When you meet Johnny Juan Ortiz, one thing is clear: he brings life to every room he enters. A natural storyteller, a dynamic speaker, and a Ziglar Legacy certified coach, Johnny’s journey from shy introvert to successful entrepreneur and community leader is as inspiring as it is practical. In my recent interview with him on the Locally Owned podcast, Johnny shared how faith, fun, and relentless curiosity have fueled his career—and why he believes anyone can learn to thrive in sales, business, and life.
From the Kitchen to the Front of the Room
Johnny’s entrepreneurial spark showed up early. Raised in Tyler, Texas, he started working in restaurants at age 12, bussing tables for tips. By 16, his manager encouraged him to try serving. Terrified at first of talking to strangers, Johnny pushed through.
That decision paid off. Within a few short years, customers were requesting his section by name, and he was managing 16 tables on weekends—bringing in over $1,500 in tips. What started as fear turned into proof that people skills can be learned, practiced, and profitable.
The Power of Likability
Johnny says his breakthrough came when he realized that people do business with those they know, like, and trust. But instead of relying on natural charm, he reverse-engineered the process.
His quick training on likability goes like this:
- Be interested, not interesting. Ask about others and listen.
- Build believability. When people feel you care, they believe you.
- Earn trust. Only after earning the right should you ask for the sale.
“It’s not about pushing for the close,” Johnny explained. “It’s about creating a buying environment where people feel understood and excited.”
From Car Sales to Coaching Entrepreneurs
Johnny went on to excel in car sales, finance, mortgage lending, and community leadership. But his true calling emerged when he realized he could help others unlock their potential.
“I help people become professional problem solvers,” he told me. “The bigger the problem you solve, the greater your compensation.”
Through Fun Life Coaching, Johnny now works with realtors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders—helping them master sales, grow their confidence, and transform obstacles into opportunities.
The Role of Faith and Coaching
While books and training shaped Johnny’s skills, he credits coaching with changing his life. For two years, he hired a coach but failed to act on the advice. What held him back? Belief in himself.
Once he finally pushed past imposter syndrome and made his first coaching offer, everything shifted. A client signed up on the spot, and Johnny knew he was on the right path.
Today, he has multiple coaches in different areas of life—business, speaking, fitness, and faith—and he challenges his clients to do the same. “No book will hold you accountable,” he says. “But a coach will.”
Leadership, Legacy, and Living with Fun
Johnny’s philosophy of leadership is simple: you can’t lead others until you lead yourself. For him, that means daily consistency, self-discipline, and leaning into his faith.
He often reminds clients: “Your calling isn’t meant to fit who you are today, but who you are created to become.”
That belief fuels his programs, his speaking events, and even his personal health journey. After realizing his lifestyle could cut years off his life, Johnny dropped 36 pounds and added a decade of longevity.
Final Advice: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Heart
When I asked Johnny what advice he’d give to anyone wanting more from life, he shared what his coach once told him:
“Get out of your head and into your heart. Throw your heart over the bar, and your body will follow.”
He challenges us all to forgive ourselves, take action, and believe that the best is yet to come.
Connect with Johnny Juan
If you’re looking for coaching, encouragement, or just a dose of motivation, you can find Johnny at johnnyjuan.com
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