what you're doing. I mean, from, from what I can tell, I, I, I like the trajectory that you're on. And, man, I'm pumped to get to know you more. I'm pumped for our audience to get to know you. So if you would share with our audience who you are, what you do and how you do it. This episode is brought to you by Limitless Leadership. Because great teams don't happen by accident. They're led on purpose. If you're tired of wearing all the hats, putting out fires, and wondering why your team won't step up, Limitless Leadership is for you. They help leaders transition from player to coach who develop people and multiply impact through in person or online leadership training. Like the Limitless Leadership Blueprint or their Roots to Results coaching method, their services are designed to help you tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results and help you create safety and trust in order to provide clarity and direction. So if you're ready to stop managing chaos and start leading with purpose, head to LimitlessLeadership Co to book a complimentary discovery call today.

Speaker A: Yeah, so my name is, uh, Nestor Gutierrez. I am the owner of Rancho Express Loop. And, uh, I've been in business actually six years in August. Uh, so pretty much a quick background. Um, I started working for the company as a Loop technician back in 2016, April. And, um, it was one of those things. I wasn't really looking for a job. I was going to school. I was going to J.T. college, uh, full time. And one of those days that, uh, there was a detour, there was construction on the main road happened to be, you know, this is what I call it, Oxman. I, I stopped, I looked, I'm like, well, there's, they're hiring. Let me pull up, let me see what they're doing and give It a shot. And I, uh, was hired. Uh, being completely honest at. Ah. First they're like, I'm not sure. This kids in. In fresh out of high school. I don't know if it's a good fit for us to, you know, given the responsibility of a loop tech. And I mean, I was a little nervous too, but I mean, prior to that, uh, I had. I had like back backyard experience like three, four years working with my dad, but on the diesel side. So I'm like, good car is a car. I mean, you just Diesel, gasoline, It's pretty much same components, you know. So, um, that's one of the things I told the owner. I mean, you know, there's something I could tell you, like, yeah, I may not have all the experience maybe that uh, you would want, but, uh, one thing I can tell you is I'm very coachable. You show me how to do it and I'll do it, you know, and uh, I'll do the best way I can and I'll deliver more, you know. And he really, like, gave me. Gave me the opportunity. It was a kind of. It was a. It was a hard start. Not gonna lie. Uh, I was doing my part, but.

Speaker B: Nestor, Hang on. Sorry. There's like a. There's like a humming, like a deep humming. Is that something. Are you like in the shop or something? Like what? Can you hear that?

Speaker A: I'm in my office right now. There's a. There's an M3. Okay, you want to pause right now and I can tell him to, um. I think they're gonna pull it out right now.

Speaker B: We can. We can keep going if they're gonna pull it out, I think it's gonna be fine. If it's the. If it's the whole episode though, it might throw some folks off. So.

Speaker A: Yeah, let me just. And now it's not cold start. It went away. Let me. Let me, uh, give. Just give my heads up to be quiet with it when they pull out, because, I mean, the car is sold out. Hey, uh, just real quick, um, when you guys pull out the BMW, can you just be, uh, as quiet as you can? I'm shooting a podcast and it's really loud. Yeah, thank you. Cool.

Speaker B: Awesome. Keep. Pick it up. Keep on going. Yeah, keep on going.

