Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Rodriguez.
Hi Ray, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Ray Rodriguez. I was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico on March 29, 1978. I am the oldest of 2 boys. My parents, who are both Puerto Rican, moved to New York City when I was 4 years old. We moved to Freeport Long Island in 1983 and lived there for 1 year.
Then we moved to Brooklyn New York in 1984 and lived there until 1997. I am a high school graduate of Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn. Graduated in 1996. We moved back to Puerto Rico in 1997 for one year and returned to live in Manhattan in 1998. In February of 1999, I started working for the company that I still work for today, Rudin Management.
I am a concierge and have been doing it for 24 years. I love my job, the many different personalities that I deal with every day make my job very fascinating. I have met celebrities, athletes, politicians, and religious leaders. Of course, not every person I’ve interacted with over the years has been perfect, but for the most part, it has.
My job is in the middle of New York City, so you get the spectacular views and the melting pot that NYC has to offer. So many different cultures and religious beliefs in one town. The food is amazing. Restaurants are at your disposal basically 24 hours a day. Any type of dish, whether it be Italian, French, Spanish, or Asian. The list goes on and on with how many options you have to satisfy your taste buds.
At my place of work is where I found the love of my life, Melinda. She is the daughter of my boss at the time, and it was love at first sight. She actually made the move by bringing me a coconut donut and coffee and that got my attention real quick. They always say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. We hit it off and on October 12, 2002, she became Mrs. Ray Rodriguez.
We have two beautiful daughters Miranda and Gabriela. Miranda was born on October 7th, 2003 and Gabriela was born on November 24th, 2008. Both are the closest thing to perfect kids as can be. Very smart and loving. Miranda is currently finishing up her sophomore year at Baruch College, and majoring in business and finance. Gabriela is finishing up her freshman year at Monsignor Scanlan and is on the science club, movie club, and bowling team. Honor roll student.
My wife and I decided to start a new journey in April of 2019 together and changed our eating lifestyle to a ketogenic lifestyle. Low carb, high protein and fat, low to no sugar. I lost 50 pounds and my wife lost 60 pounds. Since then, I have been working as an ambassador for companies like Good to Go soft bars, Built protein bars, premier protein, chipmonking bakery Love Good Fats company and vegan tingz. Vegan tingz is a sea moss gel company.
advertise their products and in return, when customers make purchases with my promo codes, they get 10-15% off their purchases. I make a small profit each month with each product. I have over 8800 followers on Instagram, 15.7k followers on TikTok, and over 2k followers on my Facebook accounts. It helps with the exposure and ability to advertise and connect with prospective customers.
I feel great, and I think that I’m just scratching the surface of my potential and hope this is a stepping stone for a second career online. I’m very proud of my success in life and will be even more proud since I decided that at age 41 I wanted to try a different career.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life has not always been easy. My parents weren’t rich, but they instilled in me to work hard, and one-day results will come. My father was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 1995 and by 1997 he was not able to work anymore. I had to take the reins and be the breadwinner of the house, hence why I bypassed college and decided to take the job as a concierge for Rudin management.
Over the years I thought about going to school, but kids came and life changed. With the money I earn and my wife’s income as a Costco supervisor, we make six figures and live very comfortably. But, along the way we did hit those bumps on the road that most of us find in life. We did get into financial debt, and it seemed bleak at times but we always had faith in God that he would always provide and he certainly did.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As I stated previously, I work as a concierge in a rental building for Rudin Management. I have been with this company for 24 years now. I am known to have a very outgoing personality and am a person that can adapt to any situation.
Some people like to talk, some don’t. Some like jokes, and others are the serious type. It’s all about adjusting to the many personalities I deal with every day. It’s not always easy, but so far I have been able to accomplish my job and put a smile on people’s faces when needed. I would say I am most proud of the longevity of being able to work for this great company for so long.
I am truly blessed to have a steady job, with health and retirement benefits that most people don’t have. I have plenty of friends who went to college, have degrees, and don’t have the job stability or health benefits that I have. What sets me apart from others here at work is that I am willing to go above and beyond my duties as a concierge to try and make everyone feel comfortable and welcome when coming home.
As I said before, I can greet you with jokes or with serious topics, current events or whatever helps you relax. I have taken care of pets for residents, make sure their plants are watered and many times I have been invited to their events and shows. I go there and cheer them on and they truly appreciate the gesture of taking my free time and showing them support.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am pretty much an open book, what you see is what you get. I try to encourage others to be themselves and good things will always come. Life is not easy, we all have to go through our ups and downs. But it’s how we react to adversity, and how we learn from it, that helps us become better human beings each and every day.
Life is about adjustments, always being willing to change and adapt and learn. If you can do that, no matter if you’re an average Joe or a successful millionaire, follow that way of life and success will follow. God bless.
Contact Info:
- Website: Linktr.ee/puertorock78
- Instagram: @Influencer25_officialpage
- Facebook: @Ray Rodriguez
- Twitter: @Influencer_25
- Youtube: @Influencer25
- Tiktok: @Officialpageinfluencer25
Image Credits
@goodtogosnacks, @vegantingz, and @builtbar
