I started with Luby’s in Brownsville on February 1, 2000. In my first five years, I worked in 10 different stores, going wherever the company needed me—from Brownsville to Dallas and back again. I worked hard, kept saying yes, and eventually I got the call I had been working toward: I was going to be the General Manager at Corpus Christi #1. After all the moving around and hard work, I finally had my own store. I still remember how great that felt. Now, more than 26 years later, I’m back in Brownsville, and in a lot of ways, it feels like coming home.

I spent much of my childhood here, went to school here and later ran a golf course in the area, so I’ve gotten to know a lot of people over the years. It still surprises me how many of them walk through the doors at Luby’s. I’ll see someone I knew years ago, and we get a chance to catch up over lunch or dinner. That’s one of the things I love about Luby’s. You work alongside your staff every day, you get to know your guests by name, and there’s a sense of connection here that I don’t believe you get everywhere else. Luby’s just feels like home to me.

My leadership style has changed over the years. I’ve learned to be more understanding and approachable and to really listen to what my team needs. When people know you understand them, it’s easier for everyone to work toward the same vision and the same goal. I’m especially proud of the way my team here in Brownsville has responded since I took over the restaurant. They’ve made adjustments, worked hard and believed in what we’re trying to accomplish together. We’re seeing that show up in our sales and guest counts, and I’m proud of them for it.

Being a Luby’s General Manager is a privilege. It’s something I’m very proud of, and after all these years, it still has a big place in my heart.

Outside of Luby’s, family is a big part of my life. My wife and I are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year, and we have four children. Our two oldest are college graduates—one from UT and one from Texas A&M—and our twins graduated from high school this year. When I’m not at the restaurant, you’ll usually find me playing video games with my son or fishing whenever we get the chance.

And if I’m going through the Luby’s line, I’m getting the Chicken Cordon Bleu with fresh mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. After 26 years, I could probably write a book about everything I’ve experienced at Luby’s. But what matters most is pretty simple: when you come into my restaurant, we’re going to treat you like family, give you great food and do everything we can to make sure you leave satisfied.

Some days are challenging. Some days are longer than others. But I still leave with a sense of accomplishment—and that’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed all these years.