From Restaurant Worker to Educator of 50,000 Students: The Journey of Cuban Adalberto Ravelo

At 37, with a degree in Social Sciences and History Education and no connections in the U.S., Adalberto Ravelo embarked on a new chapter in life.

Fast forward 26 years, Ravelo is the visionary behind Dolphy School, a certified educational institution in Florida specializing in insurance, taxes, and accounting. Over 50,000 students have benefitted from its programs.

His inspiring journey is highlighted in the third episode of $how me the mon€y, a podcast featuring Cuban entrepreneurs hosted by Katia Sánchez, recorded at Dolphy TV's studio in Miami.

The Struggles Behind the Success

Originally from Guajiro de Corralillo, Bauta, in Artemisa Province, Ravelo's American dream started like many immigrants': in construction and later at Bongo's Cuban Café, owned by Emilio and Gloria Estefan in downtown Miami, now closed.

These were trying times for Ravelo, who recalls, "I spent many years alone in this country, and I would cry behind the columns at Bongo's because I was by myself and had left my six-year-old daughter behind."

He didn't see his daughter again until she was 12. "One day, I decided enough was enough. My tears weren't going to help her. My success and the money I could send would," he decided.

Embracing Change: From Café to Commissions

A friend introduced him to the world of insurance. While still working at the restaurant, he studied to become an insurance agent.

After his shifts, he would change shirts in his car and meet clients. "Sometimes the clients might have smelled the restaurant on me, but I approached it with love," he admits.

In less than three months, he earned five times what he made at Bongo's. While others requested more hours, Ravelo cut back to focus on insurance, eventually leaving the restaurant for good. "From that point on, I earned solely through commissions," he states.

Overcoming Setbacks

Ravelo's path wasn't straightforward. He faced several challenges, such as losing $50,000 with his first insurance agency in West Palm Beach and a second agency that thrived until he partnered with his friend Iván Herrera, transitioning to a Univista Insurance franchise.

His initial attempt at establishing a school failed due to a poor partnership. By 2016, he started anew, securing licenses and spending nearly two years unable to sell a course. It took him 11 years to build a reliable team. "You might doubt what you're doing, but never doubt yourself," he advises.

From Blog to School: A Unique Genesis

Dolphy School emerged from blog interactions rather than a business plan. Between 2005 and 2007, Ravelo taught himself online marketing, launched blogs, and wrote about insurance. One article on obtaining a license received hundreds of inquiries.

"One day, I asked myself, how do you start an insurance school?" In 2014, he opened Dolphy School, initially teaching three or four students himself. Now, the school boasts over 15 instructors and offers more than 37 course options.

Dolphy School is also an IRS-certified provider with branches in Georgia, Texas, and the Carolinas, all launched within a year.

Ravelo has built an ecosystem around Dolphy School: graduates can work as agents at Univista Insurance or tax preparers at Dolphy Taxes, while Dolphy TV produces podcasts and YouTube content to attract clients.

Building for the Future

At 63, Ravelo is embracing the future by studying artificial intelligence. "You don't create a business for life; you create it for 30, 60, 90 days," he asserts, emphasizing the need to customize and scrutinize AI outputs.

For Ravelo, wealth isn't about a hefty bank account but leaving behind the days of juggling credit card payments without covering rent. "I have a wonderful family, my daughters, granddaughters, a business built with love, and automated accounts," he reflects.

Guidance for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

• Take initiative: "Luck is the excuse of failures," he quotes Pablo Neruda.
• Set a five-year goal: "Give yourself just five years to see your life change."
• Opt for short courses: Fields like insurance, taxes, or real estate can be learned in under 90 days.
• Invest in yourself: Save $20 repeatedly to fund a course instead of spending on branded items.
• Ignore the naysayers: Ravelo recalls being called crazy by a relative for spending 12-hour days learning computer skills.

In the episode, Ravelo shares two meaningful items: an old VEF radio from Cuba with his mother's name engraved, symbolizing his roots, and a statue of the iconic Wall Street bull, representing the opportunities America offered him.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or on CiberCuba's episode page.

$how me the mon€y is the podcast by Cuban entrepreneurs of CiberCuba, hosted by Katia Sánchez and brought to you by Dolphy School, the show's sponsor. You can watch all episodes here.