We recently had the chance to connect with Manuel Guzmán-López and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Manuel , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are very important for me to get organized and start with the right mindset. I usually wake up early and begin with a good cup of coffee, sitting down calmly and talking with my wife about light topics or recent events. If I am alone, I take advantage of that quiet time to read for a while.
That first hour sets the tone for my day. After that, I dedicate about an hour and a half to exercise, always with music, which helps me activate both my body and my mind. During that time, ideas start to flow, and once I finish, I take a long and relaxed shower where I put those thoughts in order.
By the time I get dressed and ready, I feel centered, clear, and prepared to take on the day. For me, those first 90 minutes are vital.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My passion has always been the art of the table, from food to beverage, and the experiences they create when shared. Over the years I have worked as a food and beverage broker and restaurant consultant, helping brands and concepts grow in a competitive industry. Today I serve as the General Manager of a new restaurant project that blends fine dining with live music, bringing together two worlds that I truly love. It is a demanding but exciting challenge that allows me to combine my background in hospitality with my vision for memorable guest experiences. I am also proud to be ranked in the Top 10% of U.S. food reviewers on Google, which reflects my constant pursuit of quality and authenticity in everything related to dining.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I became a father for the first time, and then again with the birth of my second child. From a very young age, my dream was to be a father, which is why I even describe myself on social media as a “family man.” For me, the true sense of power came from realizing that I had the responsibility and privilege to guide and care for another human being, helping them become better than myself, as indeed they are today. That experience gave me not only purpose but also a deep sense of evolution, both as a person and as a human being.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I am by nature an optimist and persistent person. When I set my mind on something, I do not look back. Of course, in more than 40 years of working life there have been moments when I thought about giving up, but my mind simply does not allow it. I believe that instead of giving up, one has to reassess whether what we are doing is being done the right way or if it is even worth pursuing, and then adjust the path and keep moving forward. At this stage of my life, having emigrated at almost 60 years old and after working so hard to build everything once before, starting over required a complete reevaluation. But giving up was never an option, restarting was the way forward. Always ahead.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I am deeply committed to, no matter how long it takes, is quality. For me, quality is everything in whatever I do. It is not about being expensive or famous , what truly matters is that quality is present 100 percent of the time. In the world of gastronomy for example, quality is non-negotiable. It shows in the ingredients we choose, the way dishes are prepared, the service provided, and the overall guest experience. Without true quality, nothing else can stand. The pursuit of quality makes you compete with yourself, and in the end it makes you not only a better professional but also a better person.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only ten years left, I would not stop doing something, instead, I would accelerate the many things I still want to accomplish in my life. Above all, I would focus even more on being a better father, a better husband, a better son and brother, a better friend, and ultimately, a better human being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Holaundiacualquiera.com
- Instagram: @manuelguzmanlopez
- Twitter: @guzmanlopezme
- Facebook: Manuel Guzman-Lopez
- Yelp: Manuel G
- Youtube: holaundiacualquiera
Image Credits
Manuel Guzman Lopez
