We were lucky to catch up with Jacobo Laya Jr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jacobo , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I have always been inspired by my Grandfather and Father, who both brought their families beyond their means to make their future greater than theirs, and I could not be any different from them.
Navy gave me even more resilience as I serve for 20 years.
Most important of all, my Faith in God and His Word have been the rock I layed my foundation on. It has been the fuel to be life St. Joseph. for my wife and my family, my 4 childre, my Spanish community and my clients.
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?
Prior to beginning my civilian career, I served honorably as an Operation Specialist in the
combat Information Centers of 4 ships in the United States Navy between 1990 and 2012. Since my retirement, I have put my knowledge and experience as a Subject Matter Expert in Ballistic Missile and Integrated Air and Missile Defense, helping modernizing our AEGIS Weapon System for our Navy and Marines C5I systems today. I earned my certification as a professional photographer from the New York Institute of Photography and founded Jac&Mac Photography in 2010 creating further success for the last 14 years.
I earned an Associate of Arts in general science from Tidewater Community College in 2010. Later obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in information technology from ECPI University in 2014. Furthermore I graduated with a Master of Business Administration from Excelsior University and became licensed in Life and Annuities in Virginia.
Notably, I established my own financial counseling business, My Financial Compass, in 2019. Inspired by the opportunity to educate people, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities regarding financial education and entrepreneurship.
Presently I organize financial workshops and enjoy mentoring transiting Active to civilian military members, career finding students, engaged and married couples and graduating students. I am member of the George Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I plan to continue working his stellar work with My Financial Compass, becoming financially independent in the next several years.
If there is a passage that could describe in the Scripture will be Matthew 25:14-30. I don’t want to be as the man with one talent!!!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My Faith- I could never achieve all of this without Him who strengthens me.
My Drive- To leave the same legacy and example to my children, the same way my Grandfather and Father have done for me.
My vision- To become financially independent and be able to enjoy my time with my family in the golden days of my life.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Jesus being my Co-pilot through His Word has given the faith to overcome all my obstacles.
My Wife, Macky, she is my inspiration, she has been the one who has believed in me, supported me, and helped me be where we are today. A true example of a Proverb 31 wife.
Darren Hardy, and his book “Compound Effect”, Steven Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, have also greatly influenced my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jacnmacphotography.com; www.myfinancialcompass.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacmacphoto?igsh=MWhtamlscGZraTV4ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002266786952&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobo-laya-jr-75203a48?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
