Careers mean different things to different people. For some, it’s a means to an end – personally speaking…

I consider myself lucky – or maybe better said, fortunate. I wake up every morning and truly look forward to tackling the day ahead…this includes Monday through Friday. From the early days with Gringo’s, my so-called ‘job’ took on a different form – more of an extension of myself. Yes, I get a paycheck and have a schedule – yet it’s so much more. I am passionate about my role with our company, am surrounded by incredible team members, plus, thoroughly enjoy what I get to do – from menus, design, promotions, training, advertising, research, IT, community & team member relations and more – it is challenging and rewarding. Because of this, I strive to push the envelope…best described by David Shawrtz, in his book, The Magic of Thinking Big:

What can I do to add value?

How can I do better?

How can I do more?

Be Active – Not Passive.

{I’m sure it’s no surprise, Russell Ybarra shared this book with me.}

The recent benefit Gringo’s & Jimmy Changas hosted for Officer Mike Huffman further reinforced my feelings of fortune. From the initial fundraising discussion, to planning & design, to event communication, the restaurant level execution and finally, the check presentation – our company was…adding value, doing more, being active – all to get Mike back to his job. The irony? As we were helping him, we as a company further embodied our passion for our ‘jobs’. It was an experience that touched many and for all of us, gave work a completely different meaning.

As I turn 35 tomorrow, I am thankful for so much in my life, both professionally and personally. I’ve embraced the journey, not the destination. I will continue to enjoy what I’m doing, to the best of my ability – plus, wish the same for you!

*Behind the scenes: Of my 35-years, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Gringo’s, my family & ‘job’ since 1996…starting in the restaurants and then my current marketing role for the past 12 years. My husband and I just celebrated 10-years of marriage and have two sports-oriented boys – though, I always claim to have two more…Gringo’s and a monkey named Jimmy.