Meet Nathan Sear

We were lucky to catch up with Nathan Sear recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nathan, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

When you’re often the only one in the room who looks like you, you have to shift the focus away from assumptions and onto undeniable facts.

Early on, I realized people weren’t just judging my age; they were seeing a skinny kid who looked barely 16, complete with tattoos and long hair. I knew I wouldn’t change their minds about my appearance, but I could make them unable to dismiss my consistent, professional results.

My job is not to win a popularity contest; my job is to run the biggest, most successful car show in San Antonio. We’re now dealing with millions of dollars and partnering with established business owners. When the event consistently sets records for attendance, generates significant revenue for the city and vendors, and operates with seamless logistics, the conversation naturally moves away from my personal style.

I didn’t fight for respect; I simply built an enterprise that was too valuable to ignore. My identity is secondary; the performance of the show is the priority, and that is what ultimately commands the room.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

What I find most exciting is that we’ve created a genuine, family-friendly hub—a monthly social event called Social Sundays. It’s so much more than just parking cars; it’s a critical social meeting place where people connect, build friendships, and enjoy a unique community.

The best moments are seeing that generational transfer of passion. I love seeing car owners happily let a kid sit in the driver’s seat and knowing that simple gesture plants a seed of motivation in a young person’s mind. Those interactions, and the opportunity for our community to gather and socialize every month, truly make the success of this show meaningful.

While we continue to elevate the experience here in San Antonio, our immediate focus is on a major expansion: we are bringing the Social Sundays experience to Austin before the end of this year.

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?

1. Build Real Connections, Not Just Contacts
The biggest asset you have isn’t your business plan; it’s your network. College teaches you theory, but real contacts and genuine relationships are the currency that unlocks doors with city officials and major sponsors. You must become a people person—actively listen and build trust, because that’s what convinces established executives to bet on a young face.

2. Choose Integrity Over Cash
In business, your integrity is everything. Don’t chase the money first. Prioritize finding the right partners—those who share your vision and treat you fairly. If you consistently keep your word and deliver on your promises, you build a reputation that is more valuable than any quick profit. That trust is the foundation for all sustainable growth.

3. Take Risks, Then Learn Fast
You have to take risks to grow, but you can’t be scared of a misstep. If an idea or a new strategy doesn’t work, don’t dwell on it—find out why and try something else. Launching the show was a huge risk, but my success came from being prepared to analyze the first event’s flaws, learn from the data, and quickly pivot. Failure is just information; the faster you learn from it, the faster you get to success.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

If I knew I only had a decade of life left, I wouldn’t drastically change my path—I’d just accelerate it. My life’s purpose is already aligned with my work, so I would spend that time exactly the same way I am now, but with an even greater sense of urgency and motivation.

My biggest focus would be to solidify San Antonio’s standing as the premier car show hub of the entire United States. When people see the caliber of cars and the quality of the events we run, they immediately associate that with success, professionalism, and community. That visibility ultimately makes the entire city look better and elevates the regional culture. I want to fully realize that potential within ten years.

I would absolutely live life to the fullest outside of work—maybe pick up a few more speeding tickets in the process!—but I wouldn’t pivot my career. I’m already doing exactly what I want to do, and there’s no better way to spend a precious decade than chasing the biggest possible goal in the work you truly love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialsundaystx/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Social-Sundays-61567380547196/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-sear-91123a284

Image Credits

@melted_mediaa
@rickgunzvisuals