José Ramírez, Terrance Tumey, and CJ Wilson are influencing the Central Valley and beyond for the better. Though each walks a very different career path, they all understand how collective effort yields tenfold results, and they share a common background in athletics. Listening to the men speak their common tongue among themselves is fascinating—their routines, their lingo, their poignant questions to one another. All three are always in pursuit of being absolutely in tune with themselves so that they can perform at their most optimal and improve day after day, both personally and professionally. Wherever they are in their career, they undoubtedly still have much more to offer.

José Ramírez

God. Family. Boxing.

José Ramírez embodies what the sport of boxing is all about. The light welterweight has been disciplined from an early age, and his devotion to boxing has carried him from humble beginnings to the Olympic stage and beyond. “The most profound moment of my career (so far) has been becoming an Olympian and a world champion,” shares José. “I’m still inspired to become a world champion again. I’m excited about my career. I feel I’m now in my prime,” he states eagerly. Nowadays, he lives in Fresno but trains in Riverside, “So that means I have to leave my family behind, and that hurts me. However, it makes me work harder,” says the young father. José knows that being a professional athlete requires a lot of sacrifices, such as “being away from family, missing special moments with my kids and loved ones.” But he is walking the talk, constantly improving upon his best, which has a trickle-down effect that makes it all worth it.

Small town, big picture.
Born in Hanford, José was raised in the small farming town of Avenal. José began boxing training at the newly built Avenal Community Center at eight years old. As a high school student in Avenal, José excelled as an athlete. “I played soccer, cross-country, and track all four years,” he lists. “I was also boxing, and by the time I was a senior, I was ranked number-one lightweight amateur in the United States from the 17- to 34-year-olds.” It was a cross-country coach who inspired José to set his Olympic goal. By age 15, he had not only made it to the Junior Olympics—he had won a gold medal there in 2012. Following his Olympic win, José transitioned from amateur to professional boxer.

Beyond the ring.
Yet the adolescent boxer demonstrated aptitude beyond the ring, leading him to be accepted to California State University (CSU), Fresno. “I attended Fresno State as an engineering major. However, I chose to pursue my Olympic dream, so I didn’t have time to finish my degree,” he admits. “It was one of the toughest decisions of my life to choose between boxing and school.” This struggle speaks to how everything José does is in pursuit of something bigger with higher meaning.

Living by example.
José’s rearing greatly influenced the approach he’s taken in life. “My upbringing showed me work ethics, respect, and faith. My father taught me to respect my teachers and coaches by giving them the best version of myself,” he explains. “We were very limited financially. My father worked so much to provide, and my mother was the heart of the family, grooming us to be good. They never complained about the financial adversity that we faced sometimes. They made sure we stayed motivated to pursue our goals with love and support. That made me hungry to repay them with my accomplishments and good charity,” which is exactly what he continues to do.

Olympic-size dreams.
Growing up, José was a small-town kid with big aspirations. Between his God-given talent and unwavering determination, he stresses, “I stayed focused on the prize and dedicated myself to giving my family a better future. At a very young age, I realized boxing was what my talent was and decided to stick with it. I achieved many things in the sport making the 2012 Olympic team in London, and following that goal, I became a professional.” José became a two-time world champion and has used his platform for various charitable works.

Paying it forward.
Charity involvement and giving back is a high priority to José. “Being blessed, I have fought for water rights for our communities and agriculture,” José speaks of his farm town roots in the Central Valley. “I have participated in donations for cancer patients, food banks, and currently have a scholarship fund with the Fresno State Alumni Association,” called the José Carlos Ramírez Scholarship. “The scholarships go to kids from Avenal High School who are attending CSU, Fresno.”

Constant evolution.
Despite such early success, José is quick to acknowledge that his career, and his person, are still evolving. “I have learned to become wise, patient, and humble. When I started my professional career, it was about me making money, winning titles, and helping my family,” he reflects. “Now, I approach the sport knowing how much excitement I give to my supporters when I perform, all with the goal to be a good role model while I do what I love to do.” In the end, José defines success as “doing what you love for the people you love,” all while “Making sure God is first and showing my kids that they have a courageous father.”

