Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Prieto.
Hi Andy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have been an entrepreneur for over 20 years. My journey began as my father laid on his death bed in 1995. I was then 14 years old. His last words to me were “Son, I just want you to know that the most important thing you can do in life is to keep learning, always move forward, and create a legacy”. This sparked something inside me as a teenager. I did not really understand what he meant truly, until years later. This statement unlocked an ambition and drive to reach my full potential, not just myself but for a potential family ‘legacy’. He migrated from Pereira, Colombia, as did my mother from Medellin, to obtain the American Dream. They met in NYC in the 1970s shortly after their arrival. They were married, and my mother had three boys. Working the night shift as a factory worker, my father was the pillar and head of our household. My mother never worked a day and raised her children with the principles and values I have today. The man I am today is partially due to the hard work and principles my dad lived by.
In the 2000s, I developed strategic partnerships for Business-to-Business, government, and education sectors, both domestically and internationally. Pioneering in the field of sports branding and business development, I influenced brands such as ‘Taming the Beast’, Untold Story of Mike Tyson (https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Beast-Untold-Story-Tyson/dp/1503025705 ), and ‘My Brother’s Keeper’
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXZFFF0jfX8&list=PL_votObyIfNsQTCp2a0GuQz94rFwv9J0x&index=13). I have facilitated business strategies for companies in New York, California, The UAE (Dubai), London, reaching over $100 Million USD in gross revenue. As a veteran of the United States Military, I have truly enjoyed success through integrity, values, and commitment.
In 2015, I became heavily involved in education reform. As a lobbyist in Miami Dade County, I co-founded Dade Prep Academy. It is a private school that helps students obtain their high school diploma, plus explore their career options. Helping the youth and improving the quality of life in the community has been quite rewarding. We have now graduated over 100 students and opening another 20 school campuses within two years.
I am starting to feel that now the legacy my father wanted is becoming a reality. He would be so proud. I miss you, Dad!
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?
As an entrepreneur, the most difficult part is the uncertainty or instability of secured income. It is always easier to have a steady income from a 9-5 job, but then it becomes much more difficult to focus on your start up business ideas. It is a balance of this that I found extremely difficult. I remember having no income for about two years. You fail, and you fail, then you fail again, no matter how hard you try. You lose money, you make mistakes, and it costs you more money, time, patience, friends, credibility, etc. (I could go on and on!). You develop the sense of trusting the Creator of the Universe and just leave it all in his hands, no matter the outcome. I believe he will never give you something you cannot handle. So, after several failures and LOTS of money down the drain, you begin to feel a sense of immunity towards disappointments (Thick skin). I call this an expensive lesson!
One of the valuable lessons here is to never give up! No matter how bad things get, how tough, how crazy people think you are, how miserable people try to make you feel, or how much financial pressure you have. Never give up your dream to start your business or reach your full potential in what you want to do. I say it again, never give up when you feel down!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dade Prep Academy?
Dade Prep Academy is a private school with a primary focus on students’ academic needs, ages 14-20. We proudly offer students the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma while exploring career options and vocational training. Our education curriculum is aligned with the Florida Department of Education standards, and students’ needs are effectively met with our low teacher-to-student ratio. At Dade Prep Academy Inc., students develop self-esteem and a higher expectation for a brighter future. Our program includes a variety of education and work opportunities ranging from four-year colleges, community colleges, and to full-time employment.
I am the Co-Founder and Director of Business Development for Dade Prep. What sets us apart from other programs is, we are certified with Miami Dade County Public Schools, and we do not charge families any fees.
How do you think about luck?
I believe, “The more you practice, the luckier you get”. Practice makes perfect and those that are efficient reach better results than those who are not. It also comes down to your network, not your net worth. Your business success will depend on who you know and how you put strategies in place. I guess when most see luck, I see destiny. Thank you for interviewing me.
Contact Info:
- Email: ap@dadeprep.com
- Website: www.dadeprep.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/dadeprep/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dadeprep01
