Connect
To Top

Meet Ryan Contreras Founder of “AIM SQUAD.”

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Contreras.

Ryan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started with my upbringing. My mother & father raised me with very strong core values. However, being born & raised in East Los Angeles, my environment and circle of influence led me to make some wrong decisions at an early age. I thank God I was able to bounce back and follow the right path because I had a loving support system at home. My friends on the other hand, were not so lucky. Most of my friends would self cope with the abuse that they were enduring inside and outside of their homes. (Physical, mental, emotional, environmental) By the time I was 15, I lost and buried 7 very close friends due to gang violence and drug abuse.

These unfortunate events left me with a ton of unresolved questions and eventually sparked my interest in psychology. I wanted to learn more about environmental influence, nature and nurture, and why we as humans behave & think the way that we do. As I was indulging myself in my psychology studies at East Los Angeles College, I decided no matter what career path I ended up choosing, A personal goal was to give back to my community and build a support program that helps the at-risk youth in the LA area.

Meanwhile, I was on my way to earn my associates degree and preparing myself to transfer to the California Polytechnic University of Pomona. I became reacquainted with an old friend from high school. He showed me how a majority of small businesses in our area (Especially mom and pop shops) are going out of business due to their inability to successfully transition their business online. This idea was solidified when we went to one of our favorite restaurants and the owners confirmed that their sales were drastically down. If they didn’t pick up their numbers they were going to be in serious trouble and possibly close. So, that summer we devoted our time and energy to creating an engaging website, promotional video, and establishing all the proper social media channels to advertise and target their Ideal customers with irresistible offers. 

This ended up being a total success! The owners of the restaurant were not struggling and had found a new channel to keep their business profitable. (Now they have three locations)

Completing this project successfully brought me total fulfillment. That was the moment that I decided to start my own custom web design/marketing agency. Focused on helping small – mid-sized businesses establish a profitable online presence. Since then, my Team and I have helped create over 150+ high performing custom websites and marketing campaigns for startups, entrepreneurs, and small-mid sized businesses all over the United States.

What makes us different is our sheer desire to help our clients stand out within their industry, Target their ideal clientele, and create a profitable system for their business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been a bumpy road filled with MANY obstacles and setbacks. I chose to take the route of instability and risk starting my own company with no prior experience or business knowledge and turning down the traditional and stable 9-5 life.

There are so many moving pieces when you own a company and having to learn how to operate, manage, create a system, sell, innovate, look for and hire like minded individuals was definitely tough. 

I’ve had to sacrifice a lot of my time to make all of this happen. In the beginning I was juggling my psychology undergraduate degree; finishing in 2 years, meanwhile running a profitable full-service marketing agency, servicing all of my current and new clients. So missing out on social outings, losing friends, and relationships along the way was something that I had to accept and adjust to in the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. 

To be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe we are living in the best and easiest time to reach success. The internet is the great equalizer. I intend on using all of the resources and information that I need to reach my goals and make a positive impact. 

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about AIM SQUAD, LLC. “Achieving Internet Marketing” – what should we know?
“AIM SQUAD” stands for Achieving Internet Marketing.

The “Squad” is a reference to how our team culture works. We all like to work as a Unit with a singular goal in mind. 

Together we are:

“A Client-centric Marketing Firm focused on helping small-medium sized businesses GROW through Custom Web Design & Strategic digital marketing. We specialize in helping business owners stand out in their industry by crafting a winning online presence and helping them establish and attract their target audience. We take the time to fully understand you and your business and tailor a plan that fits your current needs. 

We offer all of the solutions you need to expand your Brand such as Custom Website Design/Development, Website Maintenance, Website Hosting, Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Facebook Advertising, and Search Engine Optimization”.

For business negatively affected by Covid:
We are providing FREE marketing plans, resources and consultations to help guide business owners and transition them online to establish new income streams. 

By January 2021:
I will officially launch the “Go-Givers” program. Which will donate 5-10% of profits and our time to the at-risk youth programs in the East LA area.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
God has given me the strength to continue my path and pursue my dreams. My parents have been my foundation and ongoing support throughout my Entrepreneurial journey. My custom web design process and procedure credit goes to my mentor John D Saunders. He is based out of the East coast and teaches others how to start their own remote custom website studio.  

Pricing:

  • Starter Web Design – Starting at $999 – Monthly Payment Plans Available
  • Business Web Design – Starting at $1,999.00 – Monthly Payment Plans Available
  • Pro Web Design – Starting at $2,999.00 – Monthly Payment Plans Available

Contact Info:

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in

  • Portraits of the Valley

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 21, 2025
  • Portraits of Hollywood

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 21, 2025
  • LA’s Most Inspiring Stories

    Every neighborhood in LA has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates...

    Local StoriesApril 21, 2025
  • Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

    Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • Portraits of LA

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Services Spotlights

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Experiences to Consider

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Products from the Community

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 14, 2024
  • Podcast: Your Journey As An Actress

    We’re so lucky to have a great guest with us today to discuss your journey as an actress and so much...

    Partner SeriesOctober 22, 2024