I came to the United States in 1993 with $475 in my pocket, a gym bag with some belongings, and not knowing a word of English. I found a job as a dishwasher in a neighborhood pizza place. From there I moved up to cook, delivery driver, and finally to Store Manager before opening my own restaurant in 2000. Under my leadership, Piccolo Italian Restaurant became a thriving upscale eatery in Austin Texas, even during the recession that followed the dot.com bust and attacks of September 11. After five good years, I sold my restaurant to give Corporate America a try. I worked as Chief Operating Officer for Carey International, and then as a corporate consultant in service, management, and sales for Jack In The Box, Bennigan’s, and Blockbuster Corporation. Now serving as CEO at OpticTour Google Trusted Agency. During my consulting career, I learned a lot and saw the effects of the “tunnel vision” – corporations tend to focus more on the bottom line than on the people who are managing it. By neglecting their lower-level employees, many large businesses miss out on the wellspring of potential that exists within each individual. There is a story behind every person. Many years later, the place I now call home has blessed me with working with amazing people. I feel a sense of honored duty to help others to achieve the happiness I feel every day.