Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Velez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ray Velez – Building Community Through Creativity and Engagement
My name is Ray Velez, and I’m originally from El Paso, Texas. I’ve always been passionate about community engagement and marketing. Ever since I was little, I was fascinated by how people connected—whether it was through social media, newspapers, radio features, or even billboards showcasing artists. That curiosity led me to work with Neon Desert Music Festival, where I got my first real experience in promotion and being part of online conversations.
At the same time, I started hunting for murals around El Paso and posting them on social media. I quickly realized how much people engaged with that kind of content, and it pushed me to keep creating. After some time in school, I made the move to Austin to start building something new for myself. That’s when Abel Olmos, the owner of The Barbashop, reached out and told me he saw potential in me when it came to marketing—especially in creating short and long-form video content. With his mentorship, along with the support of Christopher Salas, I started refining my skills and really diving into content creation. If it weren’t for their guidance and encouragement, I don’t think I would have built the platform I have today.
One of the biggest things I’ve incorporated into my work is Dialed In. To me, being “Dialed In” means being focused, prepared, and fully engaged in whatever you’re working on. It’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and making things happen. I wanted to bring that same mindset to my social media strategy—to inspire people to tackle their goals with intention and drive. That’s why I started Dialed In. Wednesdays—a fresh take that breaks away from the typical social media trends and creates something unique.
For me, this journey has always been about creativity, consistency, and building connections. I’m excited to keep growing and finding new ways to engage with the community, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not—it’s been anything but smooth. From trying to start a business with little to no resources to experiencing a massive layoff, the journey has been filled with challenges. There were moments when it felt impossible to keep moving forward, and the mental toll has been one of the hardest parts.
But that’s exactly what Dialed In. is all about—pushing forward no matter what. Through every setback, I’ve had to stay focused, adapt, and keep creating. The struggles have only reinforced my belief in showing up, putting in the work, and finding new ways to engage and grow. It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped the path I’m on today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a passionate marketing and community engagement professional with a strong background in content creation, brand management, and team leadership. My work revolves around building meaningful connections—whether through social media, digital marketing, or in-person collaborations. I specialize in creating engaging content, from short-form videos to strategic campaigns, that drive audience interaction and brand awareness.
What sets me apart is my ability to bring people together. Whether it’s through Dialed In., my work with local businesses like The Barbashop, or past roles in sales and management, I’ve always focused on fostering engagement and building relationships. I take pride in my ability to coach and mentor teams, helping others develop their skills while pushing toward shared goals.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the platform I’ve built despite the challenges I’ve faced. From starting with almost nothing to overcoming setbacks like a major layoff, I’ve continued to push forward, staying true to my vision. Dialed In. isn’t just a social media concept—it’s a mindset that I apply to everything I do: staying focused, putting in the work, and finding new ways to innovate.
My experience leading teams, hitting sales goals, and adapting in fast-paced environments has given me a unique perspective on marketing and engagement. I don’t just create content—I build strategies that connect with people and drive real results.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of the things I love most about Austin is the energy—it’s a city that fully embraces its unique culture. The blend of creativity, the “keep Austin weird” mentality, and the outdoor-friendly environment make it such a special place. There’s always live music playing somewhere, and the way the city comes together for events, like the Grinch drive-around in certain neighborhoods, is something I’ve always found beautiful.
What I don’t love as much is how much Austin is changing. The growth is exciting in some ways, but it also feels like the old Austin—the one that made this city so special—is slowly fading. And honestly, people can be a little rude sometimes, which takes away from the welcoming, community-driven vibe that Austin is known for.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @wreckitrxy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-velez-818b1a202?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @wreckitrxy
