I grew up right here in the Clear Lake area, and I've been in the restaurant business since I was 16. My first job was working as a busboy in Kemah. I eventually moved into waiting tables, and while I was in college, I worked at Perry's to help pay my way through school.

When I graduated, I thought my restaurant days were over. I was actually on my way to turn in my notice when Perry's offered me a management position. It sounded like a great opportunity, and the truth was, I had always enjoyed the restaurant business. So I stayed. And I've been in it ever since.

I joined Luby's in 2007 and have been fortunate to spend my career close to home, working at several restaurants throughout southeast Houston. In 2016, I became a General Manager, and today I run our Luby's and Fuddruckers location in Webster.

Running two restaurants under one roof definitely requires two different mindsets. When I first arrived, I hadn't even had formal Fuddruckers training, so I did what restaurant people do, I jumped in and learned it. But no matter which side of the building I'm on, my favorite place is the front of the house.

To me, restaurants are about connections. Luby's has so many regular guests that after a while, they begin to feel more like friends. I want them to know my face and know that I'm here. Even if something goes wrong during a visit, that relationship matters. They know we're going to take care of them and make it right.

I feel the same way about my team. None of us can do this alone. It takes managers and crew working together, caring about the business and caring about the people who walk through the door every day.

Outside of work, I'm happiest spending time with my family. I golf with my daughter, disc golf with my son, hike with my youngest daughter, travel with my wife, and we love trying other restaurants together.

After all these years, I still like that no two days in this business are exactly alike. Different day. Different challenge. Different people. And I still want to be out front for all of it.