Latin times : As a young boy , what did you aspire to become ? latinoMovernShaker : I wanted to be a farmer growing up . My stepfather and mother owned a chicken farm in Antioch . We had 53 acres with 57,000 laying hens , as well as hogs and cattle . The farm was eventually sold when I reached adulthood , and it was impractical to start one from scratch . After a few odd jobs , my father asked me to join his newspaper . I started as a salesman but eventually worked every job in La Gaceta – dark room technician , layout , IT manager , writer , business manager , associate publisher and , upon my father ’ s death , editor and publisher .
Latin times : Tell us about your family … latinoMovernShaker : I am very proud of my heritage . My grandfather , Victoriano Manteiga , came to Tampa from Cuba in 1913 . He came with two white linen suits and ten dollars in his pocket . The next day he was hired as a lector at the Morgan Cigar Factory . He was an impressive man , an intellectual passionate about improving the quality of life in his Latin community .
In 1922 , he started La Gaceta Newspaper as a Spanish six-day daily with wire service from Spain and Cuba . At that time , we were one of many Spanish-language papers serving Ybor City and West Tampa . La Gaceta was the only one to survive .
My father , Roland Manteiga , grew up in the business and in the shadow of my grandfather . Many felt he would never achieve the stature of his father , but in many ways Roland surpassed it . He brought the newspaper to a new level and made it a political force . It is well known not only regionally but on a statewide basis .
My mother ’ s side of the family is from hearty Irish stock . My maternal grandfather operated a dragline in the digging of the Panama Canal .
Latin times : If you were President of the United States , what would you do to repair the Nation ’ s Economy ? latinoMovernShaker : I would correct the problems that led us to this disaster . The U . S . needs to achieve energy diversity . Oil shouldn ’ t be the only energy source to grease our economy . We must better regulate banks and place certain restrictions on Wall Street . This mentality of looking after only this quarter ’ s profit has lead to horrible executive decisions , which have jeopardized the well being of many companies central to our economy . The stock market was never designed to be a sure thing . It is always a gamble , and the public bought into it , investing their retirement in a system that pays off like Las Vegas . The real , underlying issue with our economic woes is that America no longer produces anything . How can a consumer economy go on forever ?
Latin times : Who ( here or departed ) do you consider to be a role model in the Latino Community , and why ? latinoMovernShaker : I admire those who have given back and fought against the odds . Of course , I place my father and grandfather at the top of that list . I also include people like Judge E . J . Salcines , Judge Elvis Martinez , Jr ., Louis de la Parte , Matilda Garcia , Willie Garcia , Sam Rampello and a host of others .
Latin times : How did you get started in your profession ? latinoMovernShaker : Many moons ago . In fact , about 40 years ago , while I was still a student and I stepped into a radio newsroom for the first time , in Havana , Cuba . The person in charged said , “ So you have no experience , eh ?”.
Latin times : As a young boy , what did you aspire to become ? latinoMovernShaker : An attorney . In hindsight , that wasn ’ t such a bad choice .
Latin times : Tell us about your family … latinoMovernShaker : I have been married to my one and only wife , Juanita , a very gifted performing artist , for a long time . Our only son , Juan Manuel , unfortunately passed away . But our married life has been and continues to be a very happy one .
Latin times : What is your definition of success ? latinoMovernShaker : Being the best and the happiest at what you do ... and being recognized for it .
Latin times : What do you feel is the best way to help the national Latino community during this time of economic turmoil ? - Latino Community Bail-Out ! latinoMovernShaker : Bail-out ? The only bail-out I can think of for us is providing every Hispanic kid with the best opportunities in education , and offering all Hispanics the same opportunities for success that everyone has in this country . The rest is up to us and what we do with those opportunities .
Latin times : Who ( here or departed ) do you consider to be a role model in the Latino Community , and why ? latinoMovernShaker : The late Jorge Mas Canosa , both for his business acumen and his political leadership .
Latin times : Are you involved in community organizations ? Which ones ? latinoMovernShaker : I am involved in the most important community organization there is – a newspaper . Every single week , I build a stronger link between Hispanic readers of many origins , and inform them about each other . What other organization would offer me more or accomplish more ?
Latin times : How did you get started in your profession ? latinoMovernShaker : My first job was the Public Address ( PA ) Announcer at Florida College .
Latin times : As a young boy , what did you aspire to become ? latinoMovernShaker : I wanted to be a computer geek because I thought I could make money . But in my heart , I always wanted to be a sportscaster .
Latin times : Tell us about your family … latinoMovernShaker : My family is from Nicaragua . They had a coffer business . Their land and money was taken away from them . They never gave up . My parents and the rest of my family always backed me and never stopped me from doing anything .
Latin times : What are your immediate and / or long term professional goals ? latinoMovernShaker : I want to be the Broadcaster for the Rays as long as they want me ( forever I hope ). Also , I want be on the National Networks .
Latin times : What is your definition of success ? latinoMovernShaker : To be able to fulfill your dreams and impact others . Changing the tree of life of people around you .
Latin times : If you were President of the United States , what would you do to repair the Nation ’ s Economy ? latinoMovernShaker : Let the free market take over as our forefathers intended .
Latin times : Who ( here or departed ) do you consider to be a role model in the Latino Community , and why ? latinoMovernShaker : Roberto Clemente because of his relentless pursuit in helping others and giving of one ’ s life . Andres Galaraga – The way he fought his cancer , he never complained ; and my Dad because he gave me the drive to succeed .
Latin times : Are you involved in community organizations ? Which ones ? latinoMovernShaker : I was the Co-Chairman for the 2008 Walk for the Foundation Fighting Blindness . I was the top fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation Walk 2007 . I participated in American Cancer walks . I have given speeches to groups like Envision in Kansas .