Rising Stars: Meet Jonathan Ruiz of West LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Ruiz

Hi Jonathan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From Racing Downhill to Driving Sales: My Journey

As a teenager, I found my passion speeding down the winding roads of the Pacific Northwest, Malibu, being the absolute best. I did this, not in a car, but on a skateboard. For six exhilarating years, I was a professional downhill skateboarder, traveling from competition to competition. The thrill of the race and the community around the sport was my life until a significant injury forced me to step away.

Transitioning from the fast-paced world of downhill skateboarding, I entered the workforce and pursued my education. Waiting tables became my mainstay, a job I balanced while exploring another dynamic industry—reality television. I began as a production assistant and gradually took on more responsibilities, eventually producing small segments on hit shows like Holey Moley. My role expanded, and I worked closely with talent on Dancing with the Stars for six exciting seasons. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork, creativity, and the behind-the-scenes intricacies of show business.

However, as the writers’ strike of 2023 loomed, I found myself at a crossroads once again. The uncertainty in the entertainment industry pushed me to seek a new direction, and I discovered an unexpected opportunity in automotive sales. Starting at a local dealership, my drive and dedication quickly caught the attention of a local BMW dealership. I was headhunted and soon became one of their top performers. In my first year, I exceeded expectations, helping a diverse range of clients elevate their lifestyles with luxury performance vehicles. The transition was challenging but immensely rewarding, blending my passion for performance with a customer-centric approach.

Beyond my professional life, I have a love for Texas Hold ‘Em. Participating in both cash and tournament games, I relish the strategic depth and the thrill of the game. It’s a hobby that keeps my competitive spirit alive and sharpens my analytical skills.

My journey from the high-speed thrills of downhill skateboarding to the fast-paced environment of automotive sales has been anything but conventional. Each step of the way, from the race tracks to the television studios, and now the car showroom, has shaped who I am today—a driven, passionate individual committed to excellence in every endeavor.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
From never staying in one place, to injuries, requiring surgeries, on top being young and having to network to stay busy in entertainment. I was juggling multiple jobs and trying to balance relationships, friendships… I have definitely had to overcome obstacles, I think many people deal with “imposter syndrome” or they don’t quite know where they fit, but I think that’s the beauty of many people’s stories. Fake it till you make it. Over time things become easier, but “the older we get the more expensive lessons become,” that’s been one of my favorite quotes I’ve ever heard because it’s true! I can’t tell you that I knew where I would have ended up if you asked me 5 years ago, but I’m proud of how I’m doing, and I know that even though I still have plenty to learn, I’m going to be okay and with the support group around me, I’m a better person and doing more than I thought I would be capable of at this point of my life.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a people person, in sales, I try to make the experience fun, while still remaining on track of what I am hoping to accomplish. I want to close the deal. My work ethic is unmatched, I have the energy and motivation to be a top earner, and I’m willing to take care of myself well enough to maintain the energy necessary to work when I’m not working and be consistent in my growth in all aspects of my life. I’ve been working since I was 14 so work has never been something I shy away from. I also train a lot in everything from physical well being to personal finances and my crafts.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has definitely played a role. Considering part of my life is involved in poker, there’s no way to say it’s not.

My father introduced me to working in television which was a blessing and a really cool opportunity, but my work ethic kept me there.

I grew up in a town that was extremely accommodating when it comes to downhill skating, giving me opportunities to meet all kinds of people that helped me further a career in that.

Sales feels like a dice roll all the time, all you can do is remain positive and stick to your routine and if you feel it, say it. Always be closing, cliche or not, it works. It’s like sending a risky text, you can’t have something you don’t have the courage to ask for, and scared money don’t make money.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnny_at_bmw?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
My photos, Pacific BMW of past available unit