By: Matt Emma
In the constantly shifting world of digital marketing, where trends change faster than algorithms can keep up, few figures stand out for both innovation and integrity. Jonathan Rivera is one of those figures. A serial entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and data architect, Rivera has built his career around one principle that transcends every platform: results through discipline. As the founder of The Marketing Elevator, he’s helping a new generation of entrepreneurs learn how to scale their businesses with precision, automation, and purpose.
Rivera’s story is one of grit, faith, and determination. Born in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, he grew up in Section 8 housing, relying on EBT to get by. From the outside, it was an unlikely place for a future global marketing leader to emerge. But Rivera had something most didn’t, an obsession with creating his own opportunities. By middle school, he was already selling CDs, fixing computers, and experimenting with online income long before social media became the powerhouse it is today.
That curiosity eventually led him to Full Sail University, where he began exploring the relationship between creativity, media, and technology. Rivera’s first big break came unexpectedly: a music video he produced went viral, garnering over one million views in just a few days. That moment sparked a realization that would change everything. Digital visibility wasn’t a matter of luck; it could be replicated with the right approach.
From that revelation, Rivera shifted from artist management to data-driven marketing, creating scalable systems that could help brands grow predictably. His methods would later help several companies reach seven- and eight-figure success. Through his agency, Fan Bridge Media, and his growing community at The Marketing Elevator, Rivera continues to refine what he calls “digital ecosystem architecture,” a holistic approach that connects automation, analytics, and storytelling into one seamless engine for growth.
Unlike many marketers who focus on quick wins or viral hacks, Rivera takes the long view. “Everyone wants to go viral,” he says, “but virality without systems may not lead to sustainable growth. True progress comes from building something that works consistently, even while you sleep.” His team builds comprehensive systems designed to attract, convert, and retain customers while giving founders more time to focus on leadership.
That mindset has brought tangible results, literally. Rivera has earned five ClickFunnels 2 Comma Club Awards for generating over $1 million in individual funnels, is a member of the Forbes Council, and has helped clients collectively generate impressive amounts in revenue. Yet despite the accolades, Rivera’s true motivation comes from impact. “Success without service is empty,” he often says. “The goal isn’t just to make money; it’s to create freedom, for yourself and for others.”
At the core of Rivera’s success is his obsession with data. He believes that numbers tell stories, and that by understanding them, entrepreneurs can make smarter, faster, and more meaningful decisions. Through imjonrivera.com and his Instagram, he shares behind-the-scenes insights into funnel building, automation, and the mental frameworks behind elite execution.
The Marketing Elevator community, now with over 1,000 members, represents Rivera’s commitment to accessibility. It’s a place where business owners, creators, and marketers can learn the systems he has shared with both corporate and celebrity clients. His goal is to expand this network significantly in the coming years, making it one of the largest and most respected entrepreneurial networks in the world.
For Rivera, the secret to success isn’t just talent, it’s consistency. Growing up without mentors, he had to learn everything the hard way. But that struggle forged an unmatched resilience. “Every disadvantage can be turned into an advantage once you decide it can,” he says. “I didn’t have resources, but I had resolve.”
That resolve has inspired countless entrepreneurs who follow him online and through The Marketing Elevator. His message is simple: those achieving their dreams are not inherently different from you; you just have to act.
Looking forward, Rivera sees The Marketing Elevator not just as a brand, but as a movement, a blueprint for digital empowerment. As automation and AI reshape industries, he believes that human purpose will be the differentiator. “Technology will never replace people,” Rivera says. “But it has the potential to enhance those who know how to use it.”
From the housing projects of the Virgin Islands to the boardrooms of multimillion-dollar companies, Jonathan Rivera’s journey is a powerful reminder that the future belongs to those who combine faith with execution.
To learn more about his work and community, visit themarketingelevator.com, explore his ecosystem at imjonrivera.com, or follow his updates on Instagram.