Category: North America

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North America

Gratitude & Growth: My Last Days at Flowchem and VPS

As I wrap up my time at Flowchem and VPS, I find myself filled with appreciation, reflection, and a deep sense of gratitude. My last official day is April 11, and while change is never easy, this transition is one I embrace with a full heart and a clear head.

Looking back on these past few years, it’s been an incredible journey. I’ve had the privilege to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who brought energy, drive, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, we tackled complex challenges, grew the business, expanded markets, and above all, strengthened relationships—with our customers, partners, and each other.

Whether it was refining the distributor network, launching new product lines, navigating supply chain hurdles, or coordinating global commercial efforts, every project was a masterclass in collaboration and perseverance. I leave this chapter proud of what we built and optimistic about where the team is heading. The foundation we’ve laid is solid, and I know they’ll continue to thrive and push the business forward.

To my colleagues: thank you for your trust, your support, and your friendship. I am especially grateful to those who supported me through the many initiatives—from international distributor partnerships to product commercialization efforts. You know who you are. I learned so much from each of you, and I’m genuinely thankful for the time we shared.

To the leadership: thank you for believing in my vision, empowering me to lead, and supporting my development as a commercial executive. It’s rare to find a place where innovation is matched by integrity—Flowchem and VPS have both.

And to the broader team—please stay in touch. I’m excited to see how each of you continues to grow in your roles. There’s so much talent and heart in this organization. I’ll be cheering for you from afar.

As I look ahead to my next opportunity, I carry with me the lessons, friendships, and momentum from my time here. 2025 promises to be a big year—for me and for many of you. I hope our paths cross again, maybe even to build something new together.

Here’s to new beginnings, and to everything we accomplished along the way.

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North America

A Memorable Weekend in Atlanta: Gabriela’s Wedding and Family Adventures

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of traveling to Atlanta to celebrate a very special occasion—my niece Gabriela’s wedding to her new husband, Adam. The wedding was held at the beautiful Governor’s Towne House in Acworth, Georgia and it was a picture-perfect day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments with family.

Of course, no trip is complete without some exploring, and we made the most of our time in and around Atlanta. The weekend kicked off with a friendly (but competitive) tennis match with my brother Juan at Dellinger Park. It had been a while since we played and it was great to get out on the court, enjoy the crisp spring air, and relive some of our old matches.

Tanya and I had a great meal at Pollo Primo simple, flavorful, and exactly what we needed. Later in the weekend, we had a wonderful family lunch at La Parrilla, where the food and atmosphere made for a perfect gathering spot before the wedding festivities began.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was spending time with my parents. We started the morning at the Atlanta Breakfast Club, a popular spot known for its Southern-style comfort food. Watching them enjoy a hearty meal and share stories over coffee was a highlight of the trip.

We also took some time to visit some of Atlanta’s most iconic attractions. Coca-Cola World was a fun stop, full of nostalgia and interesting history about one of the world’s most famous brands. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center was a moving experience, a place that serves as a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s legacy and the continued importance of his message. From there, we explored the Center for Puppetry Arts, which brought out the kid in all of us with its incredible exhibits and classic puppets from childhood favorites.

Before wrapping up the trip, we walked around Lenox Square Mall, taking in the vibrant energy of one of Atlanta’s best shopping destinations. Our last dinner in the city was at Bones, a classic steakhouse with incredible food—definitely a great way to end the trip on a high note.

From the joy of celebrating Gabriela and Adam’s wedding to the memorable moments spent with family, this visit to Atlanta was truly special. Looking forward to the next time we can all gather again!

#AtlantaAdventures #FamilyTime #GabrielaAndAdam #GreatMemories

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North America

A Great Visit to Calgary: Business, Meetings, and Memorable Meals

Calgary always feels familiar yet refreshing every time I visit. My recent business trip was no exception—filled with productive meetings, excellent dining, and another comfortable stay in one of my favorite hotels.

A Warm Welcome at The Westley Hotel

Staying at The Westley Hotel has become a highlight of my Calgary trips. The modern design, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional service make it an easy choice. Whether it’s winding down after a long day or gearing up for early meetings, The Westley never disappoints.

Business and Networking in the Heart of the Industry

This