United we Eat! 10/26 Maria Bido's Culinary Experience

A New York Police Officer Changed His Life And Began A New Career In The Music World. This Choice Led To The Successful Career Of Johnny Marines December 9, 2020 

There are many types of training that lead well into another career. However, few would expect a police officer to become a music manager for a Bachata group. This is exactly what Johnny Marines did when he ended his career as a police officer to get into the music industry.

“I grew in the Jacob Riis Projects in the Lower East Side in Lower Manhattan, NYC. I became a New York City Police Officer under Mayor Guliani’s administration. In 2002, while in the middle of my Police career I went into the Music business as a Manager for a Bachata group at the time called Aventura. In 2010, I continued to manage the lead singer of the group known as, the King of Bachata Romeo Santos. This makes me unique because I am the only former/current NYP officer to achieve this level of success in the music business,” Johnny recounts.

From this experience, Johnny’s career took off. He is now the owner of multiple different endeavors including a restaurant and a nightlife business as well as real estate. He has always wanted to be in the businessworld, so this was the perfect opportunity for him to begin his venture into the entrepreneurial world.

“I’ve always wanted to be an Entrepreneur. My father owned a Social Club and his hard work and success motivated me to follow in his footsteps. However, I did not want to stop there. I wanted to continue to take on new projects and develop new skills that could further enhance my success. Fortunately, my businesses also enabled me to provide new jobs for the community,” Johnny remarks.

Johnny has found himself overcoming many obstacles this year with the onset of the pandemic as many restaurant owners, nightlife entrepreneurs, real estate businesspeople are as well. However, he is resilient and has overcome many of these challenges by finding ways to innovate.

“The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome as a restaurant/nightlife owner is having to deal with the covid-19 government restrictions and guidelines that have made it virtually impossible to be a profitable business. Luckily for me, my business partner Eddy G and I are our own landlords and have been able to stay afloat during these challenging times,”  Johnny explains.

Despite all the bad cards that 2020 has dealt, Johnny and his partner have pushed ahead and are planning big things for 2021. He is planning on opening up his next Latin themed in New Jersey.

“This year, my partner Eddy G and I, are slated to open a chic latin themed restaurant and lounge located in the heart of midtown Elizabeth, New Jersey. In real estate, my partner Cesar Pina and I, are in the process of developing an 80 apartment residential apartment complex. We are also rehabilitating a former cathtolic school that will be used for a child development program in Paterson, New Jersey by the board of education,” Johnny says.

For those wishing to start their own adventure into the business world, no matter what they had been doing before, Johnny has a few pieces of advice for them.

“My advice for those trying to start their own business is to be prepared to work twice as hard. There is a misconception for aspiring business owners that owning your own business means you would work less. Truthfully, individuals who want to start their own business should expect to take full responsibility and work twice as hard. Mindset is important when starting your own business as it serves as a blueprint for the vision you have for your business. It can either make or break your business and this is where surrounding yourself with the right team is very important. It is crucial to have the right mindset and remain focused in order to be prepared for the challenges to come when you’re a business owner,” Johnny advises.