Meet Ron Lewis Jr.

From the 1.3 to the Doctorate Degree.

Helping individuals become resilient, get unstuck, and overcome adversity through vision, voice, and value.

Leading with impact, Transforming lives.

Empowering high school students, student athletes, and college students to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and develop a strong mindset. Through leadership, mental health awareness, and entrepreneurship, I help young people create a life of purpose, confidence, and ownership.

Ron Lewis Jr.

About Me

I’m Dr. Ron Lewis Jr., and my story is one of triumph against all odds. Bullied and struggling with low self-esteem, I repeated the 9th grade twice with a 1.3 GPA. Instead of giving up, I turned my struggles into fuel for success, earning an MBA and a Doctorate in Business Administration while achieving honors like the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society and the Dean’s List.


The turning point in my life came when I joined the U.S. Army. Military service instilled discipline and confidence, earning me awards such as the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and 3 Army Army Achievement Medals. Despite living with ADHD, PTSD, and TBI, I’ve built a career as a realtor, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, empowering others to turn their challenges into triumphs.


Today, I specialize in delivering impactful keynote speeches that resonate with high school, college, and professional audiences. I connect with people through my real-world experiences, providing tools to overcome adversity, embrace leadership, and build success.

Ron defended his dissertation in 2023 titled “How learning entrepreneurship could reduce poverty and homelessness” Ron hated watching families have to sell or pawn items in order to survive. During his dissertation research he found that 52% to 64% of consumers live paycheck to paycheck, and would not have an extra $1000 in savings in case of an emergency. He now has a strategy to help families-and individuals create an extra $1000 in residual income monthly.
Let’s Transform Challenges into Opportunities Together!

“Failing is not losing. Failure is part of success. You only lose when you quit.” –
(Dr. Ron Lewis Jr).

Dr. Ron Lewis Jr. Resilience in Action

Dr. Ron Lewis Jr. is more than a motivational speaker he’s a living example of perseverance, purpose, and possibility. Rising from academic failure and personal adversity, he transformed his life through discipline, education, and an unshakable commitment to growth.

With a Doctorate in Business Administration, multiple military honors, and a passion for helping others, Dr. Ron now empowers students, professionals, and organizations to rise beyond their limitations. His talks blend lived experience with practical strategies to spark real, lasting change.

Whether on stage, in a boardroom, or working with youth, he brings the message that no setback is permanent and every challenge holds the potential for a comeback.

Teen Business Interview

Testimonial Video

Services That Empower Your Next Move

Coaching, consulting, and real estate solutions to help you grow, lead, and succeed.

Life Coaching

Helping you gain clarity, confidence, and direction in life.

Group coaching

Personal growth and development strategies

Student Athletes

Helping achieve greatness in the classroom as well as sports

Colleges

Helping gain clarity to maximize your college experience

Mental health

Decrease burnout, stress, suicide prevention

Military Installations

Helping maximize leadership potential

Why People Work With Ron

85%

Improvement in mindset and self-confidence after one-on-one coaching sessions.

70%

Of clients report increased income within 90 days of personalized business consulting.

95%

Student audiences feel more motivated to succeed after attending a speaking event.

Every failure is a step toward greatness.

Beyond the Grades: Rising From Failure to Inspire a Generation
(By Ron Lewis Jr.)

Beyond the Grades is a powerful journey of resilience, from a 1.3 GPA and repeated 9th grade to earning a doctorate and inspiring thousands. In this book, Ron shares how early failures shaped his purpose, and how students and adults alike can turn setbacks into stepping stones.

This book is for anyone who’s ever been counted out and is ready to rise.

What People Are Saying

Darren gardener

Edward Waters University

“Ron is a beacon of hope for for all teens but especially the at risk teen population that may have struggles and are looking for some sort of light in life. He’s came out and provided a stellar presentation to our students with the Black Male College Explorers Program and we’re forever grateful for it.”

Glendora McCargo

FSCJ Keynote Event Organizer

“Ron Lewis Jr., you are a true American Hero. You were just what the young people needed… I can’t thank you enough. It will be a pleasure to work with you in the future.”

My Journey in the News

Discover stories that highlight Dr. Ron Lewis Jr.’s journey, from academic setbacks to earning a Ph.D. and inspiring thousands. Explore featured articles and media appearances that showcase his mission to empower, educate, and lead with purpose.

Black Entrepreneur Who Repeated the 9th Grade Twice With a 1.3 GPA …..

Jacksonville, Florida, Ron struggled throughout high school like many African American students. Fortunately, he was never placed in Special Ed, but he had to repeat the ninth grade nonetheless.

Inland Valley News

April 18, 2025

37-year-old man who dropped out of school because of low grades……

A 37-year-old man named Ron Lewis, Jr. who dropped out of school due to poor grades, achieves success by obtaining three degrees despite feeling like a failure.

SR Team

April 18, 2025

How this entrepreneur soared from straight F’s to earn a Ph.D.

After a challenging academic path, Ron Lewis Jr. is on track to graduate with a Doctorate in Business Administration from the International University of Leadership.

Dollita Okine

April 18, 2025

Black Entrepreneur Who Repeated the 9th Grade Twice With a 1.3 GPA Just Earned His Ph.D.

Featured by the University of Phoenix, Ron shares how he turned failure into motivation, earning his degrees and inspiring others through his journey.

Black News.com

April 18, 2025

From 1.3 GPA to Ph.D.: Ron Lewis Jr.’s Journey of Triumph

A powerful story featured by the University of Phoenix student spotlight, how Ron overcame academic failure and found purpose through education and entrepreneurship.

Laurie Davies

April 18, 2025

Ready to Inspire, Empower, and Transform Your Audience?

Through powerful storytelling and real-life experience, Dr. Ron Lewis Jr. connects deeply with audiences of all ages. From overcoming adversity to building generational success, he delivers life-changing messages that motivate, educate, and ignite purpose.