Meet David Lopez | CEO of Credstart & founder of The Nomad Ranch

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my career and life, I perceive risk through a somewhat unconventional lens. Rather than viewing risk solely as potential loss or failure, I see it as a compelling motivator that pushes me beyond the mere desire to succeed. This perspective stems from an acute awareness of the ever-present possibility that circumstances can change unexpectedly—the proverbial other shoe dropping. Ultimately, embracing this kind of risk has not only safeguarded my companies against unforeseen challenges but has also fostered a culture of innovation and agility. We don’t shy away from opportunities because they carry risk; we embrace them because we are prepared to manage whatever outcomes they might bring.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

In 2009, my late father was the proprietor of one of the original and most prominent credit repair companies in the nation. Regrettably, following his sudden passing, the company underwent dissolution. Faced with the aftermath of this loss, in 2013, at the age of 22, I found myself at a crossroads. With only a modest amount of savings remaining, I confronted the choice between settling my outstanding debts and securing traditional employment or taking a leap of faith to establish my own enterprise.

Complicating matters further, I had recently come out as gay in an industry, particularly real estate, where such openness was not universally embraced, especially for someone as young and belonging to a minority demographic “latino”. Despite encountering numerous setbacks, including closed doors from erstwhile collaborators, I persevered, gradually assembling a clientele and forging ahead, one step at a time.

In 2017, I proudly launched one of merely two credit repair software platforms available, a venture that has since proven instrumental in transforming the lives of tens of thousands of individuals. Though the journey has been arduous, I remain deeply appreciative of every moment, recognizing each challenge as an opportunity for growth and gratitude.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d want to give them the quintessential LA experience mixed with some hidden gems. Here’s how I’d plan our itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Welcome my friend with a laid-back lunch at Urth Caffé in Santa Monica,
Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Santa Monica Pier, riding the Ferris wheel, and soaking up the beach vibes.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at The Bungalow.

Day 2: Hollywood and Culture

Start the day with brunch at The Griddle Cafe on Sunset Boulevard, Great staple and gives room for some food Instagram pictures

Give them a short visit to Hollywood Walk of Fame, stopping by Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre.
Visit the Getty Center to admire its impressive art collection, stunning architecture, and panoramic views of the city.
End the day with dinner at Musso & Frank Grill, a historic Hollywood restaurant known for its classic cocktails and old-school charm.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

Have breakfast at Sqirl, a cozy café in Silver Lake known for its inventive dishes and house-made jams.
Spend the morning hiking to the iconic Hollywood Sign for breathtaking views of the city and the Hollywood Hills.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Griffith Park, followed by a visit to the Griffith Observatory to learn about space and astronomy.
Relax with dinner and drinks at Perch, a rooftop bar in downtown LA offering stunning views of the skyline.

Day 4: Arts and Shopping

Start the day with brunch at Bottega Louie, a chic downtown restaurant known for its elegant pastries and brunch fare.
Explore the vibrant arts district of Downtown LA, visiting galleries and street art murals.
Spend the afternoon shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, browsing luxury boutiques and people-watching.
Enjoy dinner at Bestia, a trendy Italian restaurant in the Arts District known for its house-cured meats and inventive pasta dishes.

Day 5: Visit to The Nomad Ranch

I would have my guest experience a day at The Nomad Ranch is a serene retreat that is owned by my partner and I. The Nomad Ranch is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, where visitors can immerse themselves in tranquility and reconnect with nature. Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Los Angeles County, I would have them have a day to relax from all the GO and experience guided meditation and some soaking in our dipping pool .

Day 6: Day Trip to Malibu

Start the day with brunch at Malibu Farm Pier Café, a farm-to-table restaurant with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Spend the morning exploring the beautiful beaches of Malibu, like El Matador Beach or Zuma Beach.
Visit the Getty Villa to admire its collection of ancient Greek and Roman art, as well as its tranquil gardens.
End the day with a sunset dinner at Nobu Malibu, a celebrity hotspot known for its upscale Japanese cuisine and oceanfront location.
Day 7: Farewell and Fond Memories

Have a farewell breakfast at Republique, a beloved French bakery and café in Mid-City known for its pastries and brunch dishes.
Take a leisurely stroll through the historic Farmers Market at The Grove, browsing local vendors and sampling delicious treats.
Spend the afternoon souvenir shopping on Olvera Street, the oldest street in Los Angeles, known for its Mexican market and cultural heritage.
End the trip with a sunset cocktail at the rooftop bar of the Ace Hotel, enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline before saying goodbye to LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding team by my side. Their unwavering dedication, passion, and support inspire me every single day to push myself further and strive for excellence.

Together, we’ve created an environment where innovation flourishes, allowing us to maximize our impact and reach thousands of individuals seeking to fix their credit and rebuild their financial futures. Their collective expertise and collaborative spirit have not only elevated our productivity but also enabled us to provide invaluable assistance to those in need.

Their commitment to our shared mission drives me to continually improve and exceed expectations. It’s their belief in our vision that fuels my determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an exceptional team, and I am continually inspired by their dedication to our cause.

Website: www.credstart.com

Instagram: Mycredstart

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/credstart-santa-clarita