Faithfully.
José’s faith is of utmost importance to him, and Philippians 4:13 holds a special place in his heart. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he references. “Everything is not given; it’s earned, but be humble in victory and defeat.” His Christian/Catholic convictions encourage him to do “my best to be God’s warrior,” José speaks of the principles and philosophies by which he lives his life. Whenever he needs to rejuvenate his spirit, “I pray and talk to my priest often.” Loving God and his family brings him great happiness.

Family first.
“I come from a humble, hardworking family who migrated from Mexico. My three siblings and I are the first generation here in the United States,” divulges José. “I now have two beautiful kids, Matteo (7) and Katalina (2), with my wife, Marisol.” The couple are expecting another baby girl this August. “I enjoy barbeques on the weekends and travel with them. We’re a very united family who enjoy our cultural traditions.” For José, watching his kids grow gives him joy every single day.

On the contrary.
Boxing is perceived in various ways, yet José has never had a malicious fighting spirit. It’s a misconception that “I got in many fights as a kid,” the boxer affirms. On the contrary, “I was afraid to fight in the streets as a kid because my father wasn’t afraid to discipline me. Boxing is a sport, and I always showed good sportsmanship,” he is proud to say. Right now, “I’m working on becoming a multi-world champion and being known as one of the best to lace those gloves on.”

In addition to being a better boxer, “I’m constantly working on being a better son, father, husband, and friend.” Despite his championship titles, “Having a family that supports me and loves me unconditionally” is by far his biggest success, and he aims to share that in all aspects of his life. “I believe I am responsible for setting a positive example for my community. To bring hope and joy both in and outside the ring.” José Ramírez has mastered what it means to live your truth. “I want to be remembered as a lovable, hardworking man who shared all my positive qualities with everyone who met me.”

Terrance Tumey

Authentic. Intentional. Benevolent.

Terrance “Terry” Tumey’s undeniable magnetism is not often encountered in daily life. His ability to coach and be coached with equal effectiveness makes this former college defensive lineman and National Football League (NFL) coach and staff member as impressive off the field as he is on it. In 2018, he was appointed Director of Athletics at California State University (CSU), Fresno, combining his athletic inclination with a desire to support people’s individual growth. Terry earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a concentration in business economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1988, followed by a Master of Business Administration with a focus on entrepreneurship and strategy from its Anderson School of Management in 1993. Today, those two degrees are the foundation of more than two decades of coaching and administrative excellence in collegiate and professional athletics.

Middle American roots.
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Terry attended Booker T. Washington High School, a magnet school recognized for academic and athletic achievement. Though gifted athletically, Terry understood the value of education early on and was mindful to maintain both sports and grades from the onset. “A multi-sport athlete, I competed in football, wrestling, and track & field,” he recounts. Collegiately, Terry attended UCLA for both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. “As an undergraduate, I was a member of the UCLA football team,” the former Bruin proudly shares of the chapter that paved the way for his career.

The journey is the destination.
“I have been fortunate to have a career of opportunities and amazing individuals that took the time to invest in my journey,” states Terry with gratitude. He was given the opportunity to contribute as a graduate coach with UCLA football. “This led to a position as an assistant coach and eventually the chance to coach in the NFL with the Denver Broncos,” he recalls. “During that time, I was given the chance to combine both my passions of the sport and the business of football into a front office position with the San Francisco 49ers.”

Point of perspective.
As glittering as the prestige of the NFL was, Terry had still reflected and asked himself, “As time passed, I found that supporting the growth and development of people is satisfying, and where was that more prevalent than in college athletics?” In this regard, he recalls, “For what some considered a step back, I thought a path forward was to become a college administrator. Starting at a smaller Division II institution, I moved forward in my journey with the opportunity to serve the students. This path eventually led me to this great Valley and Fresno State.”

Ethos is everything.
“My parents were hard-working, earnest people who valued an individual’s integrity and character. Some may have honored more tangible aspects of life, but for my parents, this was the definition of who you are,” Terry shares about his upbringing. “As you can imagine, these lessons hold true today as the issues or philosophies may vary, the ethos of a person is where the pursuit of success begins.” On the experiences he faced throughout his lifetime, Terry reflects, “Like everyone, I’ve had many ‘losses’ and the path forward has not been easy. But with every setback is the opportunity for personal growth. And when achieved, that feeling is unmatched.”

