Meet John Martinez | Not-for-Profit Association CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I am currently employed by the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, a not-for-profit organization focused on promoting the growth and advancement of construction, architecture, and engineering businesses, particularly those owned by Hispanic and small business entrepreneurs. Throughout my professional career, I have dedicated myself to similar associations.

Assisting individuals in establishing, expanding, and growing their businesses holds great significance to me, as it allows people to pursue the American Dream. Our most significant impact, however, is often seen when individuals who may not appear exceptionally successful on paper transform into thriving small business owners. These individuals may employ a workforce of tens and tens of employees who, in turn, contribute to the tax base, homeownership, and the local economy, and many times support their immediate family locally and intended family back in their country of origin. In essence, they are among society’s most significant contributors.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I would advise to dance as if nobody is looking, be bold, ask the question, take leaps of faith, and occasionally take a bow. By doing so, you will have more fun, have more experiences, and meet some fascinating people along the way.

Although I may not be handsome, witty, or evening charming, I will ask the question, shake any offered hand, say hello to yesterday’s foe, and genuinely believe you when you say you are sorry. I believe in heaven as well as in the potential for peace on Earth.

It frustrates me when someone observes a situation but fails to take action. I recall being in an upscale restaurant and needing to step outside to make a call. I passed through an area where a group was engaged in a cocktail hour. The ambient lighting was dim, accentuating anything white. Amongst the conversations, I noticed everyone’s attention focused on a lady in the middle of the room. She unknowingly had a long trail of white toilet tissue flowing down the back of her dark-colored slacks. These people were either friends, colleagues, or family, but no one told her but simply stared. I promise you I didn’t want to like everybody else didn’t want to. I took a deep breath, walked up to her, gave her a big hug, and said it was wonderful to see her again. I crumpled up the tissue in my fist as I whispered in her ear what I was doing.

I am not sure how I thought of that because I am not a quick thinker, witty, or socially adept, but I have been embarrassed a time or two.

You can’t hold others to a higher standard than you hold yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite place to be, where you can find me at least once or more times a week while enjoying breakfast. You can find me at Mama’s Daughters Diner on Irving Blvd, Ellen’s off Record Street, San Martin’s, or Original House of Pancakes. Breakfast is my best meal of the day. I can relish it with anyone and engage in discussions on any topic. If you’d like to join me,

I typically reserve lunch for the RHCA Team or urgent business meetings, spending time with people I appreciate and enjoy being around. However, dinner is a rare occasion reserved only for my closest friends and family or when it calls for a serious money meeting. The specifics of where and when I have lunch and dinner are known only by my best friends and family, but you can ask Mico, Hugo, and Al.

My wife and I are proud members of the Arboretum, an incredible place for leisurely walks and old-fashioned conversations. I think Oak Cliff is command central, possessing the most charm and personality. Unlike many parts of North Texas that resemble generic franchise-filled towns, Oak Cliff stands out with its beautiful topography, unique buildings, diverse people, and lively conversations on Jefferson and the Bishop Arts. If we visit, we have to take a picture at the Selena mural and make a pit stop at Tia Dora’s on Illinois or Cretia’s on Davis.

I would hope that my friend could join me during the State Fair. The State Fair holds a special place in every Dallasite’s heart, as it is an experience we can all relate to. I might share childhood stories with my friend, reminiscing about my family’s adventures at the fair. If given a chance, I would gladly give up a year of my life to relive just one day at the fair with my parents and siblings, wandering through the exhibits, witnessing captivating demonstrations, and eagerly awaiting the free samples.

During the visit, my friend will have the opportunity to meet the special people in my life, many of whom I work with daily. These individuals hold an important place in my heart and play an integral role in my life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I owe immense appreciation to my grandmother. Before starting school, she taught me how to write and ensured I was fluent in English and Spanish. This was particularly meaningful, as many Hispanics within our community were opting for their children not to learn Spanish to avoid having an accent. However, my grandmother understood the value of embracing both languages, and I am grateful for her guidance.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge my mother’s decision to enroll her children in an all-African-American elementary school, despite other Hispanic and White families using different addresses to avoid attending their local school. My mother recognized that a local school filled with children from college-educated families offered a better educational environment than misleading the school district and attending a school solely based on shared ethnicity and a similar limited educational background.

However, the remarkable men and women at the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce were the true catalysts who instilled in me the values of providing for my family, contributing to my community, and waking up with enthusiasm to tackle each day. As a young graduate fresh out of SMU, witnessing numerous Hispanics flourishing in careers, I had only seen in movies was awe-inspiring and enlightening.

Nobody sat me down for formal lessons; instead, they plunged me and my colleague Yolanda Tafoya into the middle of the ocean, expecting us to either fail or thrive. We were not the chosen ones; we persevered, coming up for air again and again, each time a little stronger and with more experience.

For this extraordinary journey, I will forever be grateful to the late Frank Cortez, whose original office chair I still have. While I earned my degree at SMU, it was Frank and the Chamber who taught me the art of survival, thriving, and providing for my family.

In summary, my shoutout extends to my grandmother, my mother, and the remarkable individuals at the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, with a special tribute to the late Frank Cortez. Their influence and guidance have shaped my path, instilled resilience, and allowed me to cherish the joy of supporting my loved ones.

Website: www.regionalhca.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-h-martínez-d-08a1a72b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhca.contractors