I got into the restaurant business because I needed a job to help my parents with college expenses. I started as a banquet waiter at a Marriott hotel in McAllen and kept moving up. Within a few years, I was a banquet captain and eventually became the hotel's Food & Beverage Director.

Then my parents reminded me that I was supposed to be going to college. So I went back, finished my degree in business and marketing, and took a completely different turn. I spent four years producing television commercials and traveling throughout the U.S., Mexico, Canada and South America. I loved it. My wife did not love all the traveling.

Fortunately, I already knew a guy from Luby's. A Luby's recruiter had offered me a job while I was still in college, and I had turned him down. Four years later, I called him and said, "I think I'm ready for Luby's." I came home from my honeymoon and went straight to Luby's training. I've been married almost exactly as long as I've been with Luby's.

What I love most about this business is people. I love getting to know my team personally and finding ways to help them. I love talking to guests. I can talk to a doctor, a construction worker or the CEO of a company. I always say I can make a rock talk.

And I love to cook. Actually, I love watching people eat. I know that sounds a little strange, but when I create something, I want to see people experience it. I watch their reactions. I want the good feedback and the bad feedback because making something people enjoy means a lot to me.

Every morning, I start with a cup of coffee, watch my dogs in the backyard and spend a few minutes being grateful, for my health, my family, my team and another day. Then I start thinking about how I can do today better than yesterday. I'm competitive, but mostly with myself.

And I have some pretty big goals. Someday, I'd love to be president of Luby's. I want to be here when we build our next restaurant and see all the work we're doing become something you can actually stand in front of.

Until then, I'll keep doing what I've always done. Talk to people. Cook for people. Help where I can. And try to be a little better tomorrow than I was today.