What would you do if you built a business to the multi-million-dollar level… only to lose it all?

Jose Berlanga knows that feeling all too well. In fact, he’s faced that reality multiple times, only to rebuild stronger each time. When you hear about someone achieving multi-millionaire status in four separate industries (import/export, coffee bars, residential construction, and land development), it’s easy to assume they’ve got some kind of magic formula. But Jose’s success story isn’t about luck or easy wins. It’s about grit, resilience, and learning how to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Jose for a recent episode of Business Origin Stories, and wow – his insights into business, mindset, and staying the course were pure gold. This conversation was about values, purpose, and the mindset shift that happens when you realize entrepreneurship is really about becoming the person who can handle the journey.

Entrepreneurship Isn’t
a Straight Path

Jose didn’t grow up knowing exactly what kind of business he wanted to build, but he knew he wanted to work for himself. Coming to Houston from Mexico City in the 80s, he started his first business while still in college, brokering deals between Mexico and the U.S. in the oil and gas industry. That business took off… until the market shifted, and he lost everything.

The fall was brutal. But Jose didn’t let it define him. He leaned into his network and quickly realized that his true strength wasn’t in any specific industry, it was in his ability to spot opportunities and put the right people together.

“Some of the most successful people in the world weren’t experts in their industry. They knew how to put the teams together.”

That became his superpower. Over the years, he’s built businesses in wildly different industries, not because he was a technical expert, but because he understood how to build the framework and the team that could make it work.

It’s Not About the Money
(At First)

Jose shared something that so many entrepreneurs need to hear:

“If you focus on making money, it takes longer to get it. But if you focus on the mission and the work, the money starts to flow as a side effect.”

It’s counterintuitive, but it’s true. Early on, Jose reinvested every dollar back into his businesses. He lived lean, knowing that building the infrastructure was the key to long-term success.

And when things fell apart? He didn’t treat it as failure, he treated it as education. Jose is the first to admit that he learned more from losing businesses than from building them. Those painful moments shaped his business instincts and sharpened his decision-making.

Diversification Comes Later

These days, Jose has diversified his investments, especially in real estate. But he’s quick to warn that diversification is a second-stage strategy, not something you should focus on when you’re just getting started.

“In the beginning, you have to focus. Put all your energy and capital into one thing. If you try to spread yourself too thin too early, you’ll never get the momentum you need.”

Real estate became Jose’s vehicle for long-term stability. Once his businesses were self-sustaining, he started investing in different types of properties: residential, commercial, and land. That’s helped him weather market shifts and downturns without losing everything.

Reputation Is Everything

When Jose lost his first business, he thought he was starting from scratch. But he wasn’t. The work ethic and integrity he’d shown in that business meant that people trusted him even when he was down. That opened the door to new opportunities.

“People were watching me without me realizing it. They saw that I was hardworking, punctual, and ethical, and when I needed to start over, those relationships helped me rebuild.”

That’s one of Jose’s biggest pieces of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: Be fair. Do the right thing. Build a reputation as someone people want to work with. That trust will carry you through when times get tough.

The Real Lesson? Keep Going

Jose’s story is about showing up, day after day, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

“There were times when I didn’t know where the next paycheck was coming from. That’s just part of the entrepreneur’s journey. The ones who succeed are the ones who stay in the game.”

So if you’re in that messy middle stage of building your business, wondering if you’ve got what it takes – keep going. Success is about learning how to rise after you fall. And as Jose proves, the comeback can be even sweeter than the initial win.

🎧 Listen to the full episode with Jose on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for more on resilience, smart investing, and building a business that lasts.