The next generation of social entrepreneurs may rely on more young innovators like Joey Ronca, who is not waiting for the economy to change, but is changing the economy.

The 26-year-old Cleveland resident is taking his earnings and investing in his own future to provide for him and his family. Born in Patchogue, N.Y., a village on the south shore of Long Island, Joey Ronca moved with his family to Cleveland in 2002, and made a cozy living for himself.

Married for the past four years to Nanette, the couple have two small children, Bella and Angelina, who only know the simple pleasures of small town living.

“Cleveland is a nice place to live, very calm,” said Ronca. “The people are personable. It’s definitely different from New York — a real culture shock.”

Although Ronca currently works with his father in their family-owned Italian Bistro, the soft-spoken Italian said his plans are to broaden his economic horizons as a young leader of the social enterprise movement.

“I’m currently in the process of opening a car lot in Cleveland called Big Wheel City, in September,” said Ronca. “I’ve always loved cars and have a real passion for them.”

According to Ronca, used vehicles have a much higher demand in today’s market in view of the economy and the enormous recall of certain later models cars. Not only is Ronca venturing out into the automobile dealership industry, but the co-owner of Papa’s Italian Bistro said he takes an active interest in the lives of others to promote social change as well.

“I’d like people to think of me as a devoted family man who looks out for everybody,” said Ronca. “I consider myself a people person who enjoys helping others. I feel the Lord is blessing me in my life and my marriage.”

Ronca said he believes his generation will do a better job with the economy and in bringing social change than the current generation, and will do his part to prove it.

“We’re more susceptible to change, but the people who are currently in office are approaching things as if to say, ‘This is our way. We’re not doing it your way,’” Ronca said. “And it’s been going on for a while. Personally, I think they need new people in there.”

When asked if he would like to be the next Donald Trump, who also started out as a small-business man, Ronca smiled, saying, “That would be nice.”

Explaining how he developed good work ethics at an early age, Ronca said, “I started young. My father has been an entrepreneur all my life. He’s always had more than one business at a time and kept himself busy. He set a good example for me.”

Karen Messler, who has worked with Joey and his father Ben for the past four years, said she likes Joey as a person and for being such a devoted family man.

“He’s got a great personality,” she said. “He jokes around a lot and makes you smile. Even when you’re down he’ll joke you out of it. I like to see him with his family. He has two gorgeous little girls and a beautiful wife. When he’s with his family he’s a family man. When he’s attending to business he’s a businessman. He knows how to balance both aspects. He’s a really nice guy.”

Ben, Joey’s father, said his son “does things with purpose” and has always been a good son.

“He’s smarter than most people his age. He has a lot of business experience,” Messler added. “I’m a lot older than he is, but when I have questions about things I go to him because he knows about a lot of things.”

Messler said the world could use more people in it like Joey Ronca who he says represents the future of young America, economic growth and social change where people still look out for one another and anyone can succeed.