Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The 28th annual VAMOS Scholarship Banquet was a night of celebration and recognition for the newest recipients of the prestigious Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS), a four-year renewable scholarship program. Held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, the event honored students’ dedication, hard work, and academic excellence, highlighting their potential to impact their communities and beyond significantly.
A highlight of the evening was the keynote speech delivered by Rudy Martinez, a notable figure in the business community. Martinez, who owns and operates three Chick-fil-A stores in Edinburg and McAllen, shared his inspiring journey from immigrant to successful entrepreneur, exemplifying the American dream.
Rudy Martinez’s story began in Valadeces, Mexico, where he was born and later earned a medical degree. In 1984, he moved to the United States, but language barriers led him to work at a Chick-fil-A near La Plaza Mall. Encouraged by his operator to learn English, Martinez’s career took off, and by 1995, he became an operator himself.
His ability to transform struggling locations into success stories quickly became evident. Over the years, Martinez’s dedication and business acumen earned him Chick-fil-A’s prestigious Symbol of Success award three times. By the early 2000s, he was offered the opportunity to manage his first freestanding restaurant in McAllen, Texas. Today, he oversees three locations that collectively generate over $25 million annually.
In his keynote speech, Martinez reflected on his journey and the importance of recognizing and supporting every individual’s potential. He emphasized that everyone has a story, a sentiment echoed throughout the VAMOS celebration.
Martinez highlighted how Chick-fil-A’s founder, S. Truett Cathy, had a long-standing commitment to supporting his employees’ education, beginning with a small initiative to help an employee, Eddie White, attend college. Starting with a simple jar to collect donations, this story marked the beginning of Chick-fil-A’s scholarship program. Martinez stated, “Well, I tell you something, Chick-fil-A started the scholarship program, I say, in the late sixties, early seventies, and, so far and through this past year, they have supported our students with a total amount of 168 million as a company Nationwide.”
Martinez benefited from this scholarship program, using the funds to learn English at Pan American University. This opportunity was fundamental to his career, allowing him to grow within the company. He expressed his dedication to supporting similar programs through VAMOS, reflecting Chick-fil-A’s long-standing commitment to education and community support.
Martinez noted that since 2020, Chick-fil-A has been contributing to VAMOS, helping local students achieve their educational goals. This partnership exemplifies the company’s ongoing efforts to impact the community positively.
He said that Chick-fil-A of the Rio Grande Valley donated $20,000 to the VAMOS Scholarship program this year, directly aiding students across South Texas and providing life-changing opportunities. This collaboration underscores the significance of community engagement in promoting educational success and nurturing future leaders.
Martinez also shared personal details about his family, underscoring the importance of education within his household. He is married to Patty and has three children: Laura, Rudy Jr., and Isaac. His oldest and youngest children have already graduated, with Laura pursuing liberal arts and Isaac in criminal justice. His middle child, Rudy Jr., is currently studying radiology.
In closing, Martinez offered heartfelt advice to the graduates. He emphasized the importance of hard work, faith, and perseverance. “You work hard, have faith and hope, and it will take time. It’s working hard. Work hard. And then it is going to happen,” he encouraged. He stressed the need for patience, resilience, and persistence, reminding the graduates that achieving success is a journey that requires dedication and a steadfast commitment to one’s goals.
Martinez’s story and words of wisdom served as a powerful reminder of the potential within each scholarship recipient. His journey from a minimum-wage employee to a successful business owner underlines the importance of education and the impact of supportive community programs like VAMOS.
The 28th Annual VAMOS Scholarship Banquet was a night to remember, celebrating the new scholarship recipients’ exceptional achievements. Their academic excellence and commitment to their communities were highlighted, setting a precedent for future scholars. The event continued with inspiring stories and heartfelt advice from keynote speaker Rudy Martinez, whose journey characterizes resilience, hard work, and the spirit of giving back.
As the banquet concluded, the new VAMOS scholarship recipients left with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, ready to embark on their own journeys and significantly contribute to their communities and beyond.
