35 Years of Business, 35 Years of Life: A Co-Founder and Father Shares His Secret to Success

By Jenny Tamayo

Growing up In The Business 

Quite often people ask me how many years La Tortilla Factory has been in business.  It’s an easy question to answer because we’re the same age! La Tortilla Factory opened in August 1977.  I was born two months later, in October.  This year we will both celebrate 35 years.

Growing up in a family business can be tricky.  You’re never quite sure of where your life begins and where the company ends, and visa versa. La Tortilla Factory gave my brother and I our first jobs by the time we were eight years-old.  I cleaned offices and he inspected tortillas for defects on the production line. High school, college and everywhere in between La Tortilla Factory has always been part of my life.

As a young college graduate I worked full time at La Tortilla Factory for five years, but at 26 I (tearfully) announced I would be leaving the company to explore the world and other areas of personal interest.  It was one of the most difficult decisions I had ever made.

Father-Daughter Advice

Four years later I was living and working in Seattle.  I was actively pursuing a passion, but still struggling to live the life I wanted.  One Christmas on a plane ride home to California, I decided I would ask my father the secret to his success.  Besides, it was becoming quite clear to me that he knew a thing or two about the topic!  He had nurtured a loving and supportive family, a thriving business employing talented and grateful employees, a healthy diet and healthy mind and an impressive work-life balance.  So one afternoon while we were alone in the kitchen, I asked him:

“Dad, if you had to give one piece of advice to a young person on how to live a successful, happy and financially stable life, what would it be?”

I was absolutely sure my father was going to advise me to invest in the stock market or some sort of bond, or perhaps re-emphasize his feelings on the importance of buying a home or getting a masters degree.  I was ready to take his advice and run with it, but to my surprise, that wasn’t what he revealed at all. What he shared was:

“Jenny, do what you love and success will follow.”

I was shocked. That was the advice? That was the advice coming from a well-respected community leader and successful businessman of 35 years?  Of a man who had helped create a thriving multi-million dollar business with nothing but a $75,000 Small Business Administration Loan and his parent’s dream?

I had no other choice but to believe it. I realized I had some soul searching to do. I moved back to Seattle and lived there for another two years.

Making the Connection

This year I rejoined the company part-time as the Social Media Coordinator and can proudly say I am whole-heartedly following my father’s advice from years ago. This month as La Tortilla Factory celebrates 35 years, I am delighted to be here in Santa Rosa to celebrate with my family and friends.  And now, after all these years, I finally understand that my father has been doing what he has loved to do – that of which at the heart of it is supporting people. He has guided and mentored employees, community members and family members alike, with words of wisdom, actions of integrity and job opportunities for 35 successful years.

I am grateful for my father’s advice and patience, his corny sense of humor and his devotion to his personal and professional happiness.  To make the story that much sweeter, I can also vouch with complete confidence, that his advice really works.

Are you doing what you love?  Please share your stories below.