Tad Negrete on Childhood Exploration, Creative Resilience, and Building a Record Label

Thankfully, the world is open for travel once again. Traveling can broaden our horizons and make space for people to become more open-minded. How can travel give us the opportunity for personal growth? What are some ways that travel can help us become better human beings? As a part of our series about “How Traveling Can Help Us Become Better Human Beings”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tad Negrete.

Tad Negrete is a seasoned globetrotter with a passion for music, art, travel, and culture. Hailing from the small border town of San Luis, AZ, Tad’s upbringing was infused with a love for exploration and a deep appreciation for different cultures, thanks to his family’s influence.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

I appreciate the invitation and am excited to be here. My journey began in the charming border town of San Luis, AZ, and San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, where my family instilled in me a love for exploration and music from a young age. As a child, my mother gifted me a computer, which changed my life forever. I would spend my days playing basketball and, on my computer, creating mixes and switching beats to popular songs. I would use platforms like Napster or LimeWire to create mixes to sell to friends.

Summers were filled with adventures in vibrant Mexico City or the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, where I also attended high school for two years. During my time at North Tahoe High, my family encouraged me to work and save up to buy my first DJ set and recording equipment. I vividly remember practicing the art of DJing for countless hours on my Technics turntables. These early experiences fueled my passion for travel, art, sports, and music, shaping the person I am today.

On February 19, 2008, my lifelong dream of starting a record label came true when my friends Juan Ramirez, Lalo Lopez, and I launched Decadent Music Group. It has been an incredible journey ever since. Since I was a kid, my sole mission in life has been to live like a Rockstar, not to be one.

What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.

My number one source of inspiration for my career has always been Jesus Christ, who guides and motivates me in all aspects of my life. Alongside Him, my family, including the Gortari, Torres, and Negrete families, have played a crucial role in shaping my identity.

In addition to my faith and family, influential figures in the business, travel, and music industries have also inspired me. Icons such as Tupac Shakur, Marcus Aurelius, Anthony Bourdain, Kanye West, Joaquin Phoenix, Banksy, Michael Jordan, 50 Cent, Eminem, Allen Iverson, Marco Antonio Solis, The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, Jack Johnson, The Lumineers, along with the heavy metal bands Korn, Metallica, AC/DC, and Rage Against The Machine, and lastly — my biggest musical influence of all time — the French electronic duo Justice, have deeply influenced my passion for music, travel, and business.

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?

I wholeheartedly echo the sentiment expressed. Undoubtedly, success in any career hinges on the support and collaboration of others. One individual who profoundly influenced my early understanding of business and instilled in me a sense of respect is a family friend named Jack Jackson.

Jack took me under his wing at a young age, imparting invaluable lessons that have endured over time. Additionally, Attorney Jose Antonio Saldivar, a trusted family friend, provided me with guidance in life and a deep understanding of American laws and rights. Moreover, Matthew Skidmore has been a pivotal mentor in my entrepreneurial journey, offering invaluable guidance and wisdom every step of the way. Furthermore,

Countless family friends have also played a crucial role in shaping my path, including the unwavering support of my mother, uncles, aunt, brother, and the Torres family, along with the significant role played by the Mosqueda family, which has been instrumental in my success. They consistently encouraged me to remain authentic and express my creativity through avenues like music, travel, and art.

Although my musical preferences may not have always aligned with my mother’s, my family always rallied behind me, recognizing music as a potent form of self-expression. I am profoundly grateful to these individuals for their profound influence in shaping the person I am today.

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?

Mistakes and failures are indeed a natural part of life and essential for shaping a person’s character. Adversity is necessary for personal growth. I believe that making mistakes is inevitable, but the key is to learn from them and avoid repeating them in the future. I would prefer to fail a million times than to never try at all. The regret of not trying would linger forever, while failing is simply a step closer to success.

When I was 16, I made a significant mistake by spending my last $40 on a calling card that turned out to be unusable during my 20-hour Greyhound bus journey from Reno, Nevada, to Yuma, Arizona. This left me without money for food or a means to contact anyone during the trip back. Despite feeling hungry throughout the journey, my determination to quickly return to Yuma to see my girlfriend at the time never wavered.

Fortunately, luck was on my side when I struck up a conversation with a fellow traveler of my age and shared my passion for creating mixes of my favorite songs. Intrigued, he expressed interest in listening to one of my mixes. To my surprise, he offered to purchase the CD for $10. Recognizing the opportunity, I tapped into my inner entrepreneur and sold it to him for $20, allowing me to buy some much-needed food.

Through resourcefulness and quick thinking, I managed to find a solution to my predicament and eventually reached my destination in Yuma. This experience taught me the valuable lesson that with determination and a positive attitude, one can overcome obstacles and find a way forward even in challenging circumstances.

Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?

Anthony Bourdain once said, “Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” This quote resonates with me because it reminds me to embrace life with a sense of fun and adventure, encouraging me to take risks, try new things, and make the most of every experience.

Additionally, Bourdain’s quote, “Luck is not a business model,” serves as a powerful reminder that success is not solely based on chance or luck. It emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and strategic planning in achieving our goals, motivating us to take control of our own destiny and not rely on luck alone to determine our outcomes. Bourdain’s wisdom highlights that success requires effort, perseverance, and a well-thought-out plan.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?

I am currently juggling multiple projects spanning real estate development, art, and music. My business partner, Matthew, and I are in the early stages of creating a Real Estate mentorship program that will equip individuals with the knowledge needed to succeed as real estate developers.

However, my true passion lies in a project that aims to engage the younger generation by exploring the profound connection between religion and travel. This initiative provides a platform for young people to explore different religious beliefs and practices, fostering curiosity, respect, and empathy.

By engaging meaningfully with religion, young individuals can gain valuable wisdom, guidance, and a sense of community, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges and shape their spiritual journey. I recommend downloading the pray.com app to learn more.

OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about travel and personal growth. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to personal growth? Can you share a story?

Travel is a catalyst for personal growth, fostering empathy and understanding through exposure to diverse cultures. My passion for travel began at a young age and has since become a core value. I aim to inspire others to embrace cultural diversity and the transformative power of travel, emphasizing that exploration is accessible to all.

During many different summer trips to Mexico City, I remember four significant events that marked my life and ignited my passion for music, travel, sports, and photography. The first event was watching the 1993 NBA Finals game between the Phoenix Suns and the Chicago Bulls when I was seven years old. I vividly recall the joy of being with my family — my mother, uncle, and brother — as we were all happy to be watching such a significant game together.

The second event was when my cousin Beto took me to see a movie at the theater. While I can’t recall the movie’s name, I distinctly remember the movie ending with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song “Proud Mary,” which mesmerized me more than the movie itself.

Thirdly, one of my most impactful travel experiences was my first solo trip at 12 to Mexico City. The independence and excitement I felt navigating the airport and reuniting with family in a new setting left a lasting impression.

Lastly, my cousin Beto’s photography lesson in Mexico City at the age of 11 taught me to capture the essence of my experiences worldwide. These valuable lessons influence my travel philosophy, intertwining with my love for art, photography, and music, to highlight connections and interactions in each new place. While I strive to seamlessly blend into the landscapes I capture, my main focus remains on showcasing the beauty and essence of the surroundings rather than myself.

A recent survey from Psychology Today showed that over 80% of participants found that travel helped them with problem-solving or decision-making. Why do you think this is true for so many people?

I wholeheartedly agree with the Psychology Today study showing that travel enhances problem-solving skills. I personally experienced this during a challenging situation at Houston Airport.

After being denied boarding on a flight due to not having a passport for a trip to another country, I spent seven hours finding a solution. Through creative thinking and persistence, I was able to overcome the obstacle and continue my journey. Travel presents unique challenges that require quick thinking and decision-making, fostering valuable skills like adaptability and resilience.

Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?

Travel can enhance mindfulness, optimism, and gratitude by exposing us to diverse cultures and perspectives. My visit to Bangkok, Thailand, was eye-opening, showcasing kindness and generosity amidst the chaos. A memorable encounter with a street vendor highlighted resilience and hospitality. This experience deepened my mindfulness and optimism, reinforcing the power of empathy and gratitude. Travel broadens horizons, fosters mindfulness, nurtures optimism, and reminds us of our shared humanity.

Surely not everyone who travels automatically becomes an exemplar of human decency. What are a few reasons why some people completely miss out on the growth opportunities that travel can offer?

Some people may miss out on the growth opportunities that travel can offer due to a lack of openness to different cultures and traditions, fear of the unknown, a sense of entitlement, or a lack of curiosity and willingness to learn. It’s important to approach travel with an open mind, humility, and genuine curiosity to truly benefit from the experiences it offers.

Drawing inspiration from individuals like Anthony Bourdain, who embraced travel with respect and curiosity, can teach us valuable lessons about the transformative power of exploring new cultures and perspectives. By being open to new experiences, fostering meaningful connections, and approaching travel with humility and curiosity, we can unlock the growth opportunities that travel provides and become more compassionate, empathetic, and culturally aware individuals. I attribute my diverse musical taste and style to my travels, where I discover new music, food, friends, and styles that enrich my experiences and broaden my horizons.

What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Personal Growth?”

1. Respect: Cultivate respect for local culture, customs, and traditions to honor people and open yourself to different perspectives. For example, in Japan, removing shoes before entering homes showed respect for their values and led to meaningful interactions.

