Podcast Title: Puerto Rico to Profit: The Entrepreneurs Teaching Financial Freedom in Spanish
Podcast: The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex
Host: Paul Alex Espinoza
Guests: Oscar Moises & Jorge Lahara
Release Date: August 10, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of The Level Up Podcast, host Paul Alex Espinoza delves deep into the entrepreneurial journeys of Oscar Moises and Jorge Lahara. Both guests bring a wealth of experience from navigating the challenges of starting businesses from scratch to mastering financial strategies that lead to sustained success. The discussion centers around their transition from traditional careers to entrepreneurship, the hurdles they faced, and the innovative solutions they implemented to achieve financial freedom.

Guest Introductions

Oscar Moises introduces himself as half Dominican, half Puerto Rican, with a background from Davenport University. He currently focuses on helping business owners secure 0% capital to scale their ventures.

Jorge Lahara, affectionately known as Joe, shares his Puerto Rican roots and experiences living in Los Angeles' entertainment industry before transitioning into business. Alongside his wife, he assists small to medium-tier businesses in obtaining funding and investing in Section 8 real estate.

Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

The guests recount their significant moves and transitions:

• Jorge's Leap of Faith: At 19, Jorge saved $5,000 from a construction job and moved to Los Angeles on December 24, facing challenges like having no friends or family but driven by a big dream.

  "If nobody's willing to give me, like, the huge opportunity in Puerto Rico, then I'm gonna go out. I'm gonna chase in the big leagues."
  (03:59)

• Oscar's Pursuit of Music: Oscar's ambition to become a reggaeton artist led him from the Dominican Republic to California, and eventually to Puerto Rico. However, the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ended his musical aspirations, pushing him towards entrepreneurship.

  "Covid changed the game for you guys."
  (06:38)

Early Entrepreneurial Ventures: Dropshipping and Amazon

Oscar and Jorge delve into their initial business efforts:

• Dropshipping Challenges: Oscar shares his early dropshipping endeavors, from selling sprinkle machines to AirPods replicas and plastic pools. Despite initial setbacks like inventory costs and credit card max-outs, these efforts laid the foundation for their entrepreneurial mindset.

  "The money that I had in my credit card was getting maxed really fast because I had to buy more inventory."
  (07:13)

• Amazon Strategy: Jorge highlights their Amazon ventures, emphasizing the importance of sourcing from reliable suppliers on Alibaba and the strategic advantage of shipping inventory through the mainland U.S. to avoid confiscations in Puerto Rico.

  "Once it comes in the States, then they don't stop it."
  (09:03)

Overcoming Financial Hurdles: Credit and Business Funding

The conversation shifts to financial strategies that propelled their businesses forward:

• Credit Optimization: Facing maxed-out credit cards, Oscar sought mentorship to optimize his credit profile, enabling him to secure business funding. This approach was pivotal in sustaining and scaling their operations.

  "I have history. Now they increase my limit."
  (14:23)

• Building Relationships with Banks: Jorge underscores the significance of establishing relationships with business relationship managers rather than relying solely on online applications. Human interactions allowed for higher funding approvals and personalized support.

  "The golden nugget is to always have a business relationship manager involved if you want to get higher limits than what you get online."
  (16:45)

Pivot to Section 8 Real Estate

Recognizing a stable income stream, both entrepreneurs pivoted to Section 8 real estate:

• Why Section 8?: Backed by federal funding, Section 8 rentals provide guaranteed monthly income, making them a reliable source of residual income. Jorge shares his father's influence, a former federal agent, which guided his research into this lucrative avenue.

  "If I could say, guarantee money every single month."
  (25:41)

• Due Diligence in Tenant Screening: While Section 8 offers stability, Jorge emphasizes the importance of meticulous tenant screening to avoid issues like illegal activities on the property.

  "The bad side of Section 8, I would say not doing your proper due diligence to screen your tenant."
  (26:42)

Business Strategies and Expansion

Oscar and Jorge discuss their tailored strategies to assist clients:

• Customized Funding Solutions: Their company, RichByCredit, offers funding solutions not limited to real estate but also catering to diverse businesses like restaurants and e-commerce stores.

  "We are helping them out with funding so they can scale their business."
  (29:09)

• Dominating the Puerto Rican Market: By addressing a previously untapped market—Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs in Puerto Rico—they successfully established themselves as leaders in business funding and Section 8 real estate.