Speaker A: Uh, okay, so, um, also I was saying, um, the. The. When I first started, you know, working for this company, it was a little bit, uh, tough. And, uh, it was mainly because it was technically my first, like, professional job. Uh, I was doing in high school, I was doing like, uh, Backyard cleanings and pulling weeds and all that good stuff. But when it came here, it was kind of like, oh, I could adapt. And the management was very tough on me. So that kind of made him very hard for me to be showing up to work motivated. And it's one of those things I told my dad, like, damn, dude. I really, I, I'm grateful I have a job, but it's like one of those things, like, I hate going because management sucks. It really sucks. Like, these guys make life miserable for me, you know? So, yeah, um, after three weeks, I wanted to quit. I'm like, these guys are so tough on me. And my dad's like, you know what? There's a difference between, you know, like, uh, maybe they're being tough on you to try to like, teach you, but I know that's not the, that's not the thing that's happening. These guys are literally against me. They're not teaching me anything. Like, I'm trying to do more. And they shut me down. And the owner's completely different. So I told them, like, that's what's happening. And I went up to the owner, pretty much, uh, told him, you know what, pretty much two weeks in, I really just don't think it's a good fit. And he's like, why, what's going on? I think, uh, everything's going well from what I see. I'm like, yeah, but other things that I'm not here to argue and, and, and cause drama. But, uh, I'm like, I'll just leave it like that. And it kind of like left them a little bit, uh, about like, what's going on, you know. So then someone else told him, hey, you know what? Uh, one of his cousins was working here at the time as well. And uh, he's like, hey, they really treat him like, like he's literally doing the oil changes. He's coming up, he's busting his ass. And then the manager's telling the owner that he has an attitude, he's showing up late, literally everything opposite, you know, so he literally fired the manager and assistant manager. They were, they were brothers. And literally, I mean, those guys were always in the back of the shop just smoking and just every time the car was done, then they would come up and they just cash the customer out. They were not talking to the customer. They're not like giving them a record of the maintenance. Like, literally I was a one man show. I was doing everything. I wasn't complaining. But since overall, it's just like the atmosphere I just didn't like it. Uh, that kind of, like, put me in a position. I think that's really where this journey began because it put me in a position that I didn't want to be, which was the front desk. Uh, I was very shy. I was very timid. I told my boss, I'm like, I just want to be doing the work. Don't put me in the front. I don't like that. You know. He said, well, actually, I'm gonna put you in the front because I think you have a talent that you're just hiding just because maybe you're, you're shy or there's something going on. You know, let's, let's find out what the reason is. And I told him, like, you know, one of the things I hate is, uh, talking to other people because I feel like my accent's really bad and I'm like, I don't like my smile. He's like, that's personal, dude. Like, there's nothing wrong with that. Just go ahead and do it. You have a talent of explaining things in a way that people understand you, and that will always land, uh, a cell. Know that you're easy to get going. People trust you. He gave me that shot. I, I, I started doing it. I'm like, damn, I really hate, I hate it. But I was a different type of hate. I was hating it because I was uncomfortable, you know. And months later, uh, I started liking it. And I started liking it more and more and more. And it's like, it really became a passion, you know, and it's like crazy what one thing can do when, you know, there's things that we don't like doing, obviously sometimes because of, of our personal beliefs or whatever it is. But overall, it's like when you push through, kind of gives you more confidence and it really shows you what you can do, you know?

Speaker B: All right, leaders. Whether you're running a shop, leading a team, or leveling up in your career, you know, details matter. And if you're like me, that includes keeping your beard on point. That's why I trust the Bearded Brotherhood. Their beard oils, beard balms and mustache waxes, among other are made with all natural ingredients. No junk, no shortcuts, just top tier quality that keeps my beard looking sharp and feeling great. And let's talk sense. Whether it's their best selling woodsman or my personal favorite, Lone Stranger, the Bearded Brotherhood keeps me smelling fresh and my beard stays soft all day. If you take your beard game seriously, this is the stuff that you Need. And because you're part of the limitless leadership podcast family, I've got a deal for you. Just visit thebeardedbrotherhood co lead15 to grab your favorite products and get 15% off in the process, because a great leader deserves a great beard. Now back to today's episode. Dude, you're saying all the right things, Nestor. I mean, ultimately, we know that growth and comfort can't coexist. And what you did and you're continuing to do on a day in and day out basis is get comfortable being uncomfortable, um, being able to push through, to go through things, to grow through things. The cool thing, I like what you said too, in terms of it grows your confidence. Like, I believe in the three Cs. Are we capable, competent, and confident. And for a lot of us, the first two, we don't struggle with as much. The last one, confidence. Especially as a leadership coach in this industry, I see a lot of folks struggle with their confidence. Some days they're feeling okay. Other days they just feel like they just. I mean, they don't believe in themselves, they don't believe in their team. They struggle to feel like they can make a connection. We know that connection creates engagement, and engagement increases performance. So the confidence is often shot. But a way that we can grow our confidence is to get those wins. And the cool thing is just like you did, you put yourself in a uncomfortable, uh, situation, but you push through and you experience something new. And that new is a new kind of win. And you get that win and then you keep stacking those wins. And it's almost intoxicating. It's like, wow, like, this is like, I get these wins and then I grow personally, professionally, financially, I grow because of it. And then you want more of it. So if, um, you would elaborate on that concept for us.

