I’m from San Antonio, and growing up, I always knew about Luby’s. But I never really imagined it would become my career. I went to Abilene Christian University on a full tennis scholarship and earned a degree in business management. After graduating, I stayed another year as an assistant women’s tennis coach. I thought I might make coaching my career, but it turns out universities weren’t lining up to hand their programs over to a 22 year old. I needed a job, and Luby’s was one of my options. I chose Luby’s in 1993, and I’ve been here ever since. It was really my first real job.

One thing that has stayed constant through all of it is how much I love food. I actually wanted to go to culinary school when I was younger, but it was too expensive. At Luby’s, I found another way to pursue that interest. I enjoy working with cooks, understanding recipes, merchandising the serving line, and figuring out food costs. I had some really good managers early in my career who took the time to teach me how all of those pieces work together. But what I love about Luby’s is that it’s never just one thing. I love the food. I love working with the guests. I love the people. I enjoy getting there early and being part of everything that happens in a restaurant. I’m a die hard Luby’s guy.

After more than 30 years, I still enjoy going to work every day. It gets a little harder as you get older, but it’s still fun, and I think there’s something pretty special about being able to say that. Outside of Luby’s, these days my favorite thing to do is spend time with my five year old grandson, Max. I recently got to go to his kindergarten graduation, and being his grandpa is one of the great joys in my life.

I’m also working toward getting back into running, something I used to do a lot of. Tennis may have been where I thought my story was headed, but Luby’s turned out to be the career I never expected and the place I’ve been happy to call home.