Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Yanez Jr
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My life began in the small town of Corsicana, Texas, where the population hovered around 20,000. It was a place where horizons felt narrow, and dreams often remained just that—dreams. My journey was rocky from the start. My parents split when I was young, leaving me with my siblings, Alexa and Alli, as my primary companions. My father, who I love deeply, was a ghost in my childhood, seldom around. My mother, however, was a force of nature, working her fingers to the bone to keep us fed and clothed.
Summers for us were far from ordinary. We crisscrossed the United States, partaking in dubious activities—my mother was a coyote, helping people cross the border. Our lives were split between the U.S. and Mexico, a reality that painted my childhood with a brush dipped in both danger and adventure. I despised school and learning, convinced that college wasn’t for me. High school was no better; three different schools in quick succession meant I never had the chance to forge lasting friendships.
By all accounts, my environment predicted a bleak future. I was surrounded by drugs and crime, but I steered clear, having seen their corrosive effects on those around me. One pivotal day in high school, I spotted a man in uniform—a recruiter for the Marines. Our conversation sparked something in me, and despite my cousin’s warnings about the grueling nature of Marine training, I felt an irresistible pull towards the challenge. So, with a mix of fear and excitement, I signed up for the Marines.
My enlistment was transformative. I married my high school sweetheart, Kathia, and we had two beautiful daughters, Sofia and Estefania. Those five years in the Marines shaped me in ways I never imagined, filling my life with travel, camaraderie, and invaluable experiences. But as all chapters must, this one came to an end. Transitioning out of the Marines, I was thrust into the civilian world with an aviation background but no clear path. I moved back to Texas with my family, spending months on my dad’s couch as I scrambled to find my footing.
I landed a job fixing jet engines for airlines, a position that initially excited me. Yet, as the months passed, monotony set in. I began devouring books by Grant Cardone, Robert Kiyosaki, and Tony Robbins, each one igniting a fire within me. I pursued a real estate license, not to change careers, but to quench my curiosity. This led to brokering my own deal for our first home, which also became the birthplace of THE BROW BAR, a business Kathia and I launched using part of our home purchase profits.
In a bold move, I quit my job, driven by the desire to carve out a different future. For six months, I hustled, taking on side jobs and trading on the marketplace. I asked my wife what I was terrible at, and she bluntly said, “talking to people.” So, naturally, I dove headfirst into a sales career. Despite a resume that screamed aviation, I found a dealership that offered training and took the plunge at Toyota of Irving. My first month, I sold 12 cars, then 13 the next, surpassing the national average.
I stumbled upon Andy Elliot on YouTube, a fitness guru with a passion for helping people. Inspired, I began training under his guidance. One fateful day, Chris Steinbrook from Andy’s team called, inviting me to train in Arizona. The experience was electrifying. For the first time in 26 years, I felt truly alive. Returning home, I was on fire, determined to be the best version of myself for my family and me. Chris became a mentor, guiding me to financial success, and soon I was selling over 22-25 cars a month, my paycheck reflecting my dedication to helping others.
Social media became my new playground. I started posting regularly, my income soaring as I tapped into new markets. Each new milestone unveiled a version of myself I had never known—a man capable of breaking the generational curse of poverty. We amassed a million-dollar real estate portfolio, and two years into my sales career, I was promoted to Sales Manager at Toyota of Irving.
Today, I stand as a testament to resilience and transformation. I have a loving family, an incredible team, and mentors like Betty, Brian, Chris, and my wife Kathia, who constantly inspire me to grow. Looking back at that scared, shy boy, I can tell him with confidence: he would one day have a family who loves him, a team who supports him, and a life worth living.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was a shy, young kid in a small town, with divorced parents and constant exposure to drugs and crime. I had no one to look up to. I hated school and learning, often bullied because I was short and scrawny. We moved homes frequently, never staying long enough for me to make friends. Social anxiety gripped me, and at one point, I turned to alcohol to mask my insecurities.
My life was a cycle of instability and self-doubt. Even as I grew older, the challenges didn’t let up. I spent significant time away from my wife and kids due to deployments, never truly understanding the essence of family until I met my wife, Kathia. Her love and support were the anchors I desperately needed, helping me realize what family truly meant.
Despite these hardships, I refused to succumb to my circumstances. The adversity I faced became the fuel for my determination to rise above. I embraced every challenge, turning my weaknesses into strengths. From enduring the rigors of Marine training to building a successful career in sales, each step was a testament to overcoming my past.
Today, I look back and see a journey marked by resilience and transformation. The shy, insecure boy surrounded by chaos has become a man with a loving family, an amazing team, and a life worth living. Every obstacle I overcame has shaped me into the person I am today, proving that with determination and support, even the darkest beginnings can lead to a bright future.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in auto sales, known far and wide as @cruisingwithjunior (instagram ) and my mission is simple: to transform car buying into an epic experience. Every person who walks through my doors is treated like family. My goal is to make each visit unforgettable, ensuring that buying a car is not just a transaction but a joyous occasion.
What sets me apart is my genuine care for everyone I meet. I consider it an honor to be part of one of life’s biggest decisions. Whether it’s a first-time buyer or a seasoned car enthusiast, I strive to make the process smooth, fun, and memorable. My passion extends beyond sales; I love training my team, helping them grow, and seeing them succeed. Together, we create an environment where excellence thrives, making every client’s journey with us truly exceptional.
So, when you’re looking for an unparalleled car-buying adventure, come see me, @cruisingwithjunior. Let’s turn your automotive dreams into reality.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
“Nothing worth having is easy, and nothing easy is ever worth having. If you’re not happy with where you are, it’s because you haven’t discovered your true potential. Closed mouths don’t eat—so shake as many hands as you can. Remember, one day you’ll be the person teaching others how to succeed, but it starts with finding a mentor yourself. Never fear failure; it’s the stepping stone to success. In this journey, you either win or fail forward.”
Pricing:
- Come find me at Toyota of Irving
- Check out my gram @cruisingwithjunior
- come visit my wife @thebrowbarbeautyco
- #STAYHARD
- LOVE YOU GUYS
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruisingwithjunior/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luis.yanez.77
Image Credits
Luis Yanez Photography
