Tell us a little bit about yourself (family, job, interests/hobbies, etc).
Well I have been in the restaurant business since I was a kid. My family owned a local Mexican/Seafood Restaurant off Irvington for 35 years where I started as a buss boy, dishwasher, line cook, server, FOH Manager/Bartender and at the age of 23 was managing the whole place. In my late 20’s I started my career with HEB and after several years working in the Cooking Connection as a Manager, became the Media Chef for them for the next 5 years doing cooking demos on live tv. In March 2012, I launched D-Leecious Bites, which is my catering business and never looked back. After COVID, with the business taking a huge hit, I got an opportunity to work for Luna Recovery Services, where I’m at currently. This company is a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility where they purchased a house in the Heights and houses (9) recovery patients, which is the smallest in Texas. So blessed to have the opportunity to allow my food to be a part of the recovery process. I have a Beautiful wife which is my rock, (3) boys 14, 9 and 7; (2)Diva Princess Daughters 2 and 4. My whole world in a nutshell.
When did you start doing CrossFit?
I started CrossFit December 2016
What made you decide to start CrossFit?
I have a funny story to tell about that. I was catering my friends party and started a silent bet that they would get me so drunk that I wouldn’t show up to the Saturday 9am social WOD. Well, I did….. wasn’t pretty as I did the workout, threw up twice, went to sleep and woke up Sunday. Committed ever since!
How has CrossFit made an impact on your life outside of the gym?
CrossFit has made a HUGE impact on my life outside the gym, mainly for my family. It has taught me commitment, consistency, dedication, mental strength, but most of all, got to be the hardest worker in the room.
What is your favorite & least favorite WOD or movement?
I mean, they all kinda suck.. I have just learned to enjoy the torture! Lol
What is your favorite & least favorite lift?
My favorite lifts would have to be Back Squat, Front Squat and Deadlifts.
The freakin Snatch can suck it. Lol
What are your CrossFit goals?
My CrossFit goals have changed over the years and was just to maintain or to say I can eat whatever I want…. Now, my mentality is I have something to prove to myself. This hour I get everyday at the box is to see how I can improve myself to be the best.
What is your proudest CrossFit moment/achievement?
Winning is always a great achievement, but being a role model or inspiration to my family or anyone is my proudest moment.
What is your favorite quote or words to live by?
“Always be humble and never forget where you come from. Don’t worry about what people say cause when you die, they will talk about how great you were!”
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
Selena is my 3rd cousin
What advice would you give to newbies?
We have all been in your shoes before. CrossFit is a lifestyle change, an investment for yourself. Set achievable goals and hit the ground running. Never settle for mediocracy, give 100% everyday and if you can say you gave 100%, then the addiction will kick in and take over. Definitely a Love/Hate relationship.