PRESENTED BY2 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2023 EASY LIVING, TEXAS GULF STYLE WWW.COASTMONTHLY.COM/SUBSCRIBE 2023 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 3 KAELA AGUILAR .....................4 MARGIE ARREOLA .................4 NATHAN ASHWORTH ..............5 EDDIE BONILLA .....................6 MEGAN CAZARES ..................6 NICK CROW ..........................7 KENT ETIENNE ......................8 NICOLE GABLER ....................8 NICK GAIDO ..........................9 EZREAL GARCIA ..................10 SHELBY GONZALES .............10 RAWAN HARIRAH .................11 DYLAN HARTMAN ................11 KELSEY HELTON ..................12 HANNA HOLLIDAY ................12 JESSICA KARIGAN ...............13 ALEXIS KOPP ......................14 KRISTIN LAWRENCE.............14 STEPHANIE MENDOZA .........15 LARRIAN MENIFEE ...............16 THERESA MORRIS ...............16 C. TYLER MORRISON ...........17 EMILY MURELLO ..................17 MICHAEL NIEBUHR ..............18 LAURA PAQUETTE ................19 J.B. PRITCHETT ...................19 LUIS QUIROZ .......................20 CHRISTOPHER RICHTER .......20 BRITTANY RIVERS ................21 SARAH BETH ROBERTS ........21 MARIA SAN ANDRÉS ............22 HOLLY SANDERS .................22 LUIS SANTIAGO ...................24 BRIAN SCHWENK ................24 MELONEE SCURLOCK TOWNSEND.........................25 JACQWELIN N. “NICI” SNYDER .............................25 TRACY TANG .......................26 NATHAN TAT ........................26 VIVIAN TAT ..........................27 MANDY WOODBURN ............27 The Daily News is shining the spotlight on the best and brightest young professionals in Galveston County who are making a difference in their professions and in the community. To make the list, The Daily News solicited nominations from the public for men and women who are 40 years old and younger and live and/or work in the Galveston County area. An expert panel of judges not affiliated with The Daily News evaluated each nominee based on his or her professional accomplishments, growth and community service. These men and women represent a broad range of occupations and highlight the diversity of businesses in the Galveston County area. MEET THE 40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 20234 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2023 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: HOUSTON METHODIST CLEAR LAKE Kaela Aguilar, 27 Registered nurse Why did you go into your particular field? Simply put, my grandma is the reason I went into health care. Growing up, she was in and out of hospitals, so I saw the good and bad of nursing. From there, I wanted to learn more and see more of the nursing world. I wanted to implement the excellence of nursing. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Genuinely, I always wanted to be a nurse. From the time I can remember, it was always nursing. Starting in the seventh grade, I started taking science technology classes and followed the road to nursing since then. What was your first job? My first ever job was working at H-E-B. However, I like to think my first real job was becoming a certified nursing assistant my senior year of high school. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Being a first-generation college graduate, when I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, my dad told me “Today you walk further than we have. Keep on walking till the world makes you stop. And then keep on walking all over the world.” What’s your favorite thing about your job? While I do love caring for others, my favorite thing about my job is my coworkers. My team at Methodist is literally my family, and I work with some of the best nurses and doctors. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Nurses are everything in the hospital – therapists, tech wizards, chaplains, food services. While my hospital has an amazing interdisciplinary team, nurses are left to do so much. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My mentor is my current unit manager. She is helping me learn and grow toward being a future leader in our hospital and potentially being her successor. Not only am I learning hard skills, like budgeting and scheduling, she’s always guiding me in my soft skills as well, such as conflict resolution and crucial conversations. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Well I have a rambunctious 2-year-old son, so there’s not much relaxing going on anywhere. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I absolutely hate confrontation. I am such a giving person and I will never say no if someone asks for help. I’m always going above and beyond; not because I want special recognition, but because I genuinely care. How do you hope to grow in your career? With my master’s degree in nursing, I hope to become a unit manager of an acute care floor. Then, once I obtain my doctorate in nursing, my next goal would be a director then eventually a chief nursing officer of a hospital. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Definitely 100 percent a teacher. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON ISLAND SWIM TEAM; SATORI SCHOOL Margie Arreola, 37 Director; teacher Why did you go into your particular field? I have a passion and desire to make a difference, to positively impact the lives of people, especially young children. As an educator, as well as the Galveston Island Swim Team program director, I believe this is a direct way to make an impact on those around me. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to be so many things! I pictured myself as a mom, a movie star, a famous singer, a doctor or nurse, a photographer, an Olympic gymnast and the list goes on! Yet, what stood out in my dreams more often was to become a teacher. What was your first job? I have always had more than one job. I babysat for friends, family and neighbors. At 15, I became a city pool lifeguard at the good ole Nessler Pool in Texas City, and I also worked at the bowling alley. