Check out our exclusive Q+A about running JJR with CEO, Jackie Ruiz, Author, Speaker, Visionary, Entrepreneur and so much more!
This Q + A includes:
- How it all began
- Growth and evolution
- Customer and community impact
- Future vision
- Personal insights
How did JJR all begin?
Can you share the story of how and why you started the business 18 years ago?
I used to work at a high-end Brazilian restaurant and left when I found out that I was pregnant with my first born Leo. Even though I loved managing three restaurants in various parts of IL, I could not do that anymore with a baby. I wanted to be an entrepreneur and this was my opportunity to make it happen. I wanted to create a better future for our son Leo. Eventually Juan Pablo joined the company about a year later.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?
Some of the biggest challenges were:
- I was young and I did not have a lot of agency experience
- I did not speak a word of English at the age of 14 when I arrived to the USA (only 9 years before starting the agency) and I was running a marketing communications agency primarily with Caucasian clients
- I did not know how to delegate
- Hiring employees was definitely one of the biggest challenges
What are some of your proudest moments in the past 18 years?
- Hiring my first employee
- Getting our first office
- Growing from 3 people to 16 after the recession
- Expanding beyond the hospitality industry
- Celebrating 18 years in business! That is a big accomplishment!
Are there any specific milestones or achievements that stand out?
- Surviving the recession of 2008
- Expanding the business and services beyond the volatile hospitality sector
Growth and Evolution
What major changes or developments have you seen?
The biggest change has been going from push marketing to pull marketing across all industries.
What has been the key to sustaining and growing your business over the years?
Creating, nurturing and adding value to my network of amazing people around the country and the world. We have a legion of referral partners!
Are there any specific strategies or practices that have been particularly effective?
Creating special experiences with people in my network, events, innovative campaigns and partnerships.
Customer and Community Impact
What role have your clients played in your success?
A huge role. From being trusted partners to referral allies, they have been crucial to our sustainable success.
Are there any memorable customer stories you can share?
Yes, many. One of them is with a company called 3 Points. I met one of the two founders at an event. He shared his story with me and we made an amazing connection. I knew that I wanted to work with him and offered him PR services at a discounted price to just give me the opportunity to tell their story. He accepted my offer. He loved our work and we continued to work together. He became of the biggest allies and referral partners for JJR with the most referrals by a single company in our history of 18 years! Bet on your intuition and connect with amazing people providing value FIRST and the you will be amazed at what happens.
Can you highlight any community initiatives or charitable activities you’ve been involved in?
Philanthropy has been and continues to be a big part of our impact. We have been involved in many boards, committees, special events, donations, etc consistently and continuously. We even created our own nonprofit in 2014 to support young Latinas’ dreams. It has been almost 10 years since that inspiration came to us.
What are some of the ways you show gratitude to your clients and employees?
Sending them a welcome box of chocolates at the start of every new project, sending them flowers on their birthday, special trips, experiences and gifts for employees among other things!
Do you have any special programs or traditions?
Yes, we have a yearly experience with the team, we meet every Thursday to share our innovations, we share our kudos for other team members weekly and reward them with a $25 gift card for going above and beyond among other inspirations.
Future Vision
What are your goals for the next 18 years?
Continue to serve our clients with innovation, prompt response and passion.
How do you envision the future of your business?
Growth, innovation and magix!
Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Yes, the launch of 3 of my own books, attending major events in September and October and taking our team to Disneyworld!
Personal Insights
Do you have any advice for aspiring business owners?
Believe in yourself and the value you add to others and serve others first.
What motivates you to keep going?
The stories of the people I meet are my fuel.
What are the sources of your inspiration and drive?
The sense of urgency to serve others.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
There is no balance, there is integration. I try to do my best at every task.
What practices help you stay grounded and focused?
Meditation, prayer, journaling, bicycling, playing padel, visiting the beach.
Celebration
What message would you like to share with your customers, employees, and partners on this occasion?
Thank you so much for your trust, your belief in our work, your patronage. We could not do it without you!!!
Is there anything you’d like to say to express your gratitude?
Thank you, Gracias, Danke Schön! Looking forward to the next 18 years!!!