We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
There is not many things to do on the east side of Houston. I grew up here. As a bored child, the only thing I was left to do was do mischievous acts, which ended me getting in trouble. So now, with the intention to help the youth to avoid that, I started my paintball field. The business has allowed me not only get the youth of the street, but also share my story in order to lead them right. To answer the question: my business helps the youth by giving them something fun to do and it gives me access to share my story, which can inspire them to do greater!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I opened up a paintball field called zerohourpaintball. There’s a few things that set me apart from similar businesses: location and prices. Not only is my pricing lower than my competitors, but I’m surrounded by neighborhoods that had to drive at least 45 minutes to the closest paintball field. Giving opportunities to people who never had a chance to play. My journey wasn’t easy. I started it with only 3 thousand dollars. So with that i was limited on the equipment I could buy to rent out. I rented out the place with a few equipment but used the revenue I made to buy more, where eventually got me where I’m at now.
Some of the lessons I learned through this experience, is that a business is like a baby. It takes time to grow and you have to give it a lot of time.
What I want the world to know from my story is that it’s not how you start the race, but how you END it! I went against the odds, I fought, I cried, I almost gave up. But at the end I succeeded and will continue to strive in order to grow more and reach my dreams!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m opened minded. So I would take my best friend to places that I’m also unfamiliar with in order for us to experience new things together. If we don’t end up liking the food at a restaurant we went to, at least we can have something else on the list that we don’t like. If we are amazed by the taste of the drinks at a bar, then we have another favorite drink we can both jot down. To just experience something new with someone is something that you both can remember as friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, shout out to my lord and saviour, Jesus. Who made me to who i am today. Also, shout out to my family, the Rodriguez family, for the never ending support that they always gave me. And for the love they always and will continue to give me.
Without this support I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Instagram: ZeroHourPaintball

Facebook: ZeroHourPaintball

Yelp: ZeroHourPaintball

Youtube: ZeroHourPaintball

Other: You can follow more of my story on: Www.freejrod.com

Image Credits
Joshua Rodriguez, Elizabeth Brambila

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