Service isn’t always comfortable.
Service is at the foundation of Terry’s approach. “With the work we do, success isn’t defined personally—it’s exemplified with every individual that you serve,” he speaks of his role at CSU, Fresno. “As educators, we are given the honor to invest in the careers of talented individuals. Respect the work and you will find personal success and satisfaction in knowing you shared your gifts with others.” While he has a knack for making everyone around him feel comfortable, it’s actually a misconception that he’s always comfortable with new surroundings. “This is far from the truth. What I have learned is to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

The hopeful realist.
Positivity permeates all that Terry does. “I believe my philosophy towards life may be a bit simplistic, as I tend to be a ‘hopeful realist,’” he admits. “My philosophy is as follows: every individual, all beings of energy or spirit, are a gift of life. And with every individual’s journey comes a valued experience. Therefore, the intersections of these life journeys or shared experiences are all unique and valuable. This is what makes life’s journey special for me.” Speaking from his perspective, Terry continues, “As a member of this community, the role is always that of service. We are here to support the aspirations of our students and our Valley communities.”

Girl dad.
Of all the communities we are part of, the family unit itself is most sacred, and in Terry’s case, this has resulted in three leading ladies in his life. “My wife, Candace, whose patience with me is undeniable, and two wonderful women I learn from every day—my older daughter, Cameron, and youngest, Simone—both of whom I enjoy watching grow and develop their own paths. Not sure where I would be without these women in my life; I believe they make me a better man,” he concedes.

What routine reaps.
Every day begins the same way for Terry. “First, enjoying coffee with Candace; second, a hug or kiss from my daughters; and finally, a moment to acknowledge the day.” This ties into Terry’s constant efforts to always strive for a better version of self. “As I attempt to personally improve daily, my favorite self-care is reflection and appreciation of my own efforts. Throughout the day, I will take moments to acknowledge that even with my imperfections, I appreciate this life path and all its gifts.” No matter what the day throws at him, being a part of the lives of his family—four-legged loved ones included—is a blessing worth counting daily.

Afforded by opportunity.
Opportunity and challenge afford growth, and Terry is never one to pass up an opportunity. “I always find that the ability to enjoy a new experience and laugh at your own miscues or shortcomings will afford you the ability to enjoy the new challenge. I always say, where there is challenge, there is opportunity for growth. Never stagnant, we are always moving forward … Know, at every step, you committed your fullest to find a path forward and reach a positive outcome. With that, no matter the circumstance, you can rest well.”

This service-minded man relishes the privilege to connect with those who will shape what’s to come. “Regardless of how our future generations are portrayed, our young people are our greatest asset. Seeing the world through their eyes is exhilarating—without the hang-ups and predispositions we’ve created.” Terry Tumey’s universal goal is always to positively contribute to the success and life experiences of our global community. “Remain affirmed in who you are, no need to be more or no less; it will always be good enough.”

CJ Wilson

Determined. Creative. Autodidact.

CJ Wilson is the definition of a self-made man with Renaissance tendencies. Among his vast range of interests and pursuits, a passion for baseball and cars has been with him since the beginning. A two-time Major League All-Star southpaw, CJ is a family man with a lifelong love of high-quality automobiles. The California native grew up in Huntington Beach and focused 100% on baseball from the age of nine. “It was a job for me very early,” CJ shares of what resulted in a 15-year professional baseball career. But the raceway also beckoned. “I grew up at the dirt track; my dad was on the pit crew. I’ve always wanted to be a race car driver. I’ve always just been a car guy.” CJ got into the dealership business while still in the Majors and launched his race team in 2010. Having acquired Audi Fresno, BMW Fresno, and Porsche Fresno in 2017, he is now at the helm of 3 local luxury automotive stores.

From SoCal to CenCal.
CJ’s story starts in Orange County. After graduating from Fountain Valley High School, he went to Santa Ana College and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. “I left before graduating but mainly studied international business, film and screenwriting, and psychology,” he recounts. “As a potential draft pick, I got good grades but was not concerned with graduating, so I took too many classes in different directions to get a well-rounded set of anchors moving into real life.”

On to the next.
CJ left college for professional baseball before becoming a car salesman. “Along the way, I started businesses, won some championships, sold some businesses, closed some businesses, traded up, built some things, and I’m still just at the beginning stages,” believes CJ. “I’ve written a book, designed a house that landed in Architectural Digest, shot photos for F1 and Maxim, started non-profits, founded some companies, angel invested all on the side. I sleep less and learn constantly.” He’s all about surpassing expectations, overcoming objections, and creating new paths around today’s limitations.

