Today we’d like to introduce you to Raul Lara.
Hi Raul, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Early on, I was involved in club promotions and live events in the Dallas area. That experience gave me a front-row seat to how branding, messaging, and timing actually influence people, not just on paper but in real environments. From there, I moved into the apparel and promotional space and started my own clothing brand called GOOD BRAND. A lot of what I learned in those early years came from trial, error, and doing the work myself. Which led me to get into leadership development, and that changed my life.
During that time, I was able to experience a higher level of entrepreneurship and better understand marketing and branding. I saw that most businesses weren’t just looking for products – they wanted clarity, consistency, and a partners who understood how branding fits into the bigger picture of growth. That insight shaped how we built BRAND NEW, focusing less on one-off items and more on helping businesses bring their ideas to life in a meaningful, consistent way that creates value.
As I continued working with business owners and community leaders, it became more clear that branding didn’t stop with physical products, and I saw that the way people did business was transforming. That’s what led to the creation of Tools N Tactics Digital Marketing. It was a natural extension into digital operations, strategy. and marketing systems that help businesses grow online. Together, the two brands reflect how I think about entrepreneurship: branding, marketing, and execution all working together, not separate.
Today, my focus is on helping businesses grow intentionally and predictably – whether that’s through promotional marketing, digital strategy, or simply becoming a reliable partner they can trust. The journey hasn’t been linear, but it’s been grounded in learning, adapting, and staying committed to building things with a solid foundation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There were a lot of moments where I was figuring things out in real time, or even wondering if I would figure it out at all. But I stayed true to myself and stayed committed.
In the early days, everything was bootstrapped. I was self-funding the business while taking college classes, working a full-time job, and managing life at the same time. I truly wore every hat – sales, marketing, fulfillment, customer service – I did it all. Burning the midnight oil, often late at night and on weekends. That period taught me a lot about priorities, discipline, and what it really takes to build something from the ground up. I was also fortunate to have friends and family who believed in what I was building and stepped in to help however they could, whether that meant helping set up at events, tagging t-shirts, or simply being positive influences. It was one of the most influential parts of my life.
As the business grew, I went from being a full-time employee to a full-time entrepreneur. Another challenge was learning when to shift from doing everything myself to building systems and trusting others. Letting go of control didn’t come naturally, but it was necessary to move from just fulfilling orders to building a sustainable company.
There were also moments of uncertainty. Competition was fierce, evolving client needs, and the constant pressure of making the right decisions with limited resources. Those challenges forced me to slow down, reassess, and focus on long-term value instead of short-term wins.
Looking back, those struggles shaped how I approach entrepreneurship and life today. They taught me to be more intentional, more patient, and deeply appreciative of the people and relationships that helped make the journey possible.
As you know, we’re big fans of BRAND NEW Promotions & Tools N Tactics (Creators Circle LLC). For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At its core, everything we do is about helping companies expand their brand and grow their business — both physically and digitally.
Through Brand New Promotions, we specialize in branded apparel, promotional products, trade show displays, and custom product printing. But what really sets us apart is how we approach the work. We act as a reliable promotional partner for busy business owners and marketing leaders. That means helping think through ideas, executing them properly, and maintaining consistency over time. A lot of our work supports marketing agencies and other organizations that need dependable production and follow-through behind the scenes. We also work closely with schools, teams, and brands throughout North Texas.
Tools N Tactics complements that by focusing on digital marketing strategy – things like SEO, website design, branding, and now AI automations implementation. Where BNP handles tangible brand execution, TNT helps businesses build the systems and strategy that drive attention and growth online. Together, they represent a more complete, end-to-end approach to how modern brands grow.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that both businesses have been built on trust and deepening relationships. We’ve grown largely through referrals, repeat clients, and partnerships, which tells me we’re doing something right. We’re known for being reliable, easy to work with, and intentional about quality. Whether it’s a local startup or a national franchise.
What I want people to understand is that we’re focused on the long game, not taking shortcuts. We care about doing the work right, building strong brands, and earning trust through consistent execution. That approach has shaped how we operate and continues to guide how we grow today.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t wait to feel ready. Start by taking the first step and learn as you go. Building anything worthwhile is a long process, and every small effort adds up over time. When you stay consistent, do the right things, and treat people well, those actions begin to compound in ways you don’t see right away. Faith, commitment, and steady progress create momentum, and that momentum is what eventually moves you forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: toolsntactics.com and brandnewpromotions.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theraullara
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/theraullara
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theraullara
Image Credits
Image Credit: Sanya Events, DFW Network, Ximena Arista (Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
