Today we’d like to introduce you to Yari@preferredexotics.com Cruz.
yari@preferredexotics.com, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started in 2013 when I was working valet parking as a runner. Over time, I worked my way up through the ranks—from runner to supervisor, to assistant manager, and eventually valet manager. During those early years, I also began brokering exotic cars through hotel concierges, which is when I really started to understand how the exotic car rental industry worked.
By 2015, I met an individual named Ted who owned a 30-car fleet. At the time, I was working at the Setai, and on my days off he allowed me to help manage and work with his fleet. That experience gave me hands-on exposure to fleet operations, logistics, and the realities of running cars at scale.
When COVID happened, I was already a valet manager, but I reached a point where I no longer wanted to answer to hotel management or be limited by a traditional nine-to-five. That moment pushed me to take Preferred Exotics full-time. Since then, I’ve focused on building my own brand, systems, and reputation in the industry—using everything I learned from the ground up to create something sustainable and independent.
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?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. There have been plenty of ups and downs—bad partnerships, paying claims out of pocket, and learning through experience how important proper paperwork, processes, and structure really are.
One of the biggest challenges was financing. Getting a bank to approve loans for $300,000–$400,000 vehicles isn’t easy. You need strong comparable auto credit, significant money down, and the patience to hear “no” more times than “yes.” Building the credibility to finally get cars financed and titled under my own name was a major hurdle, and one that took time, consistency, and discipline to overcome.
Entrepreneurship is far from easy, especially in this industry. A lot of people think success happens in one or two years, but in reality, it can take five to seven years of setbacks, learning curves, and persistence before you really start to see the sunlight. I wouldn’t trade that journey for anything—it shaped how I operate today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Preferred Exotics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Preferred Exotics is known for being a trendsetter in the exotic car rental space. From early on, we focused on offering vehicles that weren’t commonly available—cars in top condition, properly spec’d, and ahead of the market. We were among the first in Miami to offer vehicles like the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, the Porsche GT3, the Ferrari F8 Tributo, the Ferrari F8 Spyder, and the Huracán EVO Spyder for rent. That mindset has always set us apart.
Our brand isn’t built around volume—we focus on a higher-level clientele and a higher standard of service. Coming from a luxury hotel background, I understand the expectations of high-end clients, and we operate with that same mentality. We go above and beyond through white-glove delivery, nationwide vehicle shipping, and fully catering to our clients’ needs. Our goal is to provide a Forbes five-star level of service, similar to what you’d expect from top luxury hotels.
While exotic car rentals are our foundation, we’re much more than just a rental company. Through Preferred Exotics and our sister brand, Preferred Supercars, we offer everything from daily rentals to hourly driving experiences. Beyond that, we specialize in concierge-style services—yachts, villas, private jets, restaurants, nightlife access, and more. Whether someone is visiting Miami or needs services in places like Los Angeles, New York, Texas, or Atlanta, we aim to be a true one-stop shop.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built. We’re known for consistency, quality, and always finding a way to deliver. At the end of the day, our brand is about access, trust, and doing things the right way—every time.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m pretty old-school. I rely heavily on pen and paper—I keep a physical journal and a daily planner, and that’s how I stay organized, focused, and intentional with my time. Writing things down helps me slow my thoughts and stay disciplined.
In the mornings, I usually start my day on YouTube, specifically listening to motivational content from Motiversity. I make it a habit to listen to something uplifting or mindset-focused every day to get my mind right before work.
I’m not big on podcasts, but I do stay informed by reading the news through Google News. I like having a general understanding of what’s happening both in the U.S. and globally—it helps me stay sharp and comfortable holding conversations on a wide range of topics, whether it’s business, travel, current events, or everyday life. For me, staying informed and mentally prepared is just as important as staying motivated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://preferredexotics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yariicruz5/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChqt6MLa7R4d3cPzEHZKfvw
Image Credits
Christopher Balbi & Preferred Exotics
