Meet JD Ribali | Biz Kidz USA – Entrepreneurship

We had the good fortune of connecting with JD Ribali and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JD, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Our business is helping inspire young people to launch their own businesses.

Helping young entrepreneurs start their businesses is a multifaceted process that requires mentorship, resources, and a supportive ecosystem to maximize their chances of success. It’s important to tailor the guidance to their specific needs and circumstances.

It all begins with mind-mapping. Mind mapping is a powerful visual tool that can inspire both yourself and others to launch their own business by organizing thoughts, ideas, and plans in a creative and engaging way. By using a mind map, you can visually represent the entrepreneurial landscape, stimulate creative thinking, and inspire both yourself and others to explore the exciting world of entrepreneurship. It’s a versatile tool that can be adapted to various aspects of business planning and development.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In the bustling entrepreneurship landscape, one figure stands out amidst the trials and tribulations of business ventures – JD Ribali. His career has not been defined by unbroken success, but rather by a series of setbacks that forged an indomitable spirit within him. From the ashes of failures, JD has risen from the ashes repeatedly, his resilience becoming the hallmark of his journey.

JD started his entrepreneurial adventure at age 7. Being diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, he knew his mind worked differently. He was always coming up with ideas to create or sell something, and even though those ideas were discouraged by his teachers, his mom encouraged him to pursue those ideas.

His first venture, selling cucumbers from his family garden, ended up being a disaster, leaving JD with a bruised ego. But, instead of giving up, he took the lessons from this failure and moved on to his next endeavor.

Over the next few decades, JD tried his hand at various businesses – from lawn care to windshield replacement, vending machines, roof cleaning, door-to-door advertising, and even a pooper scooper business – each time facing a new set of challenges. Some ventures showed promise initially, only to crumble under the weight of unforeseen circumstances. Others failed right out of the gate. It seemed like success was elusive, always just out of reach.

However, JD refused to let failure define him. He believed that every setback was an opportunity to learn and grow. His resilience and determination became the driving force behind his journey. He became known in the business community not for his successes, but for his positive attitude and ability to bounce back from defeat.

After more than 40 years of launching and growing businesses, JD began to think about what he’d learned and how he could use it to help others. Instead of harboring bitterness, he felt a calling to inspire others, especially the younger generation, to embrace the inevitable failures that come with chasing dreams. He envisioned a platform where kids could learn firsthand that failure was not the end but, instead, a stepping stone to success.

With this vision in mind, JD founded the Biz Kidz Expo, a semi-annual event, aimed at teaching children the valuable lessons of entrepreneurship. The expo has showcased several stories of successful entrepreneurs who had faced failure but persevered. Workshops, seminars, and interactive activities encouraged kids to think creatively, take risks, and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit.

The first Biz Kidz Expo was a resounding success, with more than 50 young entrepreneurs participating and drawing attention from educators, parents, and local communities. Inspired by the impact of his initiative, JD took his commitment a step further. He launched a nonprofit organization called “YEARS” – Young Entrepreneurs And Rising Stars.

YEARS aims to provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities for young minds to explore their entrepreneurial potential. JD wanted to create a support system for the next generation of innovators, teaching them that failure was not a roadblock but just a speedbump on the path to success.

Through YEARS, JD connected experienced entrepreneurs with aspiring young minds, fostering a community that values resilience, creativity, and perseverance. The organization has hosted numerous workshops and mentorship initiatives and has provided more than $15,000 in seed scholarships and prize money for promising young entrepreneurs.

JD Ribali, the man who has faced failure repeatedly, has tried to become a beacon of hope for the youth. His prayer is that his journey, marked by resilience and a refusal to give up, will inspire young minds to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

There are many organizations that exist only to launch another program or initiative, however, the goal of the Biz Kidz Expo and YEARS is to become a legacy organization. One that impacts and inspires generations of young minds to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, learning and growing through every failure and setback along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hey, you’ve got to check out the Florida Keys – it’s like stepping into a tropical dream! Picture this: clear turquoise waters, gorgeous coral reefs, and endless white sand beaches. The whole vibe there is just incredible. You can snorkel or scuba dive in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, trust me, the marine life is mind-blowing. And the sunsets, oh man, they’re like a painting every evening.

But it’s not just about nature – the towns are something else. Key West is my absolute favorite. It’s got this laid-back, eclectic charm that’s infectious. You’ll be strolling through streets with historic architecture, eating the freshest seafood right on the water, and soaking in the arts and culture scene. The whole place has this unique Caribbean flair that’s hard to find anywhere else.

And don’t even get me started on the relaxation factor. The weather is perfect year-round, so you can escape whenever. Whether you’re into water sports or just want to chill on the beach, the Florida Keys have you covered. It’s like a little slice of paradise that you’ve got to experience. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“Shout-out to the incredible woman who defied the odds and inspired a dyslexic kid who was once told he would never graduate from high school. Mom, your unwavering love, support, and belief in me have been my guiding light through the toughest of times. You saw potential when others doubted, and your encouragement propelled me to achieve far beyond what anyone imagined.

You’ve taught me that determination, resilience, and a mother’s love can conquer any obstacle. Your patience, kindness, and endless encouragement have not only helped me succeed academically but also shaped me into the person I am today.

Thank you for being my rock, my cheerleader, and my biggest advocate. Your faith in me has been the driving force behind my achievements, and I am forever grateful for your boundless love and belief in my abilities.

You are not just my mom; you are my hero, and I owe my successes to your unwavering support. I love you more than words can express, and I cherish every moment of encouragement and empowerment you’ve provided. Here’s to you, Mom, the true champion in my life!”

Website: https://www.bizkidzusa.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizkidzusa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jd-ribali/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BizKidzUSA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bizkidzexpo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKllsZi87cceLU8yJXCFsRg

Image Credits
“YEARS” / Biz Kidz USA owns all rights to all images.