What does it really take to be a business owner? In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie Seeker sits down with Juan Cruz, founder and managing attorney of JCA Law, PLLC, to answer that question with clarity, experience, and hard-earned lessons.
Juan shares what it takes to be a business owner in the demanding world of education law — and how he built a respected, multi-city firm across Laredo, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, Texas. Most importantly, he did it without taking on debt, without compromising values, and without ever forgetting where he came from.
Juan Cruz’s Story: From Big Law to Business Owner
Juan began his legal journey at a large law firm in San Antonio. At first, the prestige and size seemed promising. However, he quickly realized that he was just one of many — with few opportunities to lead or engage directly with clients.
Eventually, he pivoted to a smaller firm that offered more courtroom experience. There, he was introduced to education law — a field that unexpectedly aligned with his family’s strong roots in public education. Consequently, Juan found his calling.
Lessons on What It Takes to Be a Business Owner
Juan’s experience reveals several core truths about what it takes to be a business owner — especially in a complex and service-based field like law. His story is a testament to persistence, clarity, and doing the hard things the right way.
🚀 Building Without Borrowing
Rather than rely on business loans, Juan chose to launch JCA Law in 2013 with what he had — and grew from there.
“If you live within your means at home, you should do the same at the office.”
This philosophy allowed him to maintain control and grow responsibly. As a result, his firm now spans three cities and supports dozens of clients across Texas.
💼 Leading With Integrity and Clarity
Juan emphasizes that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. Instead, it’s about knowing the law, giving honest answers — even when they’re hard to hear — and showing up when it matters most.
He’s often on the road, advising school boards, answering early-morning client calls, and speaking to hundreds of administrators. Despite the workload, Juan remains committed to staying sharp and hands-on.
👥 Trust Is Earned, Not Given
When it comes to working with public school districts, trust is everything. According to Juan, building that trust takes time, consistency, and transparency. He doesn’t just rely on his resume — he backs it up with day-to-day excellence.
Likewise, he trusts his own team deeply. His office manager has been with him for 20 years, something he attributes to loyalty, respect, and mutual accountability.
🧠 Know Your Lane — and Stay in It
One of Juan’s most valuable lessons? Know what you’re good at, and don’t fake what you’re not.
“Don’t take on work that’s out of your wheelhouse just because it’s available. Do what you do — and do it really well.”
By focusing on education law and refusing to dilute his expertise, Juan has built a reputation for excellence and dependability.
What It Takes to Be a Business Owner, According to Juan Cruz
At the end of the episode, Juan responds to our signature question:
“It takes kindness. It takes hard work. And it takes knowing your craft inside and out. People don’t want to work with someone who’s dishonest or unprepared. If you want to lead, you have to earn that trust every day.”
About Juan Cruz
Juan Cruz is the founder and managing attorney of JCA Law, PLLC, with offices in Laredo, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, TX. He has practiced law for nearly three decades, argued before the Texas Supreme Court, and serves as trusted counsel to school districts statewide.
Outside the courtroom, Juan is a passionate runner, traveler, and dog lover. His values-driven leadership style is reflected in every part of his business.
Connect with Juan Cruz & JCA Law
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Website: www.jca-law.com
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Email: jcruz@jca-law.com
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Instagram: @jcalaw
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Facebook: facebook.com/jcalawpllc
Final Thoughts: What It Takes to Be a Business Owner
Juan Cruz’s story is both inspiring and practical. If you’re wondering what it takes to be a business owner, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the truth: it takes grit, clarity, discipline, and heart.
👉 Listen to the full episode here and share it with a fellow entrepreneur who’s navigating their own path.
