Angel Rodriguez’s Journey to Success
In this installment of Side Hustle Spotlight, we explore the remarkable journey of Angel Rodriguez, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Miami, Florida.
He has successfully carved out a niche in the yacht rental market using the peer-to-peer platform Boatsetter.
Launching the Yacht Rental Business
Angel kicked off his career as a car salesman at South Motors Honda, a role he maintained for three years.
During this time, he sharpened his skills in sales and marketing, which eventually laid the foundation for his first business—a jet ski rental service known as Xperience Miami.
The inception of his boat rental business in June 2023 came from a place of necessity rather than inspiration.
New regulations threatened his jet ski rental operations in Miami Beach, and as a father of two young children, he felt he had to act fast.
He took a significant risk by using up his remaining credit to purchase his first yacht, believing this could be his way forward.
After securing his first yacht, Angel was determined to stand out in the industry.
He conducted thorough research and stumbled upon Boatsetter, which he viewed as a promising avenue for expansion.
Unlike many other operators who treated Boatsetter as a side option, Angel went all-in, structuring his entire business model around this innovative platform.
He essentially adopted a strategy similar to Airbnb arbitrage, but for boats, which proved to be a game-changer.
Overcoming Challenges
Rodriguez encountered a major hurdle in changing the mindset of the local boating community.
Many viewed Boatsetter as merely a supplementary option to traditional yacht charters.
When Rodriguez fully committed to the platform, the skepticism from peers was palpable; some even considered him unconventional.
Yet, he held firm in his belief in both his vision and the platform’s potential—a gamble that ultimately paid off.
After around two to three months of operation, Rodriguez began to see regular income.
By the end of the third month, he was earning $20,000, and as 2023 wrapped up, his monthly revenue had surged to an impressive $30,000.
Today, Rodriguez boasts a fleet of six yachts and has partnerships for two additional vessels.
His business has accumulated over $3 million in sales, with around 70% of that coming from Boatsetter.
The total market value of his fleet now exceeds $4 million, and he has successfully repaid all initial investments, including that first yacht which represented his bold leap of faith.
Finding Fulfillment and Offering Advice
Rodriguez takes immense satisfaction in meeting a diverse array of clients and enhancing their vacation experiences.
For many visitors, the chance to rent a yacht in Miami is a dream come true, and he finds joy in being part of these unforgettable moments.
He underscores the importance of building a strong team and creating a supportive work culture.
Rodriguez attributes much of his success to the exceptional support from his colleagues—especially his partner, Henry, and team members like Celine, Chris, Jorge, and Amanda.
Starting off with limited resources, his resilience combined with the powerful platform of Boatsetter was vital for his growth.
Above all, he stresses the significance of self-investment.
Having become a father at 17 and welcoming his second child just two years later, he understood that failure wasn’t an option.
Everything he has achieved is for his children, Angelina and Alexander, who remain his ultimate motivation and purpose.
Source: Entrepreneur