What factors do you think have contributed to Rodriguez's success? Was he merely "in the right place at the right time ", or are there characteristics about him that contribute to the success?.
Rodriguez was an immigrant from Puerto Rico with very limited knowledge of the English language. He moved to Florida in search of greener pastures, some of the factors that lead to his success were related to his ambition. Rodriguez's success was mainly driven by his motivation to have a better life than what he was leading prior to migrating to the USA and better than the current life he was leaving by struggling to get by. He started with getting education at a local community college, and while he was going there he was working at the local mall to support himself through the studies. Upon graduation from the community college he was advised by a friend to apply to a jewelry store in the mall although he was hesitant he followed the advice and got hired. He started working there and found a high interest in diamonds which lead to him obtaining a certificate in diamond grading. .
His goal after that was to go to a higher level than just working in the store, he didn't want to be stuck on the same level and not making good enough money given that his knowledge of diamonds had advanced by working in the store and the certificate the obtained. Rodriguez ultimately proved himself to be a very ambitious and extremely motivated person and he was determined to do what he thought would work out best for him. He also had the right resources which lead him to be a very successful diamond trader. All this success came through exploring other endeavors, had he stopped when he was discouraged about the idea of selling diamonds online then he wouldn't have reached the level he was on. This all lead to the success he got, by trusting himself and going after his dream (Robbins, Judge, 2009). Mr. Rodriguez was actually in the right place at the right time as well.
