Javier Gutierrez Owner Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano Dallas, TX www.javiers.net How have you navigated disruptions in your industry to remain a top professional? We have been in business for 44 years and I have very loyal employees, half of whom have been with me for 25 years or more. So, during the height of the pandemic, I kept everybody on. We had to shut down for two months, but afterward, we returned at 50% capacity, then 75% and finally back to 100%. Since then, it has been very busy. We also have an outdoor seating area to provide people with a space in which they can feel comfortable and safe. What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry? Right now, it’s the prices of certain products that have gone sky high, like tenderloin beef, which is what we buy — it has gone up substantially. Some other products we’ve had a little trouble getting. How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved? I think that the hospitality industry and the restaurant industry has always been what it’s supposed to be. People come in to enjoy special events or have dinner with friends and family. It’s special for them to come and celebrate their important moments. I think people still appreciate good quality, service, ambiance and prices. What excites you the most about your industry? It’s fun being around people and being able to make their special moments more special. Also, meeting people from all walks of life — it’s an ambiance thing, ether you like being around people or you don’t. I enjoy it, but I also enjoy my time away from here. I have a property in east Texas, a ranch where I go to just balance everything out. J. Antonio Lopez, MD Medical Doctor, Owner Lopez Family Practice San Antonio, TX www.lopezfamilypractice.com How have you navigated disruptions in your industry to remain a top professional? At the hospital, I make rounds and take care of patients with COVID-19. I manage by consulting with doctors at the hospital and we have worked with nurses that have come from all over the country to help. What are two key behaviors/personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role? My patients and the nurses say all the time that I listen to people and then act accordingly in response to medical complaints. There are several doctors I know who don’t listen well to patients. How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved? It has changed a lot with emerging diseases like COVID-19. Nobody knew how the immune system was reacting to the virus, we just learned by exposure. What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? I think the future of medicine will be molecular and genetic. We are trying to identify new diseases and establish new treatments. I believe the future will be focused on the immune system and vaccinations. What excites you the most about your industry? Medicine is an everyday challenge. We understand that things like diabetes, hypertension and drug addiction are diseases, but we have to learn from our patients and guide them toward wellness. 6 Marquis Who’s Who Insight | Fourth Edition
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