JP Caruso Resturant Owner | 3Natives Franchisee and Area Developer

We had the good fortune of connecting with JP Caruso Resturant Owner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JP Caruso, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always knew I wanted to own my business. In college, I received my undergrad and masters in business entrepreneurship. But after college, it took me a while to figure out what industry I wanted to go into. I was working in finance and accounting and I honestly was just not happy with my career path. I didn’t enjoy it. I didn’t enjoy having to be stuck at a building from 8am-5pm five days a week. I didn’t enjoy being stuck on a salary or having to report to my bosses. I absolutely did not like the idea that someone could put a value on me with a salary and determine what I am worth. It scared me that this was how life will be if I continued on this career path. So I said to myself, JP just do it. Pick something and do it. Stop wishing and talking about it. Take action no! A week later I quit my job and talked to the owners of 3Natives and told them I want to open a franchise of theirs. I knew nothing about the Restaurant industry, absolutely zero. But I knew that if I put my mind to something I can do it. I can learn. I won’t fail because I will work 24/7 to not let the ship sink. That the right industry or time will never come if I just keep dreaming and do not take any action. I was more scared of having to work another corporate job, than opening my own business. I was absolutely terrified of that. I knew I will do anything and everything to make my business a success. I had extreme confidence in myself even though it felt like no one else believed I could do it sometimes. I believe the reason I took that first step in opening my own business, was because of that fear of having to work for someone else again.

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?
I own a franchise restaurant called 3Natives in Boca Raton, FL, off of Yamato Road. I am also an area developer for 3Natives. We are a quick service, healthy food and juice restaurant. We serve fresh açaí bowls, super smoothies, cold-pressed juices, wraps, salads, and more! We pride ourselves on serving fresh, tasty food quickly. 3Natives is a family-owned brand. We have an amazing team who is passionate about their jobs. They are passionate about the 3Natives brand, and work extremely to improve the brand more and more each day. I believe my experiences in playing football all my life and in college at the D1 level, prepared me the most for becoming an entrepreneur. How to deal with adversity, failure, and success. Playing quarterback all my life, taught me how to lead a team and believe in others. How to work as a team. How to stay tight as a team in the ups and downs. It is not easy one bit be an entrepreneur, everyday is a new day. You never know what kind of hurdles are going to be thrown your way when you wake up. You learn to understand that things are not going to always go your way, and when they don’t, that is when you need to be at your absolute best. That is when you learn your best lessons in life. That is when you have to step up to the plate and not back down. Because that is the life of an entrepreneur. Overcoming adversity and learning through it, is what leads you to a more successful future.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to first shoutout to my Mother Beverly Caruso that has always believed in me and my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. For never leaving myside and being there to stand my ground strong in life and now in business. To My Father Mike Caruso for mentoring me in business and leadership. Showing me the ropes in being an entrepreneur. Also a shoutout to one of my best friends and business partner Tyler Cameron in believing in myself, my dream and chasing after it with me. For continuing being a great friend while now being a great business partner as well. The owners of 3Natives Anthony and Jaclyn Bambino for believing in me from day one of meeting me. For continuing the faith in myself, learning process, and more importantly our friendship. For being amazing mentors. Another Shoutout to a best friend of mine Cruise Bogle for being the words of wisdom to me since middle school. For always having an open ear and being there when I just need to have a talk with someone. You are my inspiration bro. Lastly and most importantly, my entire team who works their butts off everyday at the shop. For making work fun and creating an amazing work environment. For making me a better boss and more importantly a better man everyday. You are the ones who inspire me the most on becoming the best version of myself and in business. You all are family to me and I have your backs for life. I love you all.

Website: https://3natives.com/store_locations/boca-raton/

Instagram: jpcaruso9 and 3Natives

Linkedin: JP Caruso

Twitter: jpcaruso9

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3Natives/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/3-natives-boca-raton

Image Credits
3Natives Team, James Mcgrath