  "We were the first ones to cover a need that was in Puerto Rico at that time."
  (38:13)

• Future Expansion Plans: Their vision includes expanding into Latin America and educating international investors on leveraging Section 8 in the U.S., thereby broadening their impact and market reach.

  "Anybody in the world can actually just buy a property in the States and put it on there."
  (39:54)

Dynamics of Business Partnership

The symbiotic relationship between Oscar and Jorge is a cornerstone of their success:

• Complementary Strengths: Jorge is the analytical planner, while Oscar takes bold risks, creating a balanced and effective partnership.

  "He's more the analytical guy that has to plan for like the worst."
  (32:04)

• Handling Conflicts: They acknowledge that disagreements are natural but resolve them swiftly, reinforcing trust and mutual respect.

  "We fight. Five minutes later, we're hugging each other."
  (32:06)

• Trust as a Pillar: Trust is paramount, ensuring financial integrity and aligned visions. Their shared commitment fosters a resilient and prosperous business environment.

  "The best thing that you can have is like having someone with the same vision."
  (33:26)

Facing and Overcoming Challenges

Their journey hasn't been without significant hardships:

• Near Bankruptcy: Jorge recounts a critical moment when their business bank account was on the verge of hitting zero, pushing them to seek mentorship and restructure their operations.

  "When our account was about to hit zero."
  (49:20)

• Legal Troubles: A poorly drafted contract led to a lawsuit, emphasizing the necessity of professional legal counsel for business operations.

  "We should have got a lawyer."
  (59:35)

• Resilience and Adaptability: Despite these setbacks, their unwavering determination and ability to adapt underscored their entrepreneurial spirit.

  "If you quit, like problems are going to come."
  (50:42)

Advice and Motivation for Entrepreneurs

Oscar and Jorge offer invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Take Action: Oscar emphasizes the importance of starting without overthinking, learning and adapting along the way.

  "Just start. Because if you don't start, then nothing is going to happen."
  (60:45)

• Invest in Knowledge: Both stress the significance of paying for education and mentorship to accelerate business growth and avoid common pitfalls.

  "Don't be afraid to pay for knowledge and facts."
  (62:15)

• Build and Leverage Your Network: Jorge highlights that "network is your net worth," encouraging entrepreneurs to cultivate meaningful relationships that can propel their businesses forward.

  "You can have all the capital, but if you don't have the connections, you ain't got nothing."
  (36:43)

Future Endeavors and Content Strategy

Looking ahead, Oscar and Jorge are poised to expand their influence and adapt to emerging technologies:

• Leveraging AI for Content: Oscar is integrating AI to streamline content creation, ensuring consistent and engaging communication across platforms.

  "Everything is made by AI."
  (44:10)

• Innovative Technologies: They are exploring platforms like R Link, which offers real-time translation and interactive features, revolutionizing how businesses engage with diverse audiences.

  "It's going to change the game in terms of online sales."
  (47:05)

• Expanding Personal Brands: The duo aims to solidify their presence within the Latin community, aspiring to become household names akin to industry giants like Grant Cardone.

  "With influence, you can do more stuff if you use the right way."
  (43:37)

Closing Remarks and Motivational Takeaways

As the episode concludes, Oscar and Jorge leave listeners with powerful insights:

• Consistency and Discipline: Jorge emphasizes that "habits, discipline, consistency" are crucial for sustained success.

  "Habits, discipline, consistency. I love it. It's all you need."
  (64:22)

• Never Give Up: Both guests advocate for perseverance, reminding entrepreneurs that every challenge is an opportunity to find a solution and grow stronger.

  "There's always a solution. Don't quit."
  (50:43)

• Legacy Building: Jorge shares his vision of leaving a lasting legacy for his family, underscoring the importance of creating sustainable wealth for future generations.

  "It's more about leaving a legacy for my family."
  (43:11)

Connect with the Guests

For listeners eager to learn more or engage with Oscar and Jorge:

• Oscar Moises: Follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook at @officialOscarMoises.
• Jorge Lahara: Find him at @LaharaOfficial across social media platforms and visit richbycredit.com for more information.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Level Up Podcast offers a raw and authentic look into the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Oscar Moises and Jorge Lahara exemplify resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of network-building. Their stories serve as both inspiration and a practical guide for anyone looking to elevate their business and achieve financial independence.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Share it with friends and family who are ready to level up their entrepreneurial journey. Visit officialpaulalex.com for more resources and upcoming episodes. Let’s build together and continue to elevate our success!