From Survivor to Success, Rob Velazques, Talks About His Journey from Beating Cancer to Building a Business.

From Survivor to Success, Rob Velazques, Talks About His Journey from Beating Cancer to Building a Business.

Rob Velazques grew up playing sports his whole life. He played hockey, football, baseball, and basketball. His dream was to play for the University of Michigan Football team and eventually go pro. However – life had different plans for Rob.

Rob was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of twelve. They had found a tumor in his right leg, right below the knee, that would change his whole life. Over the next 18 months Rob was treated with various types of chemotherapy and underwent a limb-salvage surgery to remove the tumor from his leg. Unfortunately, by no fault of his own, he was forced to quit playing sports.  Although he didn’t forget about sports.

“The doctors told me I would never be able to play the sports that I used to anymore because all of them were too intense or physical for the prosthetic I now had in my leg.” – Rob says.

He started coaching in hopes that he could still take part in the activities he loved, but with this turn of events, he realized that it was not the same and did not fill the gap he had in his heart. Rob felt that his life held a higher purpose and that he was bound to lead and do great things. Knowing this, he decided to take a different approach. As soon as he graduated from high school, Rob was introduced to the idea of entrepreneurship. Unsurprised, like most first-time entrepreneurs, his first endeavor was not successful. This did not stop him though. He was determined to figure it out and he did not stop until the goal had been achieved.

Rob knew he wanted to have his own company, but the reality was he did not know how to start and run a successful business. Understanding he needed this experience, Rob started to work in a growing company, to learn. Over the next 3 years he helped a logistics and supply chain brokerage grow from 40 employees to over 200 + employees and was named Director of Sales & Development for the company. Within that time frame, in May 2019, he launched his marketing agency, which focused on sales and advertising. He continued working as a full-time employee and a part-time business owner until July of 2020. 

“Every single day for over 2 months I thought to myself, “This would be the perfect time to go all-in”. In August 2020, that is exactly what I did. I walked away from my corporate position at that company and decided to expand my business, and I’ve never looked back.” – Rob explains. 

When the Covid-19 pandemic began, Rob was stripped of an opportunity to move to Amsterdam and help his old employer expand out to Europe. With the new found news that he was not moving anymore, he completely turned to his company, E-Commerce Affiliates. He says he credits the transition he made to his investment into personal development in his earlier years; reading many books and listening to many audios.

For Rob – the hardest part of becoming an entrepreneur is shifting your mindset from employee to business owner. He says that as an employee the problems of the company are not necessarily your problems and that most of the time someone else is going to solve them for you. The exact opposite happens when you are the boss. 

“As the owner, you are the one who has to figure everything out and keep the boat afloat.” Rob says.

When asked to give a piece of advice to startup owners and entrepreneurs, he said that being solution-based is paramount for any business.

We live in a world full of problems. Make sure your business is solving one.” Said Rob

He also advises taking risks, especially early on. Entrepreneurs have to remember about the “what if?” for the bad and the good things as well. The moment you think “what if this does not work out?”, is the same moment you have to flip the switch of your thinking to “what if it does?”.

Rob thinks keeping a positive mind is very important if you are trying to succeed. A positive mindset is what drives him to keep growing his company, E-Commerce Affiliates. Rob just recently launched a new software for his company, called E-Connect. The software will automate and alleviate the pressure that businesses face while trying to communicate with their current and potential customers. Rob is also planning to launch a new apparel line that falls under his community brand, MINDSET | SKILLSET | PAYCHECK.

Rob’s goal is to help other businesses succeed and spread his ideas across the world. He hopes to travel the world, meet like-minded people, and increase the lives of others. 

“One day I am going to be speaking on stages all over the world, in front of thousands of people telling my story. Until that happens – my work here is not done.” says Rob 

To learn more about Rob Velazques, his businesses, and what he has to say. Go check him out on his different channels.

Instagrams: 

Rob Velazques – https://www.instagram.com/rob.velazques/

E-commerce Affiliates – https://www.instagram.com/ecommerceaffiliates/

Mindset Skillset Paycheck – https://www.instagram.com/mspuniversity/