My American Dream

In “Your Story” we celebrate the remarkable stories of everyday Americans from diverse backgrounds — in their own words — showcasing the enduring spirit of Our America’s Hometown Heroes across the nation.

My path to the American Dream didn’t begin with a white picket fence—it began behind the counter of my family’s butcher shop in Nogales, Mexico. That’s where I first learned the values of hard work, consistency, and responsibility—knowing deep down that I was destined to live in the United States of America and apply those lessons through the core principles of servant leadership.

They didn’t come to stay—they came with a purpose. My parents made the strategic decision to have me born in Tucson, then returned right away to Nogales to continue running their successful butcher business. It was their way of keeping doors open for the future, a kind of “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” approach. At the time, their business in Mexico was thriving, supplying meat to restaurants and factories across the region.

In that shop, I grew up surrounded by responsibility, routine, and the values that still guide me today. As a kid, I moved back and forth between the U.S. and Mexico. I tried living with relatives in Arizona, but I didn’t feel at home here at first. When my older brothers started high school in Rio Rico, I came back to join them. After they graduated, I returned to Mexico one more time, still searching for where I belonged.

It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I returned for good, finished high school, and eventually settled in Tucson in 2008.

Today, I run Hercor Insurance Group—an independent agency I founded to serve individuals and families with transparency, trust, and community in mind. I got my start in the industry in 2013, thanks to my uncle Jesse, who had built a long and respected career with American Family Insurance. He helped bring me into the business and supported me during the early years. With his guidance—and the support of others around me—I was able to grow quickly and open my own agency in 2014.

After nearly eight years there, I made the decision to go fully independent. It meant walking away from a steady income and starting over with no clients. Because of a non-compete, many couldn’t follow me, and I had to rebuild everything from the ground up. It was a risk—but a calculated one. The journey has been more stressful, yes—but also more fulfilling. I wouldn’t go back.

In this work, staying close to your community matters. We don’t just sell policies—we take time to understand people’s needs in every area of life. I believe in serving the whole person. Much of our team is involved with local boards and nonprofit work. Many of us come from immigrant families and have seen firsthand how much of a difference connection and support can make.

To me, the American Dream has evolved. It’s no longer just about a home and a paycheck—it’s about peace. It’s about being able to raise your kids in dignity, with stability, and the freedom to dream bigger than your circumstances. That kind of life, my parents couldn’t always count on in Mexico.

I connected with the Our America Foundation through Nick Pierson, a Hometown Hero. Our families shared roots in Nogales, and when we met, we quickly bonded over shared values. Nick introduced me to Paul, who leads grassroots efforts in Arizona, and after hearing my story, Paul said I reminded him of Gabriel Nadales, the national leader of Our America. That’s how my involvement began.

Today, I have three kids—it’s crazy, but a good kind of crazy. What I want most is for them to make an impact—not just in their communities, but wherever they go. I want them to think big and live boldly. This country gives us possibilities that go beyond borders.

One issue that really matters to me is homelessness. It’s gotten worse in Tucson, especially near my office. My business has been vandalized, and just recently, I almost hit someone who darted into traffic on a bike. Some of the people I see every day seem like they’ve lost their sense of self. It’s painful to witness.

But I believe there’s hope—and a path forward—for many of them. Places like the Gospel Rescue Mission are doing meaningful work. Still, if we want real change, it’s going to take a lot more.

That’s the kind of future I’m working for—through my business, my family, and my community.