There’s a line from the movie “Ricky Balboa” where the protagonist observes, “… it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.”
Ivan Mayorga has proven time and again that he can take a punch and not let it keep him down. But what he experienced in 2023 would’ve brought any person to their needs. He lost his wife, Alletta, to a pulmonary embolism. His mother-in-law and uncle also passed away. Financially strapped from the loss of his wife’s income, Mayorga also lost his home. All in the span of one calendar year.
The grief and despair were overwhelming. “I almost threw in the towel and was going to walk away and disappear for good,” he recalled.
But he owed it to his wife, and himself, to pick up the pieces and continue living his life. Mayorga knew that if it was he who died, he would want his wife to keep moving forward. With the support of his stepson Luis and his faith in Jehovah, Mayorga emerged inspired, and it’s his tale of strength and courage that earned him a spot as a 2025 ENX Magazine Difference Maker.
It’s been 10 years since Mayorga first stepped foot into the California dealership. He did so tentatively; he’d been working part-time for a food and supplies chain and was looking for more stable income. However, he had no knowledge of office technology dealerships (“I didn’t even know what toner was,” he confessed) and lacked confidence. But then-Director of Operations Michael Volen loved Mayorga’s willingness to learn and do whatever it takes. He was hired to work in shipping and do deliveries.
Great Opportunity
Late in 2018, he was afforded the opportunity to take a bold step and become a setup technician. Again, self-doubt clouded Mayorga’s thinking, but it was stepson Luis—who actually held the same position with Image 2000 but was changing duties—who not only encouraged his step-father, but also helped train him at the job. The doubt was quickly erased, and he continues to flourish as a setup tech—constantly learning and achieving Sharp and Kyocera certifications to enhance his value.
“When Luis said he’d teach me, he said I would be fine; it was just like building Legos. You just put things together,” he chuckled. Despite a few panicky moments at the outset, Mayorga quickly grew into the job and gained the confidence he needed.
Mayorga feels he owes a debt of gratitude to Image 2000 leaders such as Joe Blatchford, Jeff Rudisel, Joe Hubbard and Severino Jimenez. They were there for him professionally and were supportive during the trying times in 2023, when the tragedies piled on top of another. Through it all, Mayorga’s work continued to meet the highest of standards. His resilience was an inspiration to Image 2000 team members.
Even as a youngster playing sports, Mayorga could always see the value in giving his best effort every time. “I want to do my best on the job and get even better. I learned how to make some repairs on machines, do maintenance and things like that,” he said. “Plus, I still help out wherever I can with the service techs or in the shipping department.
“It makes me feel good that I’m valued here. It feels like I have another family at Image 2000.”
There’s no denying the impact 2023 had on Mayorga and his family. His wife passed away May 15, and her memorial was held within days of their wedding anniversary. In addition to his mother-in-law and uncle, he’s lost several friends. His brother has cancer.
Keeping Faith
“I still get depressed sometimes and I couldn’t have gotten through it without Jehovah,” Mayorga said. “I’ve done a lot of praying. When the house was getting sold, I’d sit in the middle of an empty room, praying to Him for an hour. A part of me wanted to end it all because I’d lost everything, but that would show a lack of faith and make everything I’ve done and said a lie. It’s because of him that I’m still standing.”
Today, Mayorga continues to spread the word of God as a Jehovah’s Witness, doing bible studies and discussing God with those interested in learning. He also dedicates himself to helping others through his church and volunteer work. Considering the rode he’s been down, Mayorga is hoping to help others in dire straits.
“I hope that I can help save lives,” he added.
