Meet Jimmy Rios | Business Advisor and Strategist

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

Hi Jimmy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business wasn’t a single moment — it was a realization that kept getting louder over time. I saw gaps in the market, but more importantly, I saw people with big dreams hitting walls because of limited access to the right resources, capital, and guidance. I didn’t want to spend my life building someone else’s vision when I knew I had the ability and responsibility to build my own.

I wanted freedom — financial, creative, and time freedom — not just for myself, but for my family and the clients who trust me with their goals. I believe entrepreneurship is a path to generational wealth, and I wanted my work to directly reflect my values: empowerment, ownership, and legacy.

The turning point was recognizing that if I kept waiting for the “perfect” moment, I’d be waiting forever. So I made a decision — to bet on myself, to take accountability for my success, to learn continuously, and to surround myself with the right people. The vision became bigger than my fears.

Starting my business was ultimately about helping others rise while I rise too — creating an ecosystem where everyone wins. I wanted to build something that would outlive me, something with purpose and impact. That thought has been the driving force behind every step forward.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the founder of an ecosystem of companies — Rios Business Advisors, Rios Business Funding, Rios Real Estate Team, Rios Financial Group, Next Level Credit, Eye Level to High Level, and the Vision to Victory community — all built around one mission: to empower individuals and entrepreneurs to create generational wealth through education, access to capital, real estate, credit-building, and strategic financial guidance.

What sets us apart is that we’re not just providing services — we’re building solutions and partnerships. We don’t believe in transactional relationships; we believe in transformational ones. We take people from where they are right now, regardless of their background or circumstances, and help them get to where they want to be by giving them the tools, resources, and strategies that most people never get access to.

I’m most proud of the lives we’ve impacted — the small business owners who secured their first funding, the families who purchased their first home, the entrepreneurs who turned ideas into real, profitable companies, and the people who found hope again when they thought the door was closed. That’s what fuels me every single day.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve failed, I’ve started over, I’ve been misunderstood, doubted, and told “no” more times than I can count. I’ve been through seasons where I had to rebuild from zero. But every setback became a setup — every challenge forced me to grow stronger, smarter, and more resilient. I learned to bet on myself, stay adaptable, surround myself with the right team, and never stop moving forward.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way are:

Success is not a straight line. It’s messy, unpredictable, and requires relentless perseverance.

Relationships are everything. Who you stand with matters more than what you know.

Mindset is the real currency. If you think small, you live small. If you think abundance, you create abundance.

Your story is your power. The struggles become the testimony.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple:
I’m not here just to build businesses — I’m here to build legacies. I’m here to create opportunities for people who were never given a fair shot. I’m here to change lives, elevate communities, and leave something behind that continues to grow long after I’m gone.

My story is proof that you don’t have to come from privilege, wealth, or the perfect background to succeed — you just have to make a decision that your future will look different than your past, and refuse to quit until it happens.

And if I can do it, so can you.

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?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the absolute best experience, here’s how the week would look: I don’t Drink anymore but my friend may and I included some of the best places they can imbibe if thety choose to.

Day 1 – Arrival & Relaxation

Check-in: The Phoenician Resort or Arizona Grand Resort for a luxury stay with beautiful views.

Dinner: Steak 44 — elite dining, top-tier steak, and the perfect way to kick off the week.

Night: Sunset views at Mountaintop at Dobbins Lookout or Different Pointe of View.

Day 2 – Scottsdale Lifestyle

Brunch: Hash Kitchen for its ambiance and live DJ vibe.

Experience: Old Town Scottsdale — shopping, art walk, galleries, and local culture.

Dinner: Toca Madera — immersive fire-infused dining experience.

Nightlife: Maya Day & Nightclub or Bottled Blonde in Old Town.

Day 3 – Arizona Adventure

Morning: Hike Camelback Mountain or South Mountain — unforgettable views.

Lunch: OHSO Brewery with dog-friendly patio and local craft beer.

Evening: Relax at a pool cabana or Desert Botanical Garden for sunset photos.

Dinner: The Sicilian Butcher — pasta flights + craft meats.

Day 4 – Maricopa Experience

Breakfast: Copper Sky for a morning workout or leisure walk.

Lunch: Chilaquiles or Brooklyn Boys Pizzeria.

Activity: Visit Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino & UltraStar* for bowling, movies, or gaming.

Evening: Dinner at Arroyo Grille at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely — I believe none of us get to where we are alone. My journey has been shaped and strengthened by the people who believed in me before the results were visible.

First and foremost, my family deserves the biggest shoutout —GOD, my wife, my kids, and my mother. They’ve stood by me through every season, sacrifice, late night, risk, and rebuild. Their love, patience, and belief in me is the foundation that keeps me moving forward even when the path isn’t easy.
My wife Sylvia- she’s not only my business partner but my life partner as well. She’s given me balance and has helped me in making some tough decisions. Her biggest gift is the art of discernment around people and situations and can let out her spidey senses when she feels someone or something is not right for me.
My mother Lucero Márquez Rios is an amazing women that has not stopped supporting my dream and vision. From financial bailouts to true emotional and spiritual guidance she has been one of my pillars in constructing this life.
I also want to recognize my brother Johnny, whose loyalty, creativity, and energy have been instrumental in bringing many of our visions to life. We push each other, challenge each other, and refuse to let one another settle for average. Together, we’re building something meaningful.

A huge shoutout to my mentors, business partners (Brian Fontenot/Rapheal Rhoden), and the RBA Eye Level To High Level employees and business partners communities that trusted me, including the entrepreneurs I’ve been blessed to serve through Rios Business Advisors, Rios Business Funding, Next Level Credit,Eye Level to High Level, and the Vision to Victory community. Every conversation, partnership, and lesson has added fuel to this mission.

I also owe credit to the authors and leaders who shaped my mindset — books like Think and Grow Rich, Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Power of Positive Thinking, The Bible and the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints changed how I saw money, possibility, and personal responsibility.

Most importantly, glory to GOD, because without grace, none of this would even be possible. Every blessing, every door, and every opportunity comes from above.

So this is a shoutout to everyone who believed in me, challenged me, stood by me, or even doubted me — because all of it helped shape who I became. The journey is far from over, but I am forever grateful for the team and the tribe that walks with me.

Website: riosbusinessadvisors.com

Instagram: @riosbusinessadvisors

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riosbusinessadvisors/

Twitter: @riosbizfunding

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiosBusinessFunding

Image Credits
Andrew Shainker, Shainker Photography