We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Mandujano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
I love this question. I’ve learned that success is not built overnight nor is it ever handed to you, as cliché as that may sound. Building something meaningful requires genuine diligence and dedication. Whether it’s in your professional career or entrepreneurial journey, it is imperative to synchronize short-term and long-term objectives with both your mission and vision statements. As a first generation UH BBA & MBA graduate with years of experience in the corporate oil and gas/data sector, I have come to recognize that life offers more than the gratifications afforded by conventional paths. Like scaling a small family business. Something as simple as a cup of Elote. Never underestimate the value of the opportunities your education and experiences give you, instead, be determined to use them to create a brighter future for yourself and those around you. It feels good to be able to give back to those who have given you so much.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Elotes Bravos is really an ode to my parents. It was something my mom always dreamed of having and our family came together to buy our first food truck in 2017. Elotes Bravos was formally established in 2018, we survived covid in 2019-2020 and still continue to serve the classic cup of roasted corn known as Elote to this day. We recently experienced significant growth through our partnership with Shell Energy Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo and Dash, serving as an official vendor in section 118. We consider it a privilege to represent Houston’s vibrant Hispanic culture through a beloved staple snack like Elote. Our ability to execute on a larger scale has catalyzed further opportunities to build collaborative partnerships with organizations like Univision, Telemundo, KPRC’s The Texas Bucket List, Estrella TV and Radio, Que Onda Magazine, University of Houston, among others. With all this momentum, we are eager to see how much further we can take a cup of Elote.

What distinguishes us from other Eloteros is how we are able to produce the same delicious cup of Elote after all these years. Whether it’s at our stand in Hempstead, TX or amidst major music festivals cross Houston, our Elote retains it’s signature roasted flavor just as it did from the start. The mayonnaise, butter, cheese and lime are still the exact same! We refuse to compromise quality for quantity.

Our journey has been marked by perseverance and consistency. It has been far from easy, rejection became a familiar companion and long nights became routine but we refuse to give up. With the entire team unified, we have demonstrated that collective effort can indeed move mountains.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Man, Houston is filled with so many hidden gems for foodies and adventurers alike, it’s hard to choose what to do sometimes. My go-t0 places for a night cap include Little Woodrow’s, Cobo’s Que in Eado, MKT Bar in Downtown, and when it comes to entertainment, I enjoy exhibits at MFAH, cheering on the Houston Astros, UH Basketball/Football games and of course, all Dynamo & Dash games. Oh, and speaking of Dynamo & Dash games, have you checked out the latest updates to the Shell Energy Stadium? Trust me, it’s worth a visit!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Elotes Bravos owes its success to the collective efforts of our dedicated team. We would not be where we are today without the hard work of our entire team. These people deserve their flowers too, so let’s do it. To my parents, whose sacrifices I can never fully repay, I am committed to leveraging my skills to co-create something remarkable alongside you every step of the way. To my brothers, Batman and Superman, you remain my lifelong heroes, and I deeply value your guidance. To my girlfriend, thank you for unwavering support, your ability to see the greater vision is invaluable. To our Hempstead Team, thank you for your hard work and tireless dedication. To “El Comite”, you know who you are, your support, both monumental and subtle, has been indispensable throughout the years.

Website: www.elotesbravos.com

Instagram: @elotesbravos

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-mandujano/

Twitter: @elotesbravoshtx

Facebook: Elotes Bravos

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elotes-bravos-hempstead

Image Credits
@official_soloko @Konnection_8

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