I've been working in restaurants since I was 15 years old. My first job was washing dishes at a small café near Bishop, Texas, where I grew up. Before long, I was cooking breakfast, and by the time I finished high school, I was already working in another restaurant in Kingsville.

At that point, I had a decision to make. I was seriously considering joining the military, but the restaurant offered me an Assistant Manager position in Corpus Christi. I took the opportunity. And I never really looked back.

I'm 63 now, which means I've spent nearly my entire working life in hospitality. I've managed restaurants in different communities, met more people than I could ever count, and learned something from just about every experience along the way.

Family has shaped some of the biggest decisions I've made, too. Years ago, I was managing a restaurant in Eagle Pass while my children were living in Corpus Christi. When my son needed me closer to home, I made the decision to leave my job and come back. That eventually helped lead me to Luby's. I had already been a Luby's guest for years, so I knew the food and the brand. And during my first year working here, I probably ate enough bacon cheese steak to last a lifetime.

Today, what I feel most when I look back is gratitude. I'm grateful for my parents and what they taught me about right and wrong. I'm grateful for my kids, my partner, and all the people who have helped me along the way. I've had a lot of opportunities in my life, and none of us gets where we are completely on our own.

That's part of why I enjoy seeing Luby's become even more connected to our community. Recently, I've been proud to see our restaurant involved in local projects like the new playground. More people are getting to know me, too. Since my picture went up on the front door, guests introduce themselves, stop to talk, and even recognize me around town. I like that. It reminds people that Luby's isn't just a building or a company. There are real people here who care about this community and plan to be part of it for a long time.

Outside of work, you'll usually find me in the gym. My partner and I motivate each other, and most mornings we're up early getting a workout in before the day begins.

For now, I plan to keep doing what I've always done: work hard, take care of people, stay grateful, and keep going.