Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Algarin.
Hi Jose, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. I am 34 years old and currently reside in Gainesville, GA. My story begins on the island of Puerto Rico where my family is from. A family full of life and love. I moved to the U.S. when I was about 4 years old and was raised in Hartford, CT. I spent my entire life there until 2006 when I graduated high school and joined the US Army at 17 years of age. It was a growth opportunity for me because I had to learn how to be my own man and let me tell you, it was well worth it. After graduating basic training and AIT, I was lucky enough to be stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where I spent the entirety of my military career. A total of 6 1/2 years, with 2 tours of duty to Iraq and friendships that will last a lifetime. The Army helped in the molding of who I am today (alongside the teachings from my mother and father). After leaving the Army in 2012, I decided to move back home to Hartford to take care of my father who had cancer at the time. About a year later in 2013, once he was somewhat better, I needed a change of scenery and decided to move to Georgia. I felt there were more opportunities here and the state was more Veteran friendly than Connecticut. Sure enough, everything worked out great and I am still here today. I am thankful for the move I made as this is where I started the next chapter of my life.
In 2014, I decided to attend the Latin Festival in Atlanta just to enjoy spending time with other Latinos. It turns out that is also where I met my wife, Maira De Leon. She is my saving grace and I wouldn’t be half the man I am today without her. She’s helped me in ways no one will ever understand and for that, I am eternally grateful to her and her family as well. One thing led to another and in 2019, we were married. A dream I felt would never come true, but it did. In 2016 my wife and I decided to go full-time with our business Good Studio Co. I started as a photographer and moved into the role of videographer within our company about four years ago. It was another learning experience for me as I had never done videography before. I was timid and shy at first because I felt I couldn’t do the job correctly. But I did my own research, started watching videos on YouTube and following other videographers on social media and learned from all of them. I love being able to capture the most important day in the life of a bride and groom. To capture the special and intimate moments, they have not only with themselves but their loved ones as well. At the same time, I am also a high school football coach at Riverside Military Academy. It was a goal that I set for myself about 2 years ago that finally came to life this year. I loved being able to mold athletes into young men and help them understand the true meaning of being a Student-Athlete. To be not only a coach for them but a mentor as well. Someone they can talk to when life gets hard and when they need to speak with someone who isn’t their family or friend. I’ve prided myself in being a people person. Someone anyone can count on whenever they need me and I feel that has helped me get to where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. There were obstacles along the way that I had to overcome and I knew that in order to become a better version of myself, I had to go through and around those obstacles. One struggle that really took a toll on me was the passing of my father in 2017 due to cancer. It hurt deeply because I knew how much he loved me and how proud he was of the man he and my mother raised. I felt like quitting and just giving up all together. But in my heart, I knew that’s not what he would want and I had to push through this difficult time. With the support of my mother, my two brothers, my wife and her family I was able to push forward to what I wanted to do next. That’s when I really became even more involved in our business. I was able to pick up videography quickly and that helped to expand our business even further. It pushed our business into areas I never thought were possible and allowed us to travel around the country and around the world as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a videographer, football coach, and fitness enthusiast. I specialize in capturing the most important moments on a wedding day and giving the bride and groom something that will last a lifetime. Something that they can share with their children, family and friends for years to come. As a football coach, I coach the linebackers, the core of the defensive side of the ball, the true leaders. I played football since I was about six years old and I even played semi-pro football here in Georgia. Those experiences helped me in becoming a coach. As a fitness enthusiast, I loved being in the gym. It is my way of relieving stress. Powerlifting is my forte and it has become something I am very passionate about. There is just something about lifting heavy weights that gets my adrenaline flowing. It feels great. I am going to start a new podcast here in the next few weeks. It is something that I have been wanting to accomplish for a few years now. This podcast will be focused on helping not only Veteran with their mental health but other men as well. In today’s society there is a stigma that men can’t speak out about how they feel or that if they do, they are weak-minded and weak-willed. That is something that I want to help change and I feel this podcast is going to be the right tool to make that happen.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Currently, my list of podcasts that I listen to are these:
1. Mindset Mentor
2. The Pivot (YouTube)
3. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
4. Bedros Keuilian Podcast Show
5. The Resilient Mind
My list of books are as follows:
1. Saban – The Making of Coach
2. The Next Millionaire Next Door
3. The Power of Mental Discipline
4. Can’t Hurt Me – By: David Goggins
5. Chase the Lion – By: Mark Batterson
6. Self Discipline – By: Ryan Hunt
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goodstudioco.com/
- Instagram: @jayalgarin_
Image Credits
Image Credits: Good Studio Co.
