From Navy Veteran to Entrepreneur: How Raul Built Income Beyond a Paycheck

A close friend told Raul Hernandez he might be meant to be a good employee. After two business ventures didn’t work out, Raul almost believed him. In this episode, he shares how he kept going and built $3,000 a month in residual income through merchant services while still working his regular job.

On the first Mentee Friday episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex sits down with Raul Hernandez, a 12-year Navy veteran, to talk about starting a credit card processing business, finding merchant clients, and getting past the fear of failing again.

Raul joined CashSwipe in April 2024, but joining and taking consistent action were two different steps. He breaks down what helped him move from researching and second-guessing himself to having real conversations with local business owners. At the time of recording, he had grown to 21 merchant accounts generating approximately $3,000 in monthly residual income.

He also opens up about the pressure of disappointing his parents, the friend who questioned his next investment, and why his father’s stroke changed the way he thought about time, work, and family.

For Raul, the goal is being able to show up when his family needs him. This conversation gets into the work he’s doing to make that possible.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Starting over after social media marketing and Amazon FBA didn’t work out

• Moving past analysis paralysis and fear of failure

• Getting comfortable talking to local business owners

• Building a merchant services business alongside a full-time job

• Reaching 21 merchant accounts and $3,000 in monthly residual income

• Handling doubt from people close to you

• Building relationships in your local business community

• Defining success around family, time, and the ability to give back

CONNECT WITH RAUL HERNANDEZ:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juan_wick_1/

FOLLOW THE LEVEL UP PODCAST:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupwithpaulalex/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@levelupwithpaulalex

Watch The Level Up Podcast with Paul Alex on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe for more conversations about entrepreneurship, personal growth, and building a life by design.

What’s one step you’ve been putting off because you’re afraid it won’t work? Tell us in the comments.