2. Humility: Practice humility by being open-minded and acknowledging you are a guest in another country. In Peru, participating in a traditional ceremony with an open heart allowed a deeper understanding of cultural practices.

3. Religion: Approach religious sites with reverence and sensitivity. At the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the UAE, respecting Islamic customs deepened my understanding of Islam and the importance of respecting different faiths.

4. Food: Explore local cuisine to connect with a culture. Trying new foods can lead to memorable culinary experiences and an appreciation for global gastronomy. In Italy, joining a cooking class to learn traditional pasta dishes created connections with the local community.

5. Local Traditions: Engage with local traditions to enrich your travel experience and foster cross-cultural understanding. In Egypt, witnessing the celebration of Eid al-Fitr provided insights into Egyptian culture and the importance of preserving customs and traditions.

Incorporating these habits into your travels can lead to personal growth, cultural exchange, and a deeper connection with the world around you.

From your experience, does travel have a negative impact on personal growth too? Is there a downside to travel?

While travel can be incredibly enriching and transformative, it is important to acknowledge that there can be downsides or challenges associated with it as well. One potential negative impact of travel on personal growth is the physical and mental toll it can take on individuals, especially when dealing with long flights, jet lag, and adjusting to different time zones. Traveling to countries with significant time differences, such as those with a 12+ hour gap, can disrupt sleep patterns, lead to fatigue, and affect overall well-being.

Additionally, frequent travel may also pose challenges such as feeling disconnected from routine, family, and friends, as well as experiencing cultural shock or language barriers in unfamiliar environments. These factors can contribute to feelings of disorientation, loneliness, or even anxiety for some travelers.

It’s crucial to be aware of these potential downsides of travel and take proactive steps to mitigate them, such as practicing self-care, staying connected with loved ones, and prioritizing rest and relaxation during trips. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, individuals can fully embrace the positive aspects of travel while minimizing any negative impacts. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential downsides of travel and take proactive steps to mitigate them, such as practicing self-care, staying connected with loved ones, and prioritizing rest and relaxation during trips.

In addition to these measures, listening to motivational speakers and speeches can also be a powerful tool for enhancing travel experiences and finding inspiration on the road. Some of the speakers who have greatly influenced my mindset and fueled my success include Joe Rogan, Les Brown, Andy Fersitta, Alan Watts, Ed Mylett, Robert Greene, and Dr. Jordan Peterson. Their insights have shaped my approach to travel and enriched my adventures with valuable perspectives and motivation in any aspect of my life.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)

Selecting just one individual for an intimate meal is a challenging task, but if pressed to narrow it down to my top four choices at this moment, I would extend the invitation to Kanye West, Bill Ackman, Marcelo Claure, and Memo Salinas. Sitting down for a private breakfast or lunch with Kanye would be a fascinating experience, given his multifaceted career as a musician, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. Kanye’s innovative approach to art and creativity, coupled with his outspoken nature, would undoubtedly spark engaging discussions on topics ranging from music and fashion to culture and society. His unique perspective and boundary-pushing ideas would make for a dynamic and thought-provoking mealtime conversation.

In addition to Kanye West, I would be honored to share a meal with Bill Ackman, a prominent figure in the world of finance renowned for his success in hedge fund management and investments. Ackman’s strategic acumen, bold decision-making, and commitment to philanthropy are qualities that I deeply respect. A private conversation with Bill Ackman would offer valuable insights into the intricacies of finance and business, and I would eagerly absorb the wisdom he has gained throughout his career.

Furthermore, engaging in dialogue with Marcelo Claure, a visionary leader in the tech and telecommunications sectors, would be a captivating experience. Claure’s innovative business strategies and entrepreneurial spirit have positioned him as a trailblazer in the industry. A meal shared with Marcelo Claure would provide a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of technology and business, exchange ideas on industry trends, and glean insights from his wealth of experience.

Lastly, conversing with Memo Salinas, a distinguished traveler and adventurer celebrated for his compelling narratives and profound cultural observations, would be a delightful and enlightening experience. Delving into Salinas’s travel stories, learning about his most memorable expeditions, and receiving expert guidance on immersive travel experiences would make for a truly enriching mealtime discussion.

The prospect of engaging in conversations with Kanye West, Bill Ackman, Marcelo Claure, and Memo Salinas promises to be a memorable and intellectually stimulating occasion, filled with diverse perspectives, valuable insights, and enriching exchanges.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

To further follow my work online, you can visit my Instagram profile @tad_tres. I regularly share updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creative process. Feel free to connect with me there for more content and to stay updated on my latest projects and endeavors. I also want to encourage people to find their passion, be unique, travel, and most importantly, follow God, whichever belief you hold. Thank you for your interest and support!

Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.