Today we’d like to introduce you to J.R. Alonso.
J.R., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born in Hialeah Hospital but raised in Tamiami and Unincorporated Miami-Dade… the 305 is home. Much of what this city represents is reflective in how I’ve lived my life. It’s a Rubik’s cube of countries and a melting pot of people, but it’s where I’m from and what I know. This place has its pros and cons, like pretty much every other place on the planet; but not many places prepare you like this place does. This place prepares you for anyone and anything… and that – I love. The grit and unwavering awareness here to “stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready” (shoutout to Udonis Haslem for that line) is something that resonates deeply with me. I carry this city, that motto and mantra with me in everything that I have done and do.
I have been fortunate to have spent a lot of time around many of my passions throughout my professional career. From the start, music and sports were always my greatest passions. There was always music playing in my daily life: in the kitchen, showering, playing outside, in the car, on a Walkman or on Spotify… music was a must and it was ALWAYS on. Sports was pretty much religion in my family, outside of actual religion which was also important. I grew up playing organized baseball and basketball, but every other sport peaked my interest in more ways than I knew. The sense of community from being on a team was always intriguing to me because I grew up an only child. This upbringing led to me communicating with others to make friends and garner relationships.
All these experiences and characteristics ultimately culminated together to give me some special moments on my journey. I’ve been blessed to work alongside some of the greatest souls to have ever existed. I’m forever grateful for the companies, franchises and business that have either hired me to work for them or to work with me. Thank you to the Miami HEAT, Florida Marlins, Groot Hospitality, LIV Miami, Ramirez & Ramirez, Barbakoa by Finka and Soles By Sir for your trust in me and your partnerships. Thank You!
This brings us to present day, 2022… I took the melting pot that I am from and created my own in the professional world. I have effectively brought back my podcast from 2016 that featured Billy O’Rourke, Frank Butera & myself, The 3LEST… this time around it is Billy, me and a rotating 3rd guest-host. Also, this past July, I just worked production at the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami with some of my former nightlife family. The other venture that I am extremely excited about is that I will be working on the crew and as an MC for Sofar Sounds – a music events company that creates small performances in unique spaces.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been a smooth one at all, but knowing where I am from – I didn’t expect it to be smooth. Unfortunately, a lot of the issues I had to face were not in my control. There were plenty of health struggles, financial troubles and setbacks along the way. Looking back, I’m fortunate I’ve made it and that my resilience helped carry me to this point. Taking the road less traveled is also my preferred way of living.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Back in 2016, I first debuted my podcast – The 3LEST. It was a podcast that was hosted by me Billy O’Rourke and Frank Butera. It was a sports-heavy, entertainment-based podcast that was being shot out of a friend’s place (thanks, Jorge Matto!) We accomplished seven episodes before we shelved it. This was a passion project of mine and some of those involved, so there was no way this was going to be done forever. It was at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic that the world stopped and I thought strongly about bringing back the podcast. I began to put all the steps in motion to bring the show back, and after building a studio in one of my old rooms – the show came back in 2022! Billy and I were back in the driver’s seat, and although Frank isn’t back for the ride full-time, he has already recorded an episode with us and has a key under the mat for whenever he wants to light the mic up!
My specialty has always been people, communicating and connecting. I am constantly ‘checking the vibe’ and making sure everything and everyone is ‘good.’ There is a comfort that I get from hosting and making sure people are having a good time. I take my time in being present while speaking to others. And I make sure that the mood is always right and light – shoutout to Jimmy Greenup, the Mood Director that showed me the way.
I am most proud of the way that I have loved and been loved
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Pace. I have learned to slow down and take inventory of the things that truly matter and find a pace to it all. The better the pace, the more peace there is.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3lest/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The3LEST
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/The3LEST
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/j24.mpl/
Image Credits
Stephanie Perez, @DottiesLens. Mike Guerrero, @MikesLyfePhotos.
