Today we are featuring a brand new Member Spotlight!
But before we begin, did you know?
A Step Above Style is more than just a blog. It’s a community.
A community of ladies and gentlemen who strive toward the common goal of being the best version of themselves possible.
Below is a fascinating interview we had with one of our valued members Mr. Saul Amador-Ruiz .
Introduction
ASAS Blog: Hey! Thanks for joining us today. Please formally introduce yourself to the Community.
Saul: Hey Jeff, thanks for having me on your platform. Big fan. For those just meeting me my name is Saul Amador-Ruiz.
ASAS Blog : Awesome, we’re off to a great start already. And how old are you?
Saul: I’m 32 years old.
ASAS Blog: And where is your hometown?
Saul: Oakland, California.
ASAS Blog : What is a funny story your family tells about you that you’d like to share?
Saul: My “first word” was chicopaque.
It’s not a real word but I said it to my sister when I got mad with great confidence.
My family told me I said it quite often and my favorite movie was bambi. My sister would actually recite the whole movie if it wasn’t on just to entertain me.
ASAS Blog : What are some of your hobbies/ interests?
Saul: Listening to music, hiking, smoking cigars/pipe tobacco, reading self-help/business books, and leather crafting.
Work
ASAS Blog : What is your occupation?
Saul: Diesel mechanic and Shoe Shiner.
ASAS Blog : What is a secret about the industry you work in that most people don’t know about?
Saul: When it comes to wrenching, we’re not grease monkeys. Having a clean appearance and work space is highly sought out by management.
And as for shoe shining, people that are in their early 20’s have no idea what a proper shoe shine is.
ASAS Blog : What is one lesson you’ve learned on your job that you think everyone should know about?
Saul: If you’re having difficulty removing/installing a component for an hour, then something is wrong.
In other words, if you’re having issues reaching a goal for so long something is wrong, take a step back and redo your plan.
ASAS Blog : And why do you feel like that lesson is important for people to learn?
Saul: It saves time. It gives you an opportunity to try a different method, and maybe you can help some one else.
ASAS Blog : If you could start a business tomorrow, what would it be?
Saul: Thankfully I started my shoe shine business 3 years ago! I’m the proud Founder of Eyes Down Here Shoe Shine. It is my side gig 7 days a week with the drop-off/pick-up service I offer. But I’m available for events.
You might see me shining in the Ft. Worth Stockyards.
Life
ASAS Blog : Are you a introvert or a extrovert?
Saul: Extrovert.
ASAS Blog : If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
Saul: That I was open to learning new things whether it was private or openly.
ASAS Blog : If you could give your 18-year- old self advice, what would it be?
Saul: Read 3 books, 48 Laws of Power, Ego Is The Enemy and The 4 Agreements.
These books would’ve definitely shown how detrimental taking things personal and worrying about what people thought about me is.
ASAS Blog : Tell us about a influential person in your life and how they impacted you.
Saul:
I would hate to separate the two but it would have to be my parents. The story telling abilities they had, the work ethic, the sacrifice they made to be in the US. The way they both spoke. The older I’ve gotten the more I see how different they are from each other.
Even though I was spoiled to the max by them, I still developed the “immigrant mentality”. Nothing will be given to me. My parents and I definitely had a culture clash at home.
ASAS Blog : If you could have coffee with any historical figure, who would you choose, and why?
It would have to be my grandfather.
I would like to be closer to my family history.
I can read about any historical figure out there.
Personal
ASAS Blog : What is your biggest pet peeve?
Man, we can have a whole book on that but I’m learning to be more forgiving of people because we weren’t all raised or taught the same.
Otherwise it’ll be me always complaining. I’m finding life to be more peaceful on not wasting time and focusing on small things that isn’t in my control.
ASAS Blog : What is a unpopular opinion you have?
Saul: Don’t complain to anybody about anything. Not your co-workers, friends, spouse, or family. If isn’t in your control, then don’t spend your time on it.
ASAS Blog : Describe your personal style in 3 words or less
Saul: Versatile, and blue-collar.
ASAS Blog : Tell us one way the ASAS blog has benefited you?
Saul: It gives me different perspectives from people that approach to business, style, and thoughts. Its cool to read how people are excited to show their personality.
ASAS Blog : What is one question you wish I’d asked you, and how would you have answered?
Saul: How did you develop your style?
Saul: The city of Oakland and the whole Bay Area. It’s really an active independent mind state and it’s once was heavily industrial zone.
Other influences came from cinema, music, gangsters, activists. How you dress is how people will look at you but how you behave is how people can treat you.
Closing
ASAS Blog : Anything you’d like to promote? (Social media page, business, etc) How can people reach you?
Saul: People can follow me on instagram @eyesdownhereshoeshine,
Additionally you can email saulamador24@yahoo.com .
Lastly, you can contact me at 817-845-0726 for shoe shine, shoe repairs and booking for special events.
ASAS Blog: Thank you for your time today Saul! This was a fascinating interview. We know the Community has enjoyed it.
Until next time, y’all have a good one.
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