Positive influence.
“My grandfather was a huge positive influence on me as a person, but I really think my desire to succeed was a result of wanting a nearly fictional standard of living,” CJ recounts. “In the ’80s and ’90s, the TV stars drove Ferraris, Porsches, etc. I wanted that as a very young child. It made me realize that I needed to be an alchemist and create my own path of dreams and goals to get that…I did not grow up in an opulent household or family, by any means.” The most influential piece of advice CJ received in relation to building his career helped shape his pursuits and achievements: “Only surround yourself with people you respect.”

A serious love of jokes.
CJ can’t help his rather serious demeanor, but he’s also quick to break that stern gaze with a joke. “I’m a very serious person, very much on my own path. I’ve been the same way forever,” he confesses. “It’s not a misconception. However, only my real friends know how I love to tell jokes.” Though he’s admittedly never as organized as he’d like to be, anyone who truly knows CJ understands how much he juggles and loves to collaborate on projects. His straightedge convictions also play a huge role in the way he does things. “I refuse to comply with anything I find unethical. Personal freedom is worth fighting for, as is privacy.”

Leader of the pack.
CJ has been married to his “dream girl” Lisalla Montenegro for about 10 years. Together, they have four children, aged 7, 5, 2, and 4 months. “We have really stretched as much as possible to grow into a great team over that period,” CJ is proud to say. “We were both very much lone wolf types growing up, and now, we have our little pack. It’s fantastic … It’s nothing like the childhood I had, so it feels like a fantasy life,” he relishes. “I really think that my passion for cars and my wife’s appreciation for racing has translated into our kids really well. My favorite moments are chasing them around the dealership and taking the family on drives up to Bass Lake, Shaver Lake, etc. to experience that freedom that cars allow.” He’s hoping to get the kids on dirt bikes soon!

Success translated.
“Running this type of enterprise is really a weird combination of hospitality, luxury goods, commercial real estate, event planning,” CJ shares of the auto industry. “I truly enjoy building connections with our clients similarly to the way a great restaurant or boutique watch store caters to their clients and knows what they like and don’t like. Their support allows me to be successful and employ over 100 people. If we continue to focus on that client experience, our success translates all the way through my team and everyone wins. Winning financially allows for a higher quality of life for my teammates and, hopefully, inspires them to be positive pillars for their families, friends, and social circles. We are all connected through our Karmic Gravity—everything I do creates a wake of energy and has lasting effects.”

Indulgence and dependence.
In his pursuit of always being better, CJ is keenly aware of what really matters as well as what’s still on the horizon. “I have another few books to write, a lot of cars to sell, and want to expand my dealership reach. I spend a lot of time educating people about Bitcoin and might end up in Washington DC one day. It’s still early!” he reveals. But, “If I’m looking to spoil myself, I’m either buying more Bitcoin or chasing a watch.” Nevertheless, every day, he relies on his wife, his phone, and his cast iron skillet. And when a little extra TLC is in order, “Driving sports cars and riding motorcycles is both recharging and rewarding. Internal combustion is my jam.”

In the end.
CJ understands that “Even though we all want to minimize mistakes, we will make them.” Further, he believes “Forward focus on lofty goals is a great vector and prevents dwelling on the past. Future wins are bigger than past losses.” Living what you preach is the best means of establishing the strong leadership that is needed in every family and community. “By setting a great example for my kids, they will translate and amplify my efforts decades into the future. Beyond that, my goal is to inspire people to take charge of their decisions and their direction in life. I call it being a Sovereign Individual.”

Though he retired from professional baseball at the age of 36, today, CJ is still following the path he laid out in 1989. He may have a few more wrinkles now, but CJ’s curiosity and inner drive have not waned at all in his 40s. “Learning new methods and skills and building a great team is what drives me mentally … I focus on making progress, improving, and deeper meaning,” he imparts. “I’m looking for stillness, connection, gratitude,” both personally and professionally. CJ states that at his dealerships, “We’re going to treat you like a neighbor because that’s how we think of ourselves.” From the field and track to family life, momentum and understanding are what CJ Wilson is all about.

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photographer Ellie Koleen
Groomer Samuel Haworth
Wardrobe and styling provided by Patrick James