Meet Juan Acosta

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Juan Acosta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Juan , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room that looks like me? I’ve learned that’s not a weakness, it’s a superpower.

I’ve walked into rooms where no one shared my background, my story, or even my hustle. But I’ve also learned that when you bring value, vision, and consistency, people listen. You don’t need to fit the mold when you’re built to break it..

So if you ever find yourself being “the only one,” don’t shrink. Stand taller. Be undeniable. Let them remember why you walked in that room in the first place.

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?

My wife Salina and I founded Big Dawgs Hot Dog Co., a business that started with nothing more than a grill, and a dream—and has grown into a brand known for bold flavors, wild menu creations, and unforgettable experiences.

What makes Big Dawgs special is the heart behind it. We’ve taken something as simple as a hot dog and turned it into a symbol of hustle, culture, and creativity. Every item on the menu has a story. Every event is a chance to connect with people from all walks of life. I’ve always believed that if you serve with passion and stay consistent, doors will open—and they have. We’ve gone from serving hot dogs on the corner to cooking for celebrities, athletes, and people from all over—but at the end of the day, it’s never just been about food.

Big Dawgs is a reflection of grace, grit, and God’s timing. Every challenge we’ve faced, every door that opened, every lesson learned—none of it was by accident. I believe we were called to do this. To show people what’s possible when you trust God, work hard, and stay true to who you are.

Right now, we’re focused on growing the brand, expanding into more events, and planting seeds for bigger opportunities down the line.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three things have been absolutely key in my journey: faith, resilience, and creativity.

Faith was the foundation. There were plenty of moments when it didn’t make sense to keep going—when the money was low, the days were long, and the vision felt far away. But trusting that God had a purpose for the struggle kept me grounded and moving forward. If you’re early in your journey, build that spiritual muscle. Pray over your plans. Trust the timing. It’s not always about speed—it’s about surrender.

Resilience kept me standing. Entrepreneurship will test you in every way. You have to be able to take the hits—rejection, slow days, unexpected setbacks—and still show up the next morning ready to grind. You build resilience by being consistent, even when no one’s clapping for you yet. Keep showing up.

And finally, creativity—not just in the food we serve at Big Dawgs, but in how we connect with people, how we solve problems, and how we adapt. Creativity is a mindset. Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea—start with what you have, make it yours, and grow as you go.

My advice? Stay rooted in something bigger than yourself, stay ready to grow through what you go through, and never forget why you started. The journey won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I’d spend every moment pouring into the people and purpose God placed in my life.

I’d keep building Big Dawgs—not just as a business, but as a platform to inspire others. I’d mentor young dreamers, feed the community, create jobs, and show others what’s possible when you walk in faith and work with heart. I’d tell my story more, not for attention, but so someone out there knows they’re not alone.

I’d spend more time with family. I’d take trips that feed the soul, not just the resume. I’d pray more, stress less, and make room for joy. I’d serve more. Love harder. Forgive faster. And I’d live boldly—because ten years is still enough time to change lives, leave a legacy, and glorify God with every step.

Time is short, but purpose is eternal.

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