Speaker A: Yeah, so. So, you know, going back to, to that position where, you know, m. I, I've really never been that type of person that works for the money. I mean, back then, uh, when I had the, the raise, whatever, uh, the Loop took to assistant manager, there was a small, like, increase of pay. But to me, it was like, like I didn't care really. Like, I was like. Well, I saw more as a responsibility. Um, as I was going through college and everything, I had better opportunities that were probably going to pay me like 10 bucks more per hour. I could easily gone that route to the dealership, but I didn't want to go that route because I'm, um, Like, you know what the, the thing that really made sense, I Wasn't trying to leave for the money. I was trying to stay, stay here because I was trying to finish my schooling. I was in charge of my own schedule, and it very beneficial to me, you know, so I'm like, if I stick right here, I mean, I can come. I pretty much went to class, came to work, two hours, went back. That was literally me all day. And I'm like, if I go to a dealership, yeah, I might get more money. But overall, is it really going to work out? My school is probably going to take a, uh, be in jeopardy because they're probably not going to work my schedule. So I stood put and obviously the. The reward was much bigger. So it's kind of like I always go back to the moment and it's like, you know, in this industry, in the automotive industry, I feel like a lot of people always jump from job to job to job, from shop to shop to shop, from dealership to other shops, because sometimes it, oh, my buddy's making five bucks more power over here. You know what? They're playing a little bit more over here. There's more benefits. But realistically, who is really the problem? Because we can come in here and say, you know, what if I give you, you know, 10,000, $10,000 right now. A lot of people don't even know what to do with the money. And the problem is always going to be that there's no, uh, no clarity. So if there's no clarity, why even go get more? A raise? Because when you get a raise to get more money, what's the first thing people do? You literally compare apples to apples. Like, well, over here I was making this much, and I was barely making it over here making more money. But I'm pretty much in the same boat again because I start overspending. So if I'm ever spending, it becomes the same thing, you know, so that's kind of. I always go back to the moment because. And that's something also. I try to teach as much as I can to my employees as well. Not to retain them and be like, you know what? This is only the thing that exists. But overall, just to kind of give them some insights of, you know what. Whatever you do in life, you have to have clarity. You have to have goals.

Speaker B: Oh, uh, so good.

Speaker A: There's none. There's none of that. I mean, it's. You're literally just working for a check, and that is going to be seen, you know, with your attitude, the way you show up in your hungriness, you know, so that's just kind of like my 2 cents on, on the way I think about things. I've gone through that give me that

Speaker B: mentality, you know, Nestor, I knew I was going to like you, man. Like, this is some good stuff. Like, everyone who is, who's listening to this episode, if you're listening, you can also watch this episode on YouTube at. The Bearded Leader is where you can find this episode at and. And many more. But man, what you're sharing is so important and it's often overlooked by a lot of business owners, regardless of the industry. Doesn't matter what industry you're in. Automotive, plumbing, roofing, construction, H vac, electrical, whatever. Like, I mean, this is. And it's not just for the skilled trades. It's truly for any industry. What is it? What am I describing? Is the clarity that you just talked about. The two things that every person needs and quite frankly deserves in any industry is clarity and direction. And we can't provide clarity and direction if we don't establish and create safety and trust. And so what I see you doing for your team is you're creating the safety and trust, uh, to create the connection. And therefore you can provide the clarity and direction. I like that you, you highlighted the fact that people will like. We often don't consider the end in mind. We think about the here and the now and we're not thinking about our future. And so if I can go make $5 an hour more now, yeah, that sounds great and it is great. But in the grand scheme of things, in the bigger picture of things, is that the right move and the best move for you and your growth and development? People are leaving bad leaders, not bad jobs. And you almost left. You almost left years ago. I'm curious, like, put you on the spot here. What would you be doing now if you actually did quit?

