When Joseph Cortez first shared his Good Life Story, he was on a high. Business was thriving, and he and his wife were able to give generous support to their church and community in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. But as Joseph puts it, “A couple years after the story, a hurricane came through my personal life, too.”
Since then, Joseph’s journey has been one of rebuilding, professionally, financially, personally, and spiritually. And through it all, one constant has remained: the unwavering support of his coach and the Buffini & Company community.
Coaching Through Life’s Highs and Lows
Joseph credits his coach not just with keeping him in the business, but with helping him navigate some of the toughest seasons of his life. “She’s been there to cry with me, to laugh with me, and to give me the hard truths I needed when I couldn’t see them myself,” he says. “Other than my wife, I don’t know if there’s anyone who knows me better.”
One of the most transformative lessons Joseph has learned since his original video? “I’m not responsible for how other people react. I have a responsibility to people, but not for them.” That shift, supported by coaching and personal work, has allowed him to be more honest, with clients, with himself, and with his family.
REALStrengths and Real Growth
Joseph’s journey of self-awareness deepened with REALStrengths. He began to see not just the strengths he leaned on, but the ones he’d been neglecting, and how some top-tier tendencies were holding him back. Today, he continues to apply his REALStrengths profile to every area of life, from business strategy to family dynamics.
Financial Wins Despite Life’s Storms
While personal challenges surfaced, Joseph and his family still made impressive strides toward their financial goals. They paid off debt, bought into nine rental properties, and grew their real estate investment portfolio to nearly $2 million in value with 50% equity. Even in years that felt like setbacks, his GCI was still higher than in his early career, what he calls a “higher low.”
A Heart for Community
After their original story aired, Joseph and his wife fulfilled a significant commitment to their church’s Hurricane Harvey relief effort. That spirit of generosity has continued, not just financially, but with their time and energy. Joseph has become an active part of his daughter’s ballet community (even taking the stage himself as a cast member!) and continues to give back where he can, while focusing on getting his “house in order” for future impact.
Still Living the Good Life
Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder that the Good Life isn’t about perfection, it’s about growth, resilience, and support. “If your business is good but your life isn’t, Buffini & Company is there for you,” he says. “If everything’s good and you want it to be better, they’re there for that, too.”
Joseph Cortez is still living the Good Life. And he’s doing it with purpose, perspective, and the power of coaching by his side. Ready to build your own version of the Good Life? Schedule a free business consultation today and take the first step towards a business and life, by design.
Watch Joe’s original Good Life Story here:
