Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue III, 2014 | Page 22

2014 MVP AWARDS

“The Del Taco team has stood by our side
from day one and we are incredibly thankful to be
a part of such a successful enterprise.”
2014 MVP

American Dream Award
FOR ACHIEVING REMARKABLE SUCCESS
IN THEIR NEW COUNTRY
Why do you think you were recognized with this award?
I believe it was because my story represents one with colossal odds and a
triumphant result. This is very much the substance of the proverbial American
Dream: the notion that no matter how bad your situation is, if you exert yourself through hard work and dedication then you can make something great of
yourself.
How have you raised the bar in your own company? One of the
ways is by being unafraid of expansion. This does not mean making careless
decisions in business deals. Rather, it is showing your corporate team and
employees that you believe in them so strongly that a new project is always
in the works. It also helps improve your employees’ sense of job security
and performance if they feel they are part of an enterprise that is constantly
growing.

BOTTOM LINE
Annual revenue: $300 million.

What innovations have you created and used to build your
company? My strategy has been simply good old-fashioned hard work. I
also have the best right hand in the world, my wife Susana. She has been
with me since the beginning and we make for an incredibly balanced team. I
firmly believe that she has been the engine for my success.

2014 goals: $350 million to $380 million.

What core values do you think helped you win this award?
Values like integrity, devotion, and ethical growth are at the core of our company’s mission statement. Our success did not happen overnight. We have a
track record and relationships within the business community that vouch for
our reputation.

Vision meter: Where do you want to be in 5 years? In 10
years? We anticipate the addition of two or three brands to our portfolio in
the upcoming 5 years. We expect to successfully complete the development of
our largest project at the moment, Northgate in Indio, Calif., within the next
18 to 24 months. In the span of 5 to 10 years, my personal goal is to drive
our company to the billion-dollar mark. This will be a landmark, and I believe
we are moving in the right direction.

How important is community involvement to you and your
company? Community involvement is our way of connecting back with the
people who make our livelihood possible. As such, it is extremely important
for us to commit to community support, and that the community visualizes the
efforts we make to improve their surroundings. Every event, grand opening,
and fundraiser we support is an invitation for our community to celebrate with
us and join our efforts.
What leadership qualities are important to you and your
team? Leadership for me and my team is not being afraid to hire the best
and brightest. Being a leader can sometimes make an individual weary of
competition. However, by adding capable individuals, I believe that this does
not have to be the case. As a leader, it is my responsibility to be constantly
learning, and hiring the best