Community Highlights: Meet Ryan Monsalud of Universal Exteriors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Monsalud. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been entrepreneurial in all of my pursuits. I can think back to the elementary school recess yard where I used to stop by the grocery store before school and buy packs of gum. I would then walk around the recess yard and sell individual pieces. This was around the time when guys started to be interested in girls and having smelly breath just wasn’t something they were willing to risk. That’s a true and silly story but pretty much can explain how most businesses function. Most people want to make a product and then go out and find someone to sell it to. The way it should be done is identify a problem and then create a solution that makes people’s lives better. Through the pandemic, I actually left a job (Where I used my college degree) that wasn’t serving me to pursue a startup company in a director/ business development role. This is where I really learned that you are the only thing that is going to move the needle for your company and the ability to influence and inspire is extremely valuable. From there I learned how to sell, how to teach sales, how to motivate and lead, and how to get out of my own way. Leverage contractor relationships, I’ve been able to create a good stream of income that can be scaled, automated, and replicated. The hardest thing so far has been translating an East coast, fast-paced process – to the Colorado lifestyle. Being someone that is there for clients with anything they need has been the separator in this current position, and in all of life’s relationships. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, Yes and no. It depends on the mindset and outlook of everything. Of course, there’s been bumps in the road. But the bumps were expected. You don’t just walk into something new and expect to be an expert from the start. It’s a constant learning process where you mess it up enough times until you eventually get it right. As long as you trust that you’ll figure it out if you can mess it up long enough, then it’s still ‘all according to plan’ right? 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Currently, I’m working with a contractor to provide Colorado homeowners with the highest quality service and home improvements. Our goal is to re-educate homeowners to help them be proud of this space they get to call their home. I’m not looking to sell them a new look on their home, I’m selling them the look on their face when they pull in from working all day and get to look at this home that they are truly proud of. Being able to be a part of that feeling is what really lights my fire. The contractor – homeowner communication has been something that has always lacked and unfortunately leaves the homeowner with skepticism. I joke with my clients and say that I’m 26 years old and addicted to my phone. They can call/ text me at any time of the day and I’ll be there for them. It’s just a value add that you can’t put a price on when it’s the middle of a storm and water is coming in your home and you feel hopeless. 

Other than this, I run a sales and communication coaching program called Closer’s Academy where we teach individuals and businesses how to structure a proven sales process. We teach all lessons from how to actively listen to your clients to the psychology of what can make someone buy or not buy from you. 

One other business is a beer company called Like Minds Beer Company. This company is an activity/ adventure focused beer company that’s aim is to squeeze every last sip out of life, it’s a very fun way to combine all of the things that I love doing, and passing that feeling along to all of our Colorado friends and neighbors. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
All of my clients really deserve the credit. Without them allowing me to help, I wouldn’t have made a difference in anyone’s life. Earning someone’s trust is very important and it is truly something you have to EARN. Besides that, really everyone in my life is so supportive. I’ll never say that I’m self-made because of the strong support system that I have. The support system and network would really buy anything that I would be selling because they are sold on me. I’m going to do my best to uphold that reputation for them. I really owe it to all of them. A strategy that I do use, however, beside the support system is I listen to something motivational or inspirational every single morning. If you stay motivated you don’t have to get motivated. 

Contact Info:

• Email: ryan.universalexteriors@gmail.com
• Instagram: Ryan_Monsalud