We had the good fortune of connecting with Raymond Chavez Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raymond, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
How I think about risk?
Risk is part of the journey. Every big step I’ve taken—buying properties, rebuilding after bankruptcy, restoring historic buildings—came with risk. But I’d rather bet on myself and fail than play it safe and wonder “what if.” Risk has shaped everything I’ve built.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is rooted in real estate—restoring old buildings, managing rentals, and now developing unique hospitality spaces. I specialize in historic properties that others overlook. What sets me apart is that I’m not just building for profit—I’m building with purpose. I’ve brought 100+ year-old buildings back to life and turned them into places where people can live, stay, and connect.

It hasn’t been easy. I went bankrupt at 28, delivered pizzas to stay afloat, and had to rebuild from scratch. But I stayed hungry, kept learning, and never gave up. Now, I’m proud to say I co-own an island in Belize with a few close friends—we’re turning it into a dream destination called Destination 99.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Keep showing up. Chase the vision, not the applause. My story’s proof that even from a small town, you can build something big.
Destination 99 in Belize

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, and we were doing it right, we’d be in Belize. That’s where I co-own an island called Destination 99, and it’s the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and live it up.

Here’s how I’d lay out the week:

Day 1: Arrival and welcome drinks on the island. Chill vibes, ocean breeze, and our private chef cooking fresh-caught seafood for dinner under the stars. No better way to kick things off.

Day 2: Morning fishing trip—we’d go out and catch our own lunch. Afternoon swimming or kayaking, and in the evening, our private cook would grill it all up Belizean-style while we sip drinks and watch the sunset.

Day 3: Island hopping. We’d explore nearby islands, stop at beach bars, have drinks with locals, eat fresh ceviche, and soak in the culture. Every island has its own rhythm—it’s wild.

Day 4: A snorkeling adventure along the Belize Barrier Reef—second largest in the world. It’s unreal. Then we’d cruise back, tired in the best way, and let the chef handle dinner.

Day 5: A day trip to explore Mayan ruins. The history, the energy, the views—it’s something you don’t forget. On the way back, we’d stop for local food and hit a restaurant in town with live music.

Day 6: More fishing or just a lazy beach day with cold drinks, good music, and no schedule. That night? Private dinner on the sand, lights strung

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely—I’ve had several mentors along the way who’ve changed the trajectory of my life. I’ve been lucky to learn from some sharp minds in business and real estate, and I’m grateful for each one of them.

But if I’m being real about who deserves the biggest shoutout—it’s my parents. They’re the ones who made me, molded me, and showed me what hard work, resilience, and loyalty look like. Any grit or drive I have came from watching them push through life’s challenges without complaining. I owe them everything.

Id also like to thank my fiancé. Vanessa, who has been with me through my ups and Downs? Good and bad ideas. She is my partner in crime. Love you

Website: https://vacationdestination99.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realestatejr?igsh=MXR2Z2t5enRkM2gxdA==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-chavez-jr-66948920a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Twitter: (@Islandboi1984): https://x.com/Islandboi1984?t=hbJfnYZ-Ny5p-DsTJkh26Q&s=01

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZHeZaHN8d/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@raymondchavezjr7914?si=7Ac2EByjx8k1oMy1

Other: The Coastal Lion – Blue Ground Vacations
https://bluegroundvacations.com/vacation-rentals/waterfront-villas/the-coastal-lion/

https://www.chieftain.com/story/business/2023/11/13/the-raymond-brings-hotel-rooms-back-to-pueblos-historic-union-ave/71475488007/

https://www.chieftain.com/story/business/2025/01/09/how-a-pueblo-realtor-is-transforming-the-historic-mclaughlin-building/77492961007/

Image Credits
These are my photos and public knowledge.
Im so excited thank you for reaching out.

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