Today we’d like to introduce you to Ludwing Castillo.
Hi Ludwing, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and lived there until I was about 13. In 2012, my life took a sudden turn when I had to leave LA and move to Riverside. I moved in with my aunt, which was a difficult period for me. I stayed there for about four years, but due to several personal circumstances, I was kicked out at 17. I had no money, no support system, and no choice but to figure things out on my own.
That was one of the hardest moments of my life—but also one of the most important. Within a week, I started going door-to-door, business to business, looking for any opportunity. I ended up landing a job at a local tire shop. That experience was my first real exposure to the auto world. I learned everything from how to change tires and do oil changes to performing smog checks—and most importantly, I discovered a passion for car sales.
I stayed there for two years, but unfortunately, the work environment became unstable due to the owner’s drug use. I knew I had to move on. My next role was at a warehouse that dealt with car parts—brake calipers, starters, rack & pinions, A/C compressors—you name it. Over time, I was trusted to manage the A/C compressor line, which gave me a deeper understanding of car components and logistics. But as electric cars rose in popularity, demand for those parts dropped, and I was let go.
Soon after, I got my first real taste of leadership as a manager at a body shop. I learned how to fix cosmetic imperfections, repair frames, paint, and much more. I stayed for two years until I received an offer from a tobacco wholesale business—one that came with better pay and, more importantly, invaluable lessons.
At the wholesale company, I learned how to truly manage a business: overseeing employees, managing shipping and deliveries, buying and selling products, and understanding the day-to-day operations of a company. But the most important lesson I learned was this—there’s no better feeling than being your own boss.
In my final year there, I began laying the foundation for what would become my dealership. I worked around the clock—sometimes getting only three to four hours of sleep—while gathering the knowledge, licenses, and resources I needed. I was fortunate to have a friend guide me through the process, and with his help, I got everything in place to start my own business.
Looking back, every single job taught me something essential. But I didn’t make it here alone. I’ve had incredible people by my side—friends and family who believed in me when I had nothing.
Katelin Garcia, Erick Murillo, and their families opened their homes to me when I had nowhere to go. Mr. and Mrs. Ortiz became the mentors I never had, offering advice and guidance at every step. Asim Farha has been by my side through the entire dealership journey—he’s my right hand, and without him, the business wouldn’t be where it is today.
And then there’s my girlfriend of eight years, Kenya Ortiz—my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the most intelligent, kind-hearted person I know. She’s been through every high and low with me. I truly couldn’t have done this without her and our three cats Choco, Flan & Pumpkin.
This journey has taught me resilience, responsibility, and the power of surrounding yourself with good people. I’m proud of where I’ve come from and even more excited for where we’re headed next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To be honest, the journey has been anything but smooth — but every obstacle has pushed me to grow. There were challenges before I even got started, and they definitely didn’t stop once things were up and running. It took nearly a year just to gather all the necessary documentation and file for my dealership license. After that, I had to wait for the DMV to assign and schedule an inspector to approve the lot — another long and frustrating process. Altogether, it was about a year of nonstop persistence just to get my license.
Once we were officially open, things didn’t take off right away. It took an entire month just to sell one car. That first month was one of the scariest times of my life. Bills were piling up, and I only made around $1,300 — barely enough to stay afloat. But I didn’t give up. I believed in what I was building, and in the second month, we jumped to 15–20 car sales. That momentum gave me the boost I needed to keep going.
One of the biggest ongoing challenges has been getting my name out there and consistently bringing in new customers. Thankfully, I work with an incredible marketing agency — OMG STUDIO LLC — led by my amazing girlfriend, Kenya Ortiz, and our two close friends, Katlen Garcia and Paulina Martinez. Their creativity, dedication, and strategy have made a huge difference. They’ve helped me build a brand, expand our reach, and connect with customers in ways I couldn’t have done alone.
This journey has tested me in every way — mentally, financially, and emotionally — but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. And I’m just getting started.
We’ve been impressed with Bidz Auto Sales, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets us apart is my genuine passion for working with and helping people. I’ve learned that customers are the key to everything, and their satisfaction is my top priority.
While most cars are sold for about $1,000 below the original price—and often even lower than their true market value—many buyers are frustrated by the extra fees that typically come with purchasing a vehicle. We pride ourselves on being different by not charging any hidden fees and being transparent about what’s included in the price.
Our focus is on offering the cleanest, most reliable, and most economical vehicles on the market, ensuring that our customers get the best value possible.
What matters most to you? Why?
To me, there are two distinct answers to this question, each based on the context in which it’s asked. If you’re asking about what matters most in my business life, I’d say comfort and sustainability. When you run your business properly, these elements naturally fall into place, allowing you to live your best life, day after day. On the other hand, if the question is about my personal life, my answer is family—not the one you’re born into, but the one you build as you grow. Without the support and presence of my chosen family, I wouldn’t be where I am today or have achieved what I have. The rewards I experience are shared with them; they’re integral to my success and happiness. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bidzautosales.com
- Instagram: bidzautosales_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556752718989
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/HUI9zBagUg
Image Credits
Oscar Ortiz from Karin Ortiz Video & Photography
