We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jonathan Pitallo. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jonathan, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
At the heart of everything I do is one mission: to attract, educate, and empower. That’s what VIVE stands for. It started with VIVE Promo & Print, where we helped brands tell their story through design and community. Now it’s grown into VIVE in KC, our real estate group powered by eXp Realty, helping families and investors build ownership and opportunity.
For me, VIVE has always been more than business. It’s a lifestyle and a movement. It’s about helping people Vive tu vida — live your life with purpose, creativity, and growth. If I stopped chasing that, I’d stop creating spaces for others to rise with us. And that’s not something I could ever do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jonathan Pitallo, and I’m the founder of VIVE Promo & Print and the VIVE in KC Real Estate Group powered by eXp Realty. I’m a 22-year-old entrepreneur from Kansas City, and the vision for VIVE started when I was just 16 years old at Belton High School. I had no business background, no college degree, just a vision and a willingness to learn and build something meaningful from the ground up.
What began as a small idea for custom apparel and printing has grown into VIVE Promo & Print, a trusted Kansas City printing company serving schools, businesses, and organizations with custom products, branding, and marketing materials. That same creative energy evolved into the VIVE in KC Real Estate Group, where my team and I help families, investors, and business owners build wealth and community through real estate.
Beyond business, I stay actively involved in the community by serving and speaking at local high schools, inspiring students to explore entrepreneurship and leadership. I also serve as Chair Ambassador for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, and I participate in regional committees with the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce. These roles allow me to keep connecting local businesses, education, and opportunity throughout the region.
What makes VIVE special is that it’s not just a business, it’s a lifestyle brand and a movement. Our mission is simple: Attract. Educate. Empower. Everything we do, whether through printing or real estate, is designed to help others grow, create, and take control of their future. That’s why our motto will always be Vive tu vida, live your life fully, intentionally, and with purpose.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped how I see the world was realizing that no one is coming to save you, but the right people will show up when you move with purpose.
I grew up watching my family solve every problem on their own. They didn’t know the language, didn’t have connections, yet they built a life for all of us. That taught me something powerful. If they could figure it out with less, why couldn’t I do the same and more with the opportunities I have now?
Over time, I realized it’s not just about what you build, it’s about who you become in the process. You learn resilience, you start thinking differently, and you learn patience. Growth isn’t always comfortable or exciting. Sometimes it’s just showing up for yourself on the hard days, when no one is watching.
That mindset changed everything for me. It taught me that success isn’t about what you have, it’s about what you build and how you carry yourself while doing it. It’s about showing up, being resourceful, and staying grounded no matter how far you go.
That’s why I lead with action, relationships, and community. Because I’ve seen firsthand what’s possible when you stop waiting and start building.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were definitely moments where it felt like I was running on empty. No applause, no spotlight, just me, late nights, trying to figure it out. Sometimes with little money in the account, but with a lot of hope that somehow I’d find a way to make it work.
I always say running a business is like flying a plane. When something goes wrong, you don’t get to land and fix it. You have to solve it midair if you want to stay flying. That’s what entrepreneurship is, keeping things in motion even when the turbulence hits.
When things slowed down, I had to pivot fast. I used every resource I could find, new opportunities, relationships, even credit cards, just to stay in the air. Because deep down, I knew this was all part of the process. Every tough season was preparing me for what’s ahead.
Those moments taught me grit, discipline, and faith. They reminded me that success doesn’t come from perfect timing or luck, it comes from refusing to quit when no one’s watching.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Since 2019, when I started my first clothing brand, the message has always been the same. Vive tu vida. Live your life, enjoy the journey, and truly live it. That phrase turned into a movement, and over time it became the foundation for everything I’ve built.
Today, that mission continues through VIVE Promo & Print and VIVE in KC Real Estate Group. My purpose has always been to attract, educate, and empower our community. To show people that you can build something from nothing, create your own opportunities, and open doors for others along the way.
I’m committed to that no matter how long it takes. Because it’s bigger than business. It’s about building a culture where people believe in themselves again, where collaboration replaces competition, and where we all grow together.
That’s the vision. That’s the mission. And I’m in it for the long run.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
What people often misunderstand is that my legacy isn’t just about business; it’s about helping others and building a community that can thrive together. Whether it’s VIVE Promo & Print or VIVE in KC Real Estate, it’s always been about attracting, educating, and empowering our people.
At the end of the day, I’m just a guy in jeans and a black t-shirt. And sometimes people see that and think, “He’s just a kid, what does he know?” But that’s exactly the point. I know that it’s not about looking the part or showing off. It’s about bridging gaps, being big on collaboration, and bringing our community together.
There are so many gaps in education and opportunity in our communities, and it all starts by getting down to the root and letting it grow. So yes, I’m just a kid in a t-shirt, and I’m here to show that it’s about being the bigger person and focusing on the bigger mission. If someone gives me 15 minutes, I’m confident they’ll see that I’m here to help and to build a legacy that lifts everyone up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vivepromoprint.com
- Instagram: jonathanpitallo
- Linkedin: jonathanpitallo
- Facebook: Jonathan Pitallo
