Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Juan Lewis Aka Fired Up Chief. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Juan lewis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected and challenging obstacles I faced in my professional career was dealing with the long-term impact of COVID-19. In April 2020, I was hospitalized in the Netherlands after contracting the virus. What started as a typical hospital stay turned into a long, grueling recovery process, including rehab once I returned to San Antonio, TX. While I survived the virus, I was left with long COVID symptoms that completely changed my day-to-day life.

Before this, I lived an extremely active lifestyle, both physically and professionally. But after COVID, I had to face debilitating fatigue, balance issues, memory challenges, and speech difficulties. These symptoms not only affected my health but also my ability to perform at the same level in my professional role. It was a major blow to my identity, especially since I’ve always been driven, self-reliant, and someone who enjoys pushing boundaries.

One of the hardest things was realizing that recovery wasn’t just a few weeks—it would take years, with no clear end in sight. Therapy played a major role in helping me regain some of my physical and mental abilities, but it was a humbling experience when my insurance stopped covering the treatments. I was forced to adapt, not just to my new limitations but also to finding alternative ways to manage my recovery while trying to stay engaged professionally.

It was a tough situation that challenged my patience, resilience, and even my personality. I had to learn to manage expectations, take things one step at a time, and embrace the concept of balance in a whole new way. I’m still working through some of the long-term symptoms, but this experience has strengthened my determination to keep moving forward despite the setbacks.

It not what happened but how you respond.

Juan lewis, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I dedicated 28 years of my life to serving in the military, where I learned the importance of resilience, leadership, and perseverance.

My career has been filled with challenges, from operational demands to the weight of responsibility that comes with serving my country. However, one of the most defining moments in my life came after I retired, when I faced a near-death experience due to COVID-19.

The recovery process was long and grueling. I had to re-learn basic functions, battling long COVID symptoms like fatigue, balance issues, memory problems, and speech difficulties. That experience changed me, but it also deepened my drive to support others, particularly those facing their own life challenges.

Now, my mission is to encourage and support people to overcome obstacles, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. Through my years of military service and personal experiences, I’ve gained a unique understanding of perseverance. Whether it’s leading teams in high-pressure environments or helping individuals navigate personal or professional challenges, my goal is to be a source of strength, encouragement, and inspiration.

What sets me apart is my real-world experience in overcoming adversity. I’ve survived a near-fatal illness, fought through the lingering effects of long COVID, and have come out on the other side with a renewed purpose. I’m most proud of my ability to keep moving forward and helping others find that same strength within themselves.

For anyone who’s following my journey, I want them to know that no matter what obstacles you face, there is always a way through. Whether you’re dealing with health issues, personal struggles, or professional setbacks, I believe in the power of resilience. I’m here to share what I’ve learned, offer encouragement, and help people realize their potential, no matter the challenges ahead.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey driven by pride, enthusiasm, and passion (PEP)—three core values that not only define me but also deeply connect me with my followers. After surviving COVID-19 and battling long-term health challenges, I realized that I had a powerful story to share. My pride in overcoming adversity, my enthusiasm for life despite the setbacks, and my passion for encouraging others became the foundation of my message.

When I first started posting, it wasn’t about building an audience; it was about sharing my experiences in the most authentic way possible. I was transparent about my struggles, my recovery process, and the lessons I learned along the way. That honesty resonated with people. I discovered that many others were facing similar challenges, whether from long COVID or other life obstacles, and they found comfort and strength in my posts.

My advice for those just starting to build their social media presence is to focus on authenticity and connection. People can sense when you’re genuine, and they’ll be drawn to your passion if it’s real. Don’t be afraid to share your journey, your struggles, and your victories. Pride in who you are and what you stand for, combined with enthusiasm for the content you share, creates a natural magnetism that draws people in.

Also, consistency is key. Show up regularly, engage with your audience, and make them feel like they’re part of your journey. Be patient—it takes time to build a meaningful following, but when you lead with pride, enthusiasm, and passion, people will connect with your message on a deeper level.

Ultimately, building an audience isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating a community of people who believe in your message and support your mission. I’m proud of the community I’ve built because it’s grounded in resilience, positivity, and mutual encouragement, and that’s what keeps me fired up every day!

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Keeping in touch with clients and fostering brand loyalty is all about building genuine relationships. For me, it’s rooted in staying connected, being consistent, and always showing up with pride, enthusiasm, and passion (PEP). Whether through personal check-ins, sharing updates on social media, or offering words of encouragement, I aim to stay engaged with my clients in a way that feels meaningful.

One thing I’ve learned is that loyalty grows when clients feel seen and valued, so I make it a priority to understand their needs, challenges, and goals. I believe in going the extra mile—whether it’s offering support during tough times, celebrating their wins, or simply being there as a reliable source of motivation.

Consistency is also key. Whether through social media interactions, emails, or one-on-one conversations, I make sure my clients know they’re not just a transaction to me. They’re part of my community. I stay true to my values and mission, which has helped me foster a sense of trust and authenticity with my audience.

At the end of the day, fostering loyalty is about building a relationship that goes beyond business. I want my clients to feel like they’re part of something bigger—a community of people overcoming challenges, finding strength, and pushing forward. When you show up with passion and dedication, clients not only appreciate your work but also feel inspired to stay connected for the long haul.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Thefiredupchief
• Facebook: Firedupchief
• Linkedin: Juan lewis
• Twitter: Juan lewis
• Youtube: Firedupchief