Age: 38
Occupation: Restaurateur; owner of The Taco Joint
Email: hectorlpz88@me.com
Education: Jacksonville High School
Family: Wife, Maasyel Nunez; daughter, Valentina Lopez
What is your guiding principle in life?
To build something lasting for my family and those who stand next to me.
What led you to your career?
I took a year off after high school before college and worked for my father at El Rancherito in Jacksonville. I enjoyed it so much that I take care of our restaurant in Springfield.
What is your greatest hope for Springfield?
I hope Springfield realizes its potential as a premier regional hub for culture, food and community. We have world-class hospitality, innovation and community spirit.
What would you like to give back to your community?
I want to give back the same mentorship and opportunity that my father gave to me and my brothers. Through our restaurants, I want to provide more than just jobs.
What do you wish your younger self had known when you started on this path?
I wish I’d known that the toughest seasons would be my greatest competitive advantages, so take a deep breath, rely on family, and realize that every challenge is just preparing you to manage at a higher level.
What’s the best purchase (under $100) you’ve made in the last six months?
A solar bug zapper for my yard.
Who was your childhood/teenage celebrity crush?
Eva Mendes
This article appears in July SBJ 2026.