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? My catechism teacher once told me to, “keep on trucking, just like Jesus did.” What’s your favorite thing about your job? Both of my job titles are highly rewarding. I thrive on knowing that I am making a positive impact on all whom I teach, whether it be in my classroom, pool or in our community. My passion is to give invaluable life lessons. All my students have a seemingly unlimited amount of love and appreciation. The bonds that are created between these wonderful individuals and I is what keeps me going and coming back each and every day. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? One thing I wish I learned sooner is that people pleasing only gets you so far. You have to fight for what is right in your heart and forget the rest! Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I am blessed to have a team of mentors in my life, such as my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and colleagues; however, my brothers Jose Arreola and Will Arreola are my greatest mentors in my life. It just wouldn’t be possible without them. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love spending time with my family and friends. My amazing daughter, Julia, plays several sports, including club volleyball, so most likely I will be seen at some sporting event or game. I also enjoy a sunny day at the pool or the beach as well as other events our great Galveston Island has to offer. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am more of an introvert than what most people think. I truly appreciate my alone and quiet time. How do you hope to grow in your career? My goal is to never stop learning and to push myself to continue to make a positive impact on all of my present and future students. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Definitely something in the medical field, such as a traveling nurse or doctor. I’M ALWAYS GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND; NOT BECAUSE I WANT SPECIAL RECOGNITION, BUT BECAUSE I GENUINELY CARE.Wewouldliketogiveaspecialtoallofour TexasCity-LaMarqueChamberofCommercemembers! CONGRATULATIONS! Tothisyears40under40whomakeour localcommunitygreat! JoshuaPritchett,CityofLaMarque AlexisKopp,TexasCityISD MandyWoodburn,CityofLaMarque NathanAshworth,AMOCOFCU EzrealGarcia,CommunityHealthNetwork EddieBonilla,AMOCOFCU BrittanyRivers,GalvestonCountyHealthDistrict KentEtienne,AMOCOFCU HannaHolliday,MoodyBank MeloneeScurlock,TheSanLuisResort BrianSchwenk,ColdwellBankerTGRE KaelaAguilar,HoustonMethodistClearLake Congrats Congratulations, Margie Arreola! We are so proud of our very own “Ms. Margie”! You are truly one of a kind! 2023 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 5 LOCAL. NEWS. FIRST. Start your subscription today )45485-AACAAe OUR VIEW: Mental health court a small step toward solving a huge problem » A4 GALVESTON COUNTY Saturday & Sunday, September 12-13, 202091 80 » A8 • $3 WEEKEND EDITION T exas ’ O ldesT N ewspaper • p ublishiNg s iNce 1842 • c elebraTiNg 178 Y ears LATEST NEWS ONLINE galvnews.com CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK | FAMILY By MATT DEGROOD The Daily News »LEAGUE CITY Kindel Jenkins can remem- ber a conversation near the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic with attorneys at the League City law office where she works. What would they do if there wasn’t enough work to go around? How would they afford to keep everyone employed? Jenkins’ fears never came to pass. Rather, the family law at torney has more than twice the usual number of new clients and more business than ever. Pan demic-induced anxiety, financial fears and living in constant close quarters with spouses, it seems, made it impossible to sweep aside or ignore festering marital problems. County divorce cases climb as COVID-19 drags on SPORTS | HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ‘Wouldn’t miss this’ See DIVORCE » A7 galvnews.com/subscribe 409.683.5201 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: AMOCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Nathan Ashworth, 40 Senior vice president of technology Why did you go into your particular field? I honestly never saw a career in technology coming. I was fortunate enough to find myself on the teller team at AMOCO, and as needs of the organization progressed and provided opportunity to pursue additional challenges, I found that I had a passion and propensity toward technology application and management. I still find it just as interesting as when I first transitioned to a technology role. It’s ever changing, always with a new challenge or something new to continue a lifelong journey to learn and grow. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? After the obvious choices of Batman or Superman, I went through a journey of thought on what I was meant to do. I wanted to be an astronaut, then doctor, then detective, then secret agent, then special operations military soldier. Finally, for many years I locked in on being a virologist or epidemiologist. I wanted to study the most deadly pathogens on Earth and have the humbling experience of holding them in my hand, in a vial and while wearing a containment suit of course. What was your first job? My first job was as a clean-up crew member for a home and commercial center building company. My second job was as a McDonald’s team member. I learned a lot about service in that job, and very much treasure some of the lessons learned there. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I’ve ever received is tough to narrow, as I’ve been blessed to receive advice from many great mentors over the years. I cannot choose only one, so I’ll give my top four. First, no matter how seemingly minor your task is, take pride in it as a reflection of your integrity. Second, do not let anyone try harder than you. Next, discomfort is a symptom of growth, so stay uncomfortable. Lastly, always, always, always treat people with kindness. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is our commitment to our members and communities. AMOCO is well known for its community support, but in common times, it’s easy to feel like it’s only a financial services technology job. However, when the unfortunate event or hardship arises in our community, it makes me immeasurably proud how we respond as an organization. While I would always much rather those hardships don’t happen, I am grateful to be a part of an organization that is purposed to be a helping hand. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I have never thought about this before, but looking back, there is so much that I didn’t know about as I was getting started on my career journey. That remains true as a lifelong learner, but I don’t believe I would change a thing. The only thing I would say I wish I knew is that I had a ton to learn and it would be that way forever. I felt like I would learn enough one day, but, thankfully, I will never be running out of opportunities to learn. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I don’t relax much, but when I do it is usually time spent with my family, watching movies or shows, playing music usually by way of guitar, going to concerts or traveling. Read full profile at galvnews.com.6 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2023 LIVES: PEARLAND WORKS: AMOCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Eddie Bonilla, 40 Executive vice president of lending Why did you go into your particular field? I started my credit union career as a part-time teller while studying electrical engineering. During that time, I fell in love with finance and the credit union motto of “people helping people.” I worked in many different roles at the credit union, but I quickly found that lending was my sweet spot. I enjoy the process of helping people through some of the biggest financial decisions they will make. Helping our members purchase their first car or their dream home is truly a rewarding experience. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? My childhood aspirations changed many times, but eventually decided to pursue audio engineering out of high school. I completed an audio engineering degree and began to pursue a degree in electrical engineering with a dream to develop instrument electronics for recording studios and live sound applications. What was your first job? My first “real” job was at Joe’s Crab Shack as a waiter. I served many tables through my early college years. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad once told me, “You have to believe you can be the best before you’ll become the best. That confidence in your ability comes through hard work.” I’ve also had multiple mentors tell me that you’re only as good as the team you build around you. I’ve realized the importance of that statement time and time again throughout my career. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite part of my job is leading an incredible team every day to accomplish our mission: “Servicing the financial needs of our members.” This happens in many forms. Sometimes it’s simple conversations about how we can make processes and workflows more efficient for our members and team members. Other times, it’s critical conversations about the strategic direction of our departments. I just enjoy the collaboration process of bringing talented minds together to come up with the best possible solutions. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Take good notes! There is a lot to learn from every experience and interaction with leaders around you. Building experience comes from processing and retaining those moments. I wish that I would have realized sooner that flexibility is key for organizational and personal growth. There is often more than one way to solve a problem or achieve a goal. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My dad is my greatest mentor. He is the hardest working person I know. He leads less by words and more by action. He’s also the greatest coach I’ve ever seen, although it was tough being the son on his baseball team! He’s the kind of coach that motivates you to realize there is more inside, but also holds you accountable when you’re not getting better. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? My absolute favorite thing to do when not working or enjoying family time is fishing. I love the serenity of the ocean and the pursuit of trophy saltwater fish. I also enjoy hunting white tail and axis deer. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH Megan Cazares, 38 Associate director of accreditation Why did you go into your particular field? I wanted to change the world. Maybe I was a tad overly ambitious. I do feel that my ambition and desire to help others is what led me to where I am. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I dreamed of becoming a large animal veterinarian. From a young age, I imagined one day taking over a family friend’s practice (who is still currently in business, so I would have been waiting for a while). In my first animal science class in college, I felt like something was missing. I needed something more. I went home after that first year and told my parents I was changing my degree and wanted to pursue nursing. I think it came as a shock to them, but they supported me, and I never looked back. What was your first job? In high school, I worked at Sonic Drive-In. I was the absolute worst at roller skating and carrying a tray full of drinks. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Someone once told me to always stand for what is right, even if you are standing alone. It is not always easy, but it is something I live by and try to instill in my children. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I truly enjoy getting to interact with so many people, from all backgrounds of health care. Every team member plays an imperative role for us to provide our patients with high-quality and safe care that we consistently aim to give. Getting to be a part of that is something that motivates me every day. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That it is okay to fail. I would go back to the new graduate nurse working in a hectic pediatric burn intensive care unit and tell her that it will all work out, failures help you grow. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have been blessed with great mentors! My nurse manager, Angel Martinez, showed me so much grace early in my career. He saw something in me that motivated me to do better. My former quality manager, Karen Encarnacion, played such a substantial role in growing my leadership skills. She saw my passion even before I did. I have also worked with an amazing group of nurse leaders at the University of Texas Medical Branch’s regional campuses. My father played a pivotal role in who I am. After his death in 2008, I made it my life’s mission to leave a legacy as he did. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to spend time with my husband and our children. Even just a dinner outside together brings me so much joy. I thoroughly enjoy eating really good food with our friends while all of our kids run around. I occasionally enjoy yoga, meditating, baking and traveling when able. Sometimes I like to be surrounded by calmness, and, at other times, the constant sound of laughter is just what I need. On Sundays, I enjoy going to church and spending the afternoon with my Grandma. This time with her is so precious and something I look forward to every week. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I’ve had nine broken arms — four on my left, five on my right. Once, I broke them both at the same time. Read full profile at galvnews.com.Congratulations to this year’s 40 Under 40, including those from UTMB: Megan Cazares Associate Director of Accreditation, University of Texas Medical Branch Rawan Harirah Business Manager, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston C. Tyler Morrison Exercise Physiologist, UTMB and UHCL Christopher Richter Medical Student, University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine Maria San Andrés Assistant Professor in Pediatrics, UTMB Tracy Tang Medical Student- Third Year, UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine Vivian Tat Pre-doctoral Research Fellow and Co-Lead, The University of Texas Medical Branch and Taking Our Best Shot (TOBS) utmbhealth.com 2023 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 7 LIVES: FRIENDSWOOD WORKS: FLOAT FREIGHT; MOSQUITO AND PEST AUTHORITY Nick Crow, 35 Business development manager; owner/manager Why did you go into your particular field? I grew up on the island, and I was an Aggie from a very young age, so I was able to combine my love of the water and a business degree from Texas A&M University at Galveston. On the mosquito control front, I’ve always wanted to be a business owner, and I can’t stand mosquitoes, so it was a perfect fit! As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Baseball player, fighter pilot, veterinarian, astronaut, police officer, even a Jedi. Kind of all over the place! What was your first job? Veterinary technician for Campeche Cove Animal Hospital — Thank you, Dr. Cole! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “People can take everything away from you in this world … except what you know” — My Great Aunt What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love strategizing about logistical moves around the industry and moving large/complex cargoes. The more sophisticated the program, the more I enjoy coming up with the solution to make it work. MY GOAL IS TO CONTINUALLY GAIN KNOWLEDGE, LEARN ABOUT NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND NEW WAYS OF DELIVERING WHATEVER SERVICE I MAY BE OFFERING TO MY CUSTOMER BASE. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I would have started my own business sooner! Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I would say I have a collective set of mentors, from my family, my colleagues, bosses and even my employees. I’ve had a lot to learn from all of them, and I continue learning from them every day. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? We try to take a couple mini- vacations each year to Fredericksburg, spending time at our family bay house near Matagorda, and hunting. I’ve also recently started to take up golf! What is something about you that most people don’t know? I’m a space nerd! Anything to do with astronomy, sign me up! How do you hope to grow in your career? My goal is to continually gain knowledge, learn about new technologies and new ways of delivering whatever service I may be offering to my customer base. Additionally, I want to always strive to grow my network! If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Baseball coach!8 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2023 LIVES: DICKINSON WORKS: AMOCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Kent Etienne, 37 Vice president of human resources Why did you go into your particular field? During my undergrad, a professor at Texas State University first introduced me to the field of human resources and strongly encouraged me to become an active member of the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) student chapter. My passion for the field and helping others grew, which set me on this amazing path. From there, I interned with a nonprofit organization, training youth sports coaches and managing volunteers at the ATT Center in San Antonio. I have experienced a rewarding career ever since, and it is largely due to the actions and encouragement of this professor. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to be an architect. Growing up, I loved creating and building things and watching things come together to make something beautiful. Today, albeit in a much different capacity, I am still able to fulfill that desire to build. I am responsible for building teams of people, developing policies, designing programs and making a significant impact in the lives of others. By giving back in this way, I feel I am able to make the organization and community better, which has its beauty in my opinion. What was your first job? My first job was as a child watcher at the YMCA. While parents participated in various activities within the facility, I watched their children as they played games and interacted with one another. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Be intentional about the time and energy you spend. Be intentional as it applies to your spiritual journey, the people you interact with and daily activities you may be involved in. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love that the organization’s core values align with my own. One- hundred percent of the focus within AMOCO is to serve others, and I am directly involved with furthering that mission. As a result, the workers naturally exude positivity and go above and beyond for members and each other. It’s an amazing atmosphere. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I knew that every challenging encounter or situation on the way has a purpose and that it would ultimately equip me with the tools needed to handle matters in the future. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My father was and is my greatest mentor. As a child, it was extremely difficult to understand the importance of building a good reputation, giving everything your all and exhibiting leadership qualities. Today, he still mentors and coaches me, inspiring self reflection and refinement. I am extremely fortunate for his guidance and the example he has set. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy listening to music while relaxing poolside with my family. What is something about you that most people don’t know? Most people may not know that I am extremely handy! From woodworking to electrical (residential), I stand ready to tackle projects myself without outside assistance. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: HOUSTON WORKS: MAKE-A-WISH TEXAS GULF COAST AND LOUISIANA Nicole Gabler, 33 Director of individual and foundation engagement Why did you go into your particular field? I was born and raised in public service. My Granny Gabler cooked the weekly meals for our local Lions and Rotary clubs for more than 20 years, and I was her special helper who carried plates to the table for the older members. My greatest joy was listening to the town’s leaders plan service projects and discuss ways to better the community. These interactions built my foundation and love for community engagement and empowerment. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As I child, I wanted to be a librarian! I spent my summers and after-school hours shelving books and helping patrons at the local library. I was forever a bookworm and loved sneaking to a quiet corner and delving into topics ranging from World War II to poems by Maya Angelou. I enjoyed helping children discover the magical worlds of Middle Earth, Redwall and Narnia. What was your first job? My first job was at my hometown’s public library. I was a 14-year-old assistant to the librarian and spent my summers shelving books and helping patrons navigate our massive, pre-digital card catalog. The library taught me the importance of access. The internet was a rare commodity in rural Texas in the early 2000s, and we had the fastest connection in town. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Be kind. Always. You never know what someone else is going through. Be gentle. Have compassion. Default to empathy. If you can’t find any love in a situation, it’s a signal to be the love the situation desperately needs. As humans, kindness is a nutrient for the heart. Love is the purest expression of this kindness. When all else fails, sprinkle a little love on it. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite part about my job at Make-A-Wish is the wish reveals! A wish is a carefully planned journey for a child with a critical illness and is tailored to a child’s unique needs and imagination. Wishes can include visiting the beach, deep-sea fishing charters, swimming with dolphins or having their rooms completely made over. Each wish is customized at the direction of each child. Seeing the joy on a child’s face when his or her wish comes true is completely life-changing! What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? “Everybody’s winging it to some degree.” It’s easy to look at a confident person who’s further along in their career and think they have it all figured out, but even your seemingly perfect coworkers make mistakes, pivot and push themselves to try unfamiliar things. It’s not easy to get over your own self-consciousness or self-doubt, and it certainly won’t happen overnight, but the more you remind yourself that nobody’s perfect (and you don’t have to be, either). When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I take long walks with my schnauzer (Lady and the Tramp- esque but scruffier) and yellow lab. On the weekends, I love competing in chili cook-offs in the showmanship category. I am a horrible cook, but I excel at decorating the cook-off site and finding unique themes and color schemes. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2023 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 9 LIVES: FRIENDSWOOD WORKS: GAIDO’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT; NICK’S KITCHEN AND BEACH BAR Nick Gaido, 37 President Why did you go into your particular field? Hospitality has been a passion of mine ever since I was a boy. I worked my first summer in 1998, when was 12 years old. From that summer on, the restaurant business has been extremely special for me. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Having grown up in the restaurant industry, I suppose I always wanted to be a chef. What was your first job? I worked in our prep kitchen, peeling shrimp and taking out trash. I also washed dishes and assisted on the expo line. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Hard work pays off. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Interacting with our guests and employees. The people are what make this industry so enjoyable. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? An extremely long list for sure and still growing. I was 27 when we opened the pool bar and relaunched Supporting Newspapers In Education 1K 5K 10K GALVESTON COUNTY’S PREMIER CAUSEWAY RUN 10.28.23 Scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit galvnews.com/pressrun Nick’s. To say I made a few mistakes would be an understatement. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My father. From the very beginning, he has been my guide throughout my entire learning process. Still to this day he keeps teaching me. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love spending time with my wife and three children. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I love to hunt and fish. During the offseason, when time permits, I love being on the water or in a duck blind with friends and family. How do you hope to grow in your career? My goal is for Gaido’s and Nick’s to continue to be a destination for all diners across the country. I want to serve our employees, customers and community for this generation and the next generations to come. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I’ve been honored to be an advisory board member at Hometown Bank and have really enjoyed this industry and everything it entails. I WANT TO SERVE OUR EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITY FOR THIS GENERATION AND THE NEXT GENERATIONS TO COME.Next >