Speaker A: Uh, man, I completely honestly think that I probably be. I mean, no disrespect to anyone being an employee. I'm just saying I'd probably be a good master tech at a dealership or anything. But comparing to where I'm at now, I'm like, wow, what a waste of potential. Let's say, you know, because, yeah, I ended. Ended up taking this route because I had the opportunity. There was literally like no financial way of me acquiring a business at age 23. There was just none. So what did I do? I went out and asked for resource. I'm like, you know what, Can I lend some money from you and you and you and you and you and you? I gather some, uh, up. I mean, I was in a position to be like, oh, yeah, let me just use, uh, my credit. Uh, I mean, I had no credit. You know, I was young and, and all that. But overall, I think I'd probably be doing, let's say, maybe all right, maybe not so good. I don't know financially. But overall, I can say one thing for a fact is I'd be a good employee for whatever company I'd be working for. But that would limit. Like, I just can't picture that anymore because that would limit the way I think in the way that I, uh, think that I'm doing right now. So it just kind of puts you in a position that. I'm so glad I went this route. It was so scary. 100. But if I would have gone for. Let's. From. From the first three weeks, when I mentioned that if I would have quit taking another job at another dealership, I mean, I feel. I never worked at a dealership. Um, but I feel like at a dealership you're just another number. You know, you're replaced tomorrow, and then you go and look for something else, and then that's kind of like the snowball effect, and you can keep going through all that. And I think that's. That's. That's my personal, uh, opinion of what I see and what I hear. I have friends that work at dealership as well. And I mean, sometimes they're like, they're. It's hard to move up in a position because you cannot get capped out at some point, either at a master tech or a service advisor. I mean, that's kind of like all that you're going to do. So it's like, it puts you in a position like, like, what now? You know, like if you're 40 or 50, like, well, I'm at the top like that, uh, do I keep doing this? Or, like, are we, Are we done? Or what do we do? You know, so it's.

Speaker B: It's important that we're mindful of our mindset and how powerful our minds are, because these, our minds are our greatest assets. And what I'm hearing in a short amount of time with you, Nestor, is your mindset has shifted. It's expanded. It's. It's allowed you to view things differently and subsequently do things differently. And I see you as someone who continues to get comfortable being uncomfortable, someone who continues to focus on expanding your mindset. I mean, you're at tectonic for a reason. You're going to learn from more people from. To, uh, to network, to. Like you said, get. Get in the right rooms. Get in the right. And by the way, the right rooms. If anyone's listening or watching this episode, the right room is where. Where you're not the smartest person in the room. Um, I mean, like, the. The moment you can. The moment you feel like you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. And so surround yourself with people who have been there, have done that, have, uh, the. Have the mindset shifts that they can share with you. One shift that you shared, that you kind of alluded to is the concept of, all right, I'm an employee here. I'm making X amount of dollars here. This is my income. And then I'm considering going somewhere else to make, let's call it $5 per hour more, which is a. Which is a good bump. Um, but I'm still in the same boat I was in before. And the reason is because my habits haven't changed. Like, yes, I'm making more money, but I'm still spending like I was before. Um, I'm going to make an assumption here, which I know is too early for me to do, but I'll go and make it. Nestor, I see you as a leader who is helping young people not just grow professionally, but also personally helping them recognize how their habits need to change in order for their lives to change. Is that fair to say? And if so, can you elaborate on that?

