Daily Inspiration: Meet Greg La Rosa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg La Rosa.

Hi Greg, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I come from a close-knit Italian-born family and I was raised in Toronto, Canada. I am very proud to be Italian and all of our traditions. My family means everything to me because they helped show me the true importance and purpose of life. Early on, they instilled many key values upon me which I still carry with me as an adult and in my career. Loyalty, respect, and helping others make up my core being. I also want to give a special shoutout to my godmother Paula La Rosa Quartarone, the toughest woman I know, a true La Rosa. I cut every birthday cake with her. It’s an Italian tradition in my family that my godmother and I do every year. Each birthday, we would have both our hands on the knife and make the first cut together.

A lot of people know me for being a bodyguard for Floyd Mayweather, but growing up, I played the saxophone nationally in Canada, was a champion Go-Kart racer, and played professional roller hockey. I even played in the USA Pro Cup.

There wasn’t a defining moment that brought me to the personal security arena. It really just came to me. When I first moved to Las Vegas, I was at a low point. Being an immigrant, it was a bit of a rocky road and at one point I was going through a rough patch. During this transition period in the states, I remember a time when I had to live in my car for a week. In Toronto, I had a successful business that I could have easily gone home too. But, if I went home, it would feel like a failure to me. I want to succeed in every decision and everything I do. I started doing personal security and hosting to pay for rent. I had to make money to support myself and eat. Through networking in Las Vegas, I was able to make the necessary connections. Floyd ultimately needed extra people and Jizzy Mac (another bodyguard to Floyd) suggested that Floyd give me a call to work at one of his events he needed to attend. I was one of nine people he brought on for the event. However, I was the only one out of the nine he decided to keep on.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is all about being able to adapt. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but I welcome the challenges that come my way. A lot of people don’t realize the struggles that can come from being an immigrant. I came here to the states on my own, without any family. I had a great and successful life in Canada, but I knew the next step was to move to the United States. When I first arrived, it was a little bit of a difficult period. As I previously mentioned, there was a time where I was briefly homeless and struggled to put food on the table. Since I was an immigrant, I had to start with zero credit. It’s very interesting to think back on those moments because it wasn’t that long ago. However, I’m truly grateful because the hard times can teach us some of life’s most powerful lessons.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a personal bodyguard for Floyd Mayweather who is recognized for his many accolades including being inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, winning several world titles, and becoming one of the richest athletes in the world. What he’s accomplished is truly amazing especially since he did it pretty much without any endorsements. I’m also known for the infamous confrontation with Conor McGregor who called me a “Juicehead Turkey,” during the Mayweather vs Mcgregor world tour. However, I am actually 100 percent natural! I’m also noted for taking a bullet for TMT (The Money Team) after I was shot in a targeted drive-by shooting in Atlanta. This ultimately reached both national and international news.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my stubborn persistence to never quit and my thirst for knowledge. I never let people tell me what I can’t do and I believe in myself. I’m also proud that I’m multifaceted. I have a lot of different skills from playing professional hockey to playing the saxophone. Above it all, I’m most proud of the choices I have made, refusing to fail, and staying true to myself and others. I am also proud that I have never compromised my loyalty and integrity in addition to being one of the most trusted people to one of the richest athletes in the world. A lot of people come and go in this business, and it means a lot to me that Floyd trusts me enough to still have me around after almost eight years.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Every day brings something new and completely different. There is no limit to the things I have seen. I’m on call 24/7. I’m here for Floyd anytime he needs me. There is never a dull moment. There have even been several instances where we have narrowly escaped terrorist attacks, threats, and shootings while traveling. People see the lights and the glamour but so often don’t understand the true elements of danger this job possesses.

It’s hard work. You pretty much give up your regular life to make sure others are safe. I’m thankful that Floyd is nothing but a good friend and he doesn’t always make it feel like work although we work very hard. With this line of work, you can’t really schedule anything or go to dinner or the movies without possibly getting a call. If Floyd needs us, we are there. That includes holidays as well! It can be a very high-stress job. However, I always try and just post the positives because this life is a blessing. But, there are levels to this and what we do.

However, people might be surprised to find out that I do real estate. When I was young and in Canada, I bought a house early on and a lot of my role models were real estate agents. I always loved and had a passion for real estate, but with work and life, I didn’t get into it as soon as I would have liked. But, it’s better late than never! It’s my passion and it’s made me busier. I love helping people. I really like that I can do it on the side and it’s very lucrative. It’s been awesome and I love the feeling I get when someone finds their dream home. It’s powerful for them and very gratifying for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @greg_tmt
• Twitter: @glarosa80

Image Credits:
Greg La Rosa