Juan Rogelio Lemarroy Montanaro

University of Michigan, Ross School of Business

“I’m a creative and fearless individual, a natural leader who loves a challenge.”

Hometown: Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico

Fun Fact About Yourself: As a BBQ enthusiast, I started a successful take-out restaurant from home during the pandemic, cooking everything on a single homemade smoker and using friends to deliver.

Undergraduate School and Major: Tec de Monterrey, Industrial and Systems Engineer

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: I have been a self-employed DJ and music producer for the last eight years, but in 2017, I signed an artist deal with Sony Music Mexico.

What word best describes the Michigan Ross students and alumni you’ve met so far and why? Resourceful. There has not been a single person that I have talked to, whether alumnus or current student, who did not go out of his or her way to help me in every way possible; Rossers have uniquely come through for me.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Michigan Ross’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Coming from a non-traditional background, I specifically sought a program that could help me identify the right career path for me moving forward by letting me explore diverse industries. Ross’s Multidisciplinary Action Projects program was just what I was looking for.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Michigan Ross? As a self-employed entrepreneur and leader, I am eager to be a part of the Sanger Leadership Center, working on projects that could nurture my leadership skills further.  Also, I look forward to becoming an active member of the Latin community at Ross to proudly represent my cultural background.

When you think of Michigan Ross, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Camaraderie. The main reason I applied to Ross is that all the alumni and students that I talked to made me feel that I belonged there long before getting accepted, and I felt right at home.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In 2017, I became the first Mexican DJ to secure a record deal as an official Sony Music Mexico artist. As a result, I was able to collaborate with world-renowned artists, such as Alan Walker, and do shows worldwide alongside top DJs such as Tiësto.

How did COVID-19 change your perspective on your career and your life in general? Despite all its tragedy, COVID allowed me to pause a very hectic DJ tour life, group my ideas and refocus my energy into my future. Personally, I was overwhelmed with all the changes around me, which made me aware of mental health issues among artists and the stigma around them.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? During these chaotic times, I came to understand that my role as an artist had come to a halt, and it was time for me to transition into the business world. To successfully reinvent myself, I needed preparation, the one only an MBA could give me. As a people person and leader, I hope to become a product manager or general manager in tech after graduation. Additionally, I look forward to being an ambassador for Ross among MBA candidates in Mexico.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? None. I was convinced that Ross was the best and only program for me.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Michigan Ross’s MBA program? First, I would tell applicants to never think that they are not good enough for business school or that, because of their background, they are not a good fit for an MBA. Second, I would suggest that they do an introspection of their lives and find out what it is about them that makes them special, focusing on how this will help them contribute to the program. Finally, Ross rewards those who are willing to do the work; so work hard on your essays, revise them thoroughly, and (most importantly) make sure you fully answer the questions.

DON’T MISS: MEET MICHIGAN ROSS’ MBA CLASS OF 2023 or MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2023: PACESETTERS WITH A PURPOSE