Speaker A: That's a really good assumption from your part. You nailed it. And the reason. The reason I'm like that is because, um, I really have a good relationship with my former, uh, boss. And those are the little things that he was teaching me. And when I kind of look back at them, you know what? If it weren't for things that he taught me at that age when he didn't really have to, I mean, I wouldn't really understand the things I understand now. So I'm like, how can I pave the way and do the same thing for my employees? Because if I can teach, you know, uh, me, that's the difference between me and the dealership. Yes, Maybe you can go to the dealership and make a, uh, couple bucks more than I can pay you here. But overall, that's it. That's no more. It's just money over there. But with me, I can guarantee you that I'm trying to make you the best that I can. And that's where I kind of. Sometimes I've had people in the past. I see a lot of great Potential. And it kind of feels like I want it more than them. And that's kind of. We have to kind of draw the line to say, okay, well, they don't want it that bad. You can only do so much of the teacher, you know, so, yeah, I do my part. I give them. You know what? These are the things I recommend doing. We, we plan together. Because, you know, um, you. Earlier in the call, you, um, you said, uh, you know, PPFs, um, having those PPF goals, you know, professional, um, uh, professional financial and personal goals. If you ask someone from the. When I first started doing this, when I started asking my employees, you know, so what are your goals for the next five years on the personal side? Oh, well, I want to become a master tech. No, like, I'm talking about, like, personal, like, like, do you want a car? You want a home? Do you want to have a family? Like, what do you want, you know, a vacation? Well, I haven't really thought about it. No one has really asked me. Like, damn. Just. That just shows you. Is someone at the dealership doing this with someone? No, no one cares about that. The dealership is just trying to make money. And then let's get, let's get to it. You're just another number, you know, So I do this, it earns more respect, I think, because once you can really, uh, figure out a way to help an employee, what I would expect in return is some sort of loyalty, you know, like, damn. Well, can you help me with this? Is this and that. I mean, I help people in my industry, uh, buy first homes, buy cars. They come to me like, hey, you know, what do you think about this, uh, opportunity? You know, credit cards, like, what do you think about this? I mean, you know what? Don't use a credit card if it's not going to be an investment. If it's for a trip, you can't afford it. I'm sorry. You know, so plan a different way. But I'm just trying to teach him the things that I know. And if there's something that they have a problem, uh, that's when I use my network. If I don't know the answer, I'm gonna go get the answer and give it to you. That's kind of what people. They're working for me, you know, and that's, like I said, that's the differentiator between working for me. Yeah, I'm a small, um, mom and pop shop, but I think I provide way more value than someone, uh, from corporate or a dealer would, you know, because it's more of a numbers game

Speaker B: that's also a differentiator between being a boss and being a leader and what I'm. What I'm like, I. I know you're a leader, Nestor. Um, obviously, this is a leadership podcast. If I were to ask you, what does leadership mean to you, how would you answer that question?

Speaker A: To me, it's kind of leading by example. You know, going back to the first time I. I became a manager. Uh, I was in the fr. I was sweeping. I was on the floor, like, cleaning the floors. And. And I didn't really have to. And that's when the owner was like, esther, don't do this. Like, have someone else just put him to do it. I'm like, why? Like, I feel like I have to lead it. You know, if. If my understanding is as a manager, you have to show people how to do things and. And know that maybe have someone take over. But I feel like it's not right for me to kind of be like, uh, you go here, over here, do this. You go here and, uh, go clean, and you do this. And then I just sit. Like, it just doesn't. That's not me. You know, that's not the way I am. So for me, it's always like, whatever you want. You can lead by example. You could also mention that, you know what, it may not be easy, it may not be that hard, but overall, it's like, these are the expectations. These are the tools that we have. We're going to go through this together, and this is a team effort. Because really, I mean, even right now, what I have is really not me. It's my team. You know, I'm not. I'm. I'm nobody without my loop technician, my mechanic, my manager, my. Like, every position really matters. So preach. That's so good. That's really what it comes down to. You know, as a leader, you have to understand. And there's people that be like, oh, yeah, it's just me, dude. It's just me because of me. I made that guy rich because of me. He. I'm not like that. It's like, it's just information. You either take it, you leave it, but it's. I'll provide all the tools that I'll have them on my. On my rack. It's up to you. Do you really want to make something out of it? I'll show you. I really, like. I'm very passionate about everything that I do. You know, when it comes down to helping, I really want to see the best come out of someone. And then what I like said, uh, in the future, what really feels good to me is like, you know what, man? I really appreciate the help you. You, you down to me, you transform me. That to me is like, that's current. Like, that just means a lot to me because when someone can agree that they're in a better position because of the sources working for your company, it's. That's the type of things that really like, like give me more of a push. It motivates me.

