Griffin Johnston, 4th Period, Man goes from being a Janitor, to being a Pepsico Executive...American Dream

A unique principle that our Nation was founded on is the opportunity of all Americans to be able to work hard enough so that they eventually reach the top of their field. It is a principle that inspires many to keep persevering and exhibiting diligence in their work. Dan Fastenberg, writing for AolJobs.com, reports on one such man who carried out this “American Dream.” Richard Montañez was an immigrant from Mexico working as a janitor for Frito-Lay in Rancho Cucamonga, California without a college or high school diploma. He is now the Executive Vice President of Multicultural Sales and Community Activation for Pepsico, a teacher at California state university for MBA students, and praised in the Hispanic Lifestyle magazine “as one of the most influential Hispanics in corporate America.”

Just as is important is how he got there. While Montañez was a janitor he developed a spicy chili powder to put atop Frito-Lay’s Cheetos. After getting an opportunity to show his idea to the company and CEO, they eventually produced Flamin’ hot Cheetos. When Montañez was in grade school, he would sell 25-cent burritos to his classmates.

It is important to notice that Montañez did not just simply work to the best of his ability in his occupation as a janitor. While taking pride in your work, any work, is essential, what is equally important is knowing that you have a gift and constantly striving to put yourself in a position where you can use that gift to its potential. It is also important to never be satisfied and to always know that you can be better even when things are going great. As Montañez said, “There is no such thing as ‘just a janitor,’ if you act like a owner."

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2013/10/17/frito-lay-janitor-to-corporate-executive/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000058&