Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesus Barajas.
Hi Jesus, 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.
Becoming a CPR Instructor was something I never even thought about doing as my own business. When I started at a company that sold these AED devices, they asked if I was interested in teaching CPR. I went with it because it was something new, and I was up for the challenge to learn and teach. Throughout my 7 years of teaching, I have always done CPR classes on the side while I worked a full-time position. I have always tried to fit into this corporate America scene by working hard doing your best to move up the ranks and become a manager or leader. Thanks to my time in the military, there has always been a fire in me to lead, and want more in any company I worked for. Sadly with every job I have had, the talk about promotion was always there; but there was always some “setback” or excuse to where I am unable to continue with manager training for the time being. After a year or so at a company, I would finally realize the process is never going to start. I was wasting my time there, or they’d bring in a “more experienced” person to fill the position right away. Finally just until this year at my most recent job, they pushed me over my limit. It finally pushed me to say, “I am tired of being a minority in corporate America. I am going to pursue my CPR business full-time and be my own boss.” It took so long to say and do that due to my fear of failing. Right after I quit the last job, I called a few friends, a few family members, and they all agreed and were proud I was finally focusing on my own business. That was the motivation I needed to start my grind right away. Within these past 6 months, I have taken my company all over Texas with my trainings to Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and my community in DFW. In September, we booked our 7th out-of-state class! I went to Los Angeles to teach TWO companies in CPR. I also traveled out to Atlanta to teach Waffle House Corporate employees the importance of CPR and how to properly render help. We have other known clients such as Dave & Busters corporate, all Park Place Dealerships, Henry Schein, and even D Magazine! As my company grows, our goal is to have Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness into our community. For this, we are volunteering with groups such as “The Village of Texas” to give back by knowledge of CPR, providing “Hands-Only” CPR and cost-efficient certifications for the ones who need it. We also provide on-site CPR personnel for walks/run events, first aid station, and a knowledge booth. As we grow, we have implemented our AED program to become a one-stop shop covering your safety policies/procedures, FDA-approved AED devices and products, and CPR/AED training needed to complete the program. Although this is a small business in the suburbs of Dallas, we are looking to make a nationwide impact with our products and services.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Most of my struggles have been the fear of failing. I always had a full-time job that was to bring in checks for sure. Being on my own full-time meant I had no backup payroll if a class was to cancel or not schedule in time. It would make me think I wouldn’t make the money for any of my bills or rent. I would think I would fail and get evicted and would have a huge setback. I know it is bad not to ask for help, but sometimes my pride will be in the way, and would want to figure all this out myself. When I finally realized my supporters had been wanting and waiting for me to do this full-time, it gave me the motivation I needed to push hard and make my business successful. Some other struggle I had were finding clients. Certifications are good for 2 years, so as I market, it would be a hit-or-miss situation “We just did ours a few months ago,” “We have it coming up next year.” Which meant I would have to either wait and contact them at the right time to try and get them as a client.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize as a professional CPR Instructor through the American Heart Association. For careers that require the course, such as medical/dental, I offer the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. For schools teachers, and staff, we have a special k-12 CPR/AED class. I also work with the client’s time. I have started as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m. for classes. Most CPR companies make you travel to their location for the class, but I travel to the client location and teach the course in their environment. I do whatever I can and is needed to make sure they get the course completed.
The good thing about me and what sets me apart from everyone is that I am in this for the awareness as well. I work with groups that do not have the proper resources to learn CPR and volunteer as much as I can in my community.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Do NOT be afraid to take risks. If I was not scared back, then I could have my company known nationwide by now. Do not be scared to take the risks; do not be scared to fail. Always get up and keep trying to improve. Manifest what you need and want, and it will naturally come to you. Do your best to help anyone you can, get your word out, and never stop pushing your limits. Word of mouth is the best way of communication. Do not be scared to talk to people be proud of your business, and let people know you are a business owner and what you can provide. No one will make you successful, only yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.texasheartscpr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TexasHeartsCPR
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texasheartscpr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-barajas-6b7a1622a/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@texasheartscpr
Image Credits
Yessenia Perez