Speaker B: Yeah, I love that. One of the things that I really, um, admire and respect about my previous, uh, employer, um, you know, before jumping into this terrifying world of entrepreneurship, I was with a great organization, Christian Brothers Automotive. And one of the things that they would regularly talk about is the idea of, uh, their goal being for any team member to, uh, if and when they do leave, that they are a better person, a better human being, a better contribution to society than. Than when they started. And, um, that's what I'm hearing in you, Nestor. You're, you're someone who is. You're not just a, um, you're someone who your team knows. They're not a number. You know, you referenced that a couple times now. Like, if we're not, if we work at a dealership and if we're not careful, even the guest experience that we provide for those that we're serving, they can feel like a number if we're not careful. I mean, there's, There's, There's a lot going on and um, the, the, the volume is a little bit different, um, there at a dealership than, Than an independent. And for the team members there too, because the team member can feel like a number. And you don't want to just turn and burn these team members left and right. You want to create this safe space, place and platform, this environment, this, this culture of accountability and coachability, um, is. It's powerful. And when you can create safety and trust like you're doing, you can provide clarity and direction along the way. Uh, Nestor, you mentioned, um, that you still have a great relationship with your former boss, the person who I think sold you this, this business. Correct?

Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Speaker B: Um, I'll ask you one of the questions I love to ask on this, this podcast is what is the best advice you've ever received from a coach or mentor? Whether it's that person or someone else. How would you answer that question?

Speaker A: Uh, I think I've had multiple mentors in my life. I mean, uh, but I think the, the ones the top, I'll say top four, uh, that have really, obviously made a big impact in my life is, I mean, starting with my dad, Uh, I mean, I. I was by his side, you know, out doing work, like, at age 8. So I learned a lot of things from him. I'm m. A sponge. And then second of that would be my. My former boss. Um, I started working here at a young age. I was like, almost 19. And he's the one that planted a lot of seeds in me as well. And then followed by that, I would say, you know, Grant Cardone, um, Brandon Dawson. One of the things that I really like from Brandon Dawson is, uh, um, good people don't work for shitty companies. That really, really stuck to me because sometimes I feel like as a company, like, oh, I want the best employees and I want the best of the best. But is it that your company, Are they ready for that? Because sometimes, I mean, let's be completely honest, when. When I heard that the first time, like, dude, he twisted on me, like, because I was the one that made a question, you know what? I, uh, can't really find good employees. Well, maybe you're a shitty company. You're like, damn, that was a big punch. And now, you know what? Like, that really hurt me. I'm like, you know what? Put it into perspective. I mean, why should someone work for you? And I started breaking down. Like, you know what? Well, Brandon's right. He's right. I mean, I don't have no leadership, uh, like, leadership as a. As a whole. Like, uh, someone that wants to work for the company in. In a way that, like, there's growth. If, if there's just kind of like, just more for me than. Than there is to the employee, then it's like, maybe I don't have as much opportunity as maybe someone else that would, uh, be excited to be working for a company, waking up every morning putting that uniform on, you know, so you broke it down instead of complaining about the, let's say, people leaving the companies. Because that's when I was like, you know what? I feel like I'm pushing people away now because it's like I want more for them, but they're just. They don't want the same thing. So where am I failing? And that's when I started back in 2022, I started doing the PPFs. Kind of like, get to know the people. Like, you know what? Aside from, you know, you working for me, I want to get to know each other, and I want to help you. Really, like, really, really Help you versus going a different way about it, you know, so that has. That. That was really very, uh, very big on me. And that's why in 2023, I had the best year back then. Uh, and it doesn't. There's no coincidence because I fixed my team. I fixed the people that. That I was bringing on it built a culture that, I mean, it just. It was just kind of like my. My. My bottom ground, you know? And that's really what we have now. It's. The culture is so, so important. If you can't really make it to the big leagues, if the. If we don't start with the basics and then, you know, it doesn't matter. You know, the other day I had, um, the, um. The guy from Hot Cheetos, Richard, uh, Montanez, stop, uh, at the shop. He's in Ranch Commanga as well. And, uh, I was talking to him, and one of the things he said to. Is like, uh, when he was a janitor before with, uh, Pepsi Cola, um, one of the things his grandpa told him, you know, well, I don't care if you're cleaning floors. You gotta do it the Montanest way, which is our last name. You got to represent our last name. So he told me, he's like, are you representing your last name? You know, are you doing everything that you say that you want to do to a higher standard? Are you leaving a legacy behind? And it's like, damn, like, it's all perspective. There's people that. It's just, you know, cleaning, whatever. And then there's a guy that's really busty and his ass. It's just how you want to look at it, you know, overall. But the mentorships, honestly, you can learn from everyone, I think. Uh, and there's always. For me, it's like. There's always, like, sentences that, uh, I get from every single person I talk to, like, damn, I love what he said. I love what he said. And those are things that kind of get glued in here, you know?

Speaker B: Yeah, I love that. So here's one for you, if you haven't heard this before. The way we do anything is the way we do everything. And that's exactly what you're describing. It's like, the way I'm going to do anything is the way I'm going to do everything. And I'm going to do everything with a level of excellence. That means I'm putting standards before goals. Standards over goals. Goals are great. I'm not saying goals are bad. I'm not saying Goals are something that we shouldn't have. I believe in goals. I believe in setting standards first and foremost, because we set a standard that allows us to operate at a high, high level. That, that means we don't tolerate or settle or accept anything less than our best. And our best is excellent. So, um, I like that you're. That you're bringing that to the table. Um, Nestor, any parting words of wisdom before we, before we cut you loose?

Speaker A: Uh, yeah, sure. I mean, something I'll say is that, um, don't have limited beliefs. I think that's kind of the worst thing that someone can have. I know it's scary out there. Let's say right now you're listening to this podcast. You're kind of on the brink of. You know what? I want to open up my own shop. I have a lot of experience. Go for it. Like, for me, it's like, commit now, figure it out later. Brian Cardone. And it's like, if you don't do that, it's really never going to happen. Sometimes we feel like we have to be in a perfect scenario. We take it back. When I, when I had the opportunity, literally, I had, like, negative 15 in my bank account when we were talking about acquiring a shop. And I. I guess I do. You're kidding me. Like, sell that thing. And he was offering me 10% if he sold it to someone else. And I was like, dude, sell it. I want 10% of that. I'm like, probably going to buy me a nice Mercedes or BMW. Is some mentality, once again, that, that, uh, at that age is like, you can go small or you can go big. In the long term, um, I think every person in this world has a lot of potential. You just have to go out there and make it happen. Don't make any excuse that maybe financially you can't, you're not capable of it. Overall, I, I truly believe that anything is possible in this world. As long as you really believe it, that, uh, you want to get something, you really stand by it. I mean, man, like, I. I just truly believe that I really can do anything in this world. That's how I. Yes.

Speaker B: Every single day, you know, dude, you are giving me goosebumps. And the, and the crazy thing is this is the kind of stuff I coach people on daily. So, hey, look, we can learn from each other. We can grow together. So I love this. Uh, you know, look, the sky is not the limit. The sky is our launchpad. The sky is our starting point. We're talking about going from blue to black, just like the. The black AMEX card I see behind. Behind you. So if you're not. If you're not watching this episode, I. I highly encourage you to at least check it out. Uh, Nestor has a pretty cool piece of artwork behind him, says American Dream. It's a black AMEX card, uh, is hanging on his wall. And, dude, you are. You are, uh, a testament, uh, to the American dream, to the. To the grit, to the resilient. The fact that. That you. You were in this place where any. Any sane human being would be like, oh, how could I. How could I do this? I have negative money in my account. But, dude, where there's a will, there's a way, and everything is figureoutable. And I just want to give you a shout out and say, man, congratulations. I love what you're doing. Keep on going, keep on growing. And thank you for being on the podcast, my friend.

Speaker A: Thank you, Josh. I really appreciate it, man.

Speaker B: And thank you for tuning in to another episode of the Limitless Leadership Podcast. As you know, we look to transform our leadership skills by tapping into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. So thanks again, everyone. Have a great day. Don't forget to smile today. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. I'm, um, Josh Parnell, reminding you to keep leading. Well,