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

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey has been both challenging and fulfilling, driven by my determination to succeed and make a difference. Despite encountering many unique obstacles along the way, my goals and laser focus on the life I want to create for myself, paired with a strong support system in my family, have enabled me to overcome anything.

What truly motivates me is my strong belief that success is attainable for anyone who is willing to put in the effort, continuously develop themselves, and channel their energy towards tasks and activities that yield positive results. This principle has been the driving force behind my career, inspiring me to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and persevere through setbacks. I am incredibly passionate about sharing this message of hope and guidance with others, especially those who may feel discouraged by their circumstances, as I once did.

Today, I am proud to be the Executive Creative Director and General Manager at Wake Up 10X Marketing, where I lead a team of incredibly talented content creators and marketers, helping businesses across the United States connect with their audiences in meaningful ways and grow their brands. My journey to reach Wake Up was anything but conventional. By connecting with Grant Cardone (Co-Founder) through Twitter live streams was an unexpected turn, but meeting Matt Smith (Owner) and working my way up from a Graphic Designer to the Creative Director and now General Manager has been nothing short of an incredible experience. As a team, Wake Up is dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

In addition to my career in marketing and branding, I have also been involved in the world of independent filmmaking. Together with my partner David Chavez, I co-founded the 72-Hour Kickass Film Fest, the largest film festival in Southern Colorado, which has attracted over 150 attendees for three consecutive years. The festival provides a unique platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their skills and creativity by challenging them to create a short film in just 72 hours. As someone who is passionate about creativity, the 72-Hour Kickass Film Fest is a project that is close to my heart. It allows me to give back to the community by providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents and connect with others who share their passion for film.

My passion for creativity and community is further evident in Wake Up’s Undercover Billionaire Bootcamp, Pueblo’s only business conference, which I am currently leading and organizing. The event brings together successful high-profile entrepreneurs and leaders to share their knowledge and inspire others to pursue their dreams with tangible tools and purposeful contacts from across the country. This event fosters collaboration and brings people from all over the country to experience the beauty of Pueblo.

Prior to joining Wake Up, I was working for Pueblo School District 60, which provided a solid foundation for my graphic design career. My proudest accomplishment was rebranding their logo and many others while starting and running a successful freelance graphic design business, Rivera Creative Solutions.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I suddenly found myself without work. I had been relying on freelance graphic design projects, but the demand had dried up. It was a challenging time, and I wasn’t sure what my next move would be. But rather than waiting on a client to call me, I decided to take action and become my own client. That’s when I came up with the idea for 14knames.com, a custom name necklace e-commerce store. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, building the website, sourcing materials, and creating unique designs. I poured all of my energy into this new venture, and it paid off – the business took off, and I was able to generate a steady income once again.

But as much as I enjoyed the process of building 14knames.com, I realized that my true passion laid elsewhere. Marketing and branding had always been my calling, and I missed the thrill of helping multiple businesses connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. And at that same time, Wake Up 10X Marketing was created, and that’s how I began my journey to become the Executive Creative Director and General Manager.

Looking back on my experiences, I’m grateful for the challenges I’ve faced. They’ve made me stronger and more resilient, and they’ve shown me that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we head to the Pueblo Reservoir and host a tailgate-style cookout with family and friends jamming some 90’s hip hop and reggae music by the water and we would also want to make sure we stopped by Coors for some Green Chili and beers on the deck and then that evening scope out a concert at Brues Ale House.

Since it’s a week-long trip we would definitely take one day to head to San Isabel for a day of fishing, grilling, and seeing the famous Bishops Castle.

After that hmmm…. I would need a chill night so probably invite some friends to Wake Up to host a private theatre screening, some drinks, and city views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has always been my biggest supporters and motivation, providing me with consistent support, encouragement, and guidance throughout my life. They have been there for me through every challenge and triumph, inspiring me to pursue my dreams and never give up. Without their support, I would not be where I am today.

In addition to my family, I am also grateful for the many colleagues, friends, and mentors I have had the pleasure of meeting along the way. Their guidance, encouragement, and support have been invaluable to me, and I would not have achieved my goals without them. Their expertise, advice, and willingness to lend a helping hand have been instrumental in shaping me both personally and professionally. I am truly thankful for their contributions to my journey.

Website: https://www.behance.net/rivera3cs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/14kjacob/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobthedesigner/

Other: Feel free to message with me if you have any questions on any of the events or services I provide or host, I would love to connect! And don’t forget to head to www.wakeuppueblo.com to learn more about Wake Up and check out my blog!

Image Credits
Wake Up Pueblo, Brooks Forsythe, Jerod Young, David Chavez

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