Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Hernandez.
Ray, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in San Marcos. My mother’s family has been there since the late 1800s and my dad’s family since the early 1900s. My early years bring back wonderful memories of family life in the beautiful San Marcos area. During summers, I remember riding bikes, going to the arcade, and swimming and floating the spring-fed river with my friends. We would play all day, then go home for dinner and chores. I remember trips with my dad to the dairy and chicken farms to purchase the weekly supply of 8 gallons of milk and 18 dozen eggs. We also visited Wuests and HEB stores for all the other groceries and supplies a family of 14 would need. Our family consisted of Mom, Dad, two sisters, eight brothers and our grand aunt (adopted grandmother) who lived with us.
My mother was very civic-minded. She always told us, “We have a debt to pay, and we pay it every day in some way by being a servant in the community.” She planted the seed of service in all of us. A few years ago, I made a list of over 150 projects and organizations the members of my family have been involved in over the years. We have achieved a wide variety of educational milestones, including Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees, and in careers including law, accounting, education, landscaping, and civic leadership. The common thread is we have all continued to serve our communities. I served in the U.S. Army like my Dad and brothers before me and our eldest son Michael after me. I think my mother’s wise advice was well-heeded. Her civic-mindedness has impacted all of us and the communities we live in for the better.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After high school, I worked in San Marcos, Texas for a couple of years before going into the Army. I served two years as a culinary arts chef and earned various recognitions. The Army provided opportunities for me to grow and learn, and I built several long-lasting relationships during these two years of service. After the Army, I worked as a sous chef in a couple of resorts and restaurants, then was hired as an executive chef and food and beverage director at age 24. While in this role, I managed a staff of 45 employees. Then I decided it was time for a college degree and returned to San Marcos, attending Southwest Texas State University (renamed to Texas State University-San Marcos). Keep in mind that this was ten years after I graduated from high school.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been extremely excited about being in Walker County almost three years! Huntsville is the largest city in Walker County and it reminds me of Kyle in that it is a smaller city on the verge of expansion, especially as we watch the growth of I-45 and Sam Houston State University take place. I experienced this same phenomenon in Kyle as I-35 was expanded and understand the challenges when a smaller city is compelled to take on greater responsibilities that automatically present themselves. As more people move to the area, businesses must meet greater demands, and services must expand. This impacts the entire area, both Huntsville and Walker County as a whole. Having experienced this in Kyle, I have the historical knowledge of what is on the horizon.
We have a wonderful leadership team who understands that, as change does take place, our role is to guide growth with knowledge, wisdom, and a deep appreciation of this community. The Chamber must work hard to remain relevant in the life of our business community and help provide networking and new economic development opportunities for each entity. We work for our members to further enhance the quality of life here. One Team, One Voice will continue to be our guiding theme. In good times and trying times, we are in this together.
One of the items I am most proud of is the courageous leadership role the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce played in leading efforts in the passing of the largest bond elections in the history of our community this year. The Huntsville ISD bonds passed at the rate of 72% and 78% in favor.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue to shift area leadership from a silo mentality to one where all segments of the community have the opportunity to have a seat at the decision-making table as we continue to expand the economic fabric of the community we serve.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.chamber.huntsville.tx.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntsvilletxchamber/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntsvilleTxChamber
Image Credits:
Joseph Brown, The Huntsville Item Headshot All others, Ray Hernandez
