Meet Juan C. Lopez Cortijo

We were lucky to catch up with Juan C. Lopez Cortijo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Juan C., looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is rooted in a combination of influences and experiences. Growing up, my father set an incredible example—he was dedicated, hardworking, and taught me the value of giving my best in everything I do. My time in the military further reinforced these principles, instilling discipline, accountability, and a ‘never quit’ attitude. Beyond that, I’ve had the opportunity to work in multiple industries over the years, each of which taught me something unique about persistence, adaptability, and delivering quality service. These experiences together shaped the work ethic I bring to my business every day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder and main driver of Local Juan Transportation, a premier taxi service located in Rincon, Puerto Rico. As a proud Puerto Rican, I have deep roots in this community and a genuine appreciation for the region’s unique charm and vibrant culture.

Bodyboarding has always been my passion, and it’s what initially brought me to Rincon—the town’s world-class waves and laid-back lifestyle were irresistible. Over time, I fell in love with the area and decided to build a life here, blending my passion for the ocean with my desire to contribute to the community.

Before starting this business, I served in the US armed forces. My time in the military taught me invaluable lessons about discipline, leadership, and commitment to service—skills that now form the backbone of my work. Leveraging these qualities and my deep local knowledge, I established Local Juan Transportation to meet the growing demand for reliable and efficient taxi services in Rincon.

I take pride in offering more than just transportation. My dedication to exceptional customer service and my intimate understanding of Rincon mean I can provide not only safe and convenient rides but also personalized recommendations on the best spots to visit, dine, and soak in the essence of Puerto Rican culture. Helping visitors and locals alike experience the best of Rincon is my way of sharing the place that means so much to me.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Discipline and Leadership
2. Local Knowledge and Community Connection
3. Passion and Commitment to Service

If you’re starting a business, leverage your strengths and past experiences—like discipline or leadership—to build a solid foundation. Stay connected to your passion, as it will keep you motivated and aligned with your goals. Understand the needs of your community or audience to provide personalized, exceptional service that stands out. Finally, be patient and resilient—success takes time and effort, but with dedication and focus, you can achieve your vision.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, I’ve experienced significant growth on both professional and personal levels. Professionally, I expanded my client network, increased brand awareness, and saw a rise in the number of 5-star reviews, reflecting the quality of service and trust I’ve built with my customers. On a personal level, I achieved the milestone of purchasing property and began planning to expand my family, which has been both exciting and a testament to taking on greater responsibilities. These achievements highlight how I’ve grown not only as a business owner but also as an individual, balancing professional success with personal milestones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.localjuan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localjuan.pr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localjuanpr