On April 20th, 2026 the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the opportunity to learn from entrepreneur Jerry Torres, owner of Mi Pueblo and Champion Lanes. Drawing from his experiences operating multiple businesses, Jerry shared honest and practical advice about leadership, responsibility, and the realities of entrepreneurship.
Throughout the discussion, he emphasized the balancing act that comes with managing more than one business—especially the importance of trust, dedication, and consistently showing up for both employees and customers. Jerry spoke candidly about the long hours, difficult decisions, and personal sacrifices that often come with business ownership, while also encouraging students to stay committed to their goals.
He offered several important lessons that have guided his success over the years:
* Surround yourself with dependable people and value your employees
* Exceptional customer service can set a business apart
* Strong leaders stay involved and visible
* Patience and perseverance are critical during stressful times
* Work alongside your team and lead by example
* Creativity and originality help businesses stand out
* Small decisions can create major opportunities or challenges
* Daily reflection helps keep priorities and goals in focus
* The people you choose to surround yourself with can greatly influence your success
Jerry’s message gave students a realistic look into the commitment required to build and sustain successful businesses, while also inspiring them to think intentionally about their own future paths as entrepreneurs and leaders. The cohort is grateful to Jerry Torres for taking the time to invest in and encourage the next generation of business leaders.