Fly Guy- Juan Ramirez, aka HopperJuan

The theme of transformation resonates deeply with me as I reflect on the inspiring individuals who have undergone significant life transformations.  The idea of constantly reinventing oneself is a testament to the resilience and capacity for growth within each of us. 

In this blog, we are highlighting our friend Juan Ramirez. We worked together in the Colorado market years ago, and I have always admired his courage to follow his passion. Here is a little about Juan’s journey from furniture to fly fishing on this transformation Tuesday.

1. What is your career today, as well as before making a shift?
   Ten years ago, I worked for a dealership in the office furniture world, providing furniture solutions for local businesses and several government agencies. Today, I am a full-time fly-fishing guide based out of Colorado Springs, CO, guiding people worldwide on local rivers, including the South Platte River and the Arkansas River.  I am also a fly designer working with Montana Fly Company to provide fly pattern designs produced overseas and distributed worldwide to fly shop dealers and anglers.  
   

2. How did you feel about your life before recognizing the need for a shift?
   As a father of 3 kids and a husband to a stay-at-home mom, I always felt the need to provide and to sacrifice as needed to do so.  I worked 40 hours a week and guided the weekends as much as possible.  I needed the 40 hours a week for a paycheck, and the guiding was also helpful, but it was something I wanted to do.  I was good at my job, but it was still a job.  As a guide, I was good but getting better and becoming an expert in my field.  I could see the shift coming. 
   

3. How did you find your true purpose?
   As I continued to guide, I thought guiding could become my profession.  I gained more clients, felt more comfortable with the process, and even had a sense of confidence I'd never had working a regular job.  Along with guiding, I was also designing fly fishing flies that I used on my guide trips, and that part of my profession was also gaining traction. Soon, I was on track to move forward with guiding as a profession. 
   

4. What was your BIG aha moment?
   Working in the corporate world, I was doing great, but with processes and procedures and evaluations on those processes and procedures, I could have done better for the managers. I knew I had to shift to working for myself, doing something I loved, and providing a great experience to clients. I needed to do that, so I dropped out of the corporate world. 
   

5. What are you most excited about next?
   I am excited for the upcoming year of guiding.  Every year is different, and there is no way to predict how it will go. Weather conditions, travel conditions, global pandemics, travel trends, and the global economy all contribute to the overall feel of the year. However, whatever may come, I still have a job to do, and I will prepare for the best and worst conditions. I am excited to provide an excellent time for clients, and I look forward to looking back at those pictures of fish and big smiles! 

You can follow Juan on Instagram, and if you fly fish, you may already know him for his signature ties:  Slim Shady, The Hopper Juan, and Flashy Money Midge, which are available at Montana Fly Company. 

We look forward to sharing stories of others making waves of transformation!

Live A Great Story- Monique Lecomte