/men(t)SH/ a person of integrity and honor.

I haven't come across too many people deserving of this title. Ramon, who I've known for over eight years, has been gracious, humble, caring, and helpful, with an infectious smile and positive, uplifting energy. His success is a byproduct of who he is; a mensch.

Ramon has never been a serial entrepreneur; he started a few side hustles while working for the UN, income-generating projects born out of a desire to create, excitement about the tackling the unknown coupled with the fear of uncertainty and the risk of failure.  

"I like to start stuff. "

He gets fired from the UN, which pushes him into entrepreneurship with the added pressure of having to provide for his family, including his children. As he says, "the power of broke drove me to build a business, but I was fortunate to have saved enough to give me a (six months) runway to make this happen. "

"I'm not aspiring to be someone I'm not...I'm just a regular guy who brushes his teeth and tries to make a living. "

Personal branding is a choice - especially for small businesses from $100K-$500K/year. 

"We're all imperfect. Spirituality, or having faith, keeps you grounded." 

Ramon is open about his past struggles with depression, including suicidal thoughts. He labels it "The  Entrepreneur's Depression" - it affects men primarily who feel like a failure if they can't provide for their family. 

Ramon's advice for anyone suffering from depression:  (1) Get a mentor/friend (2) explain to your family what is going on (3) Don't bite more than you can chew (4) surround yourself with friends that understand and uplift you. (5) Have some grit but be honest with yourself:  perhaps this fight is not for you, a ball game you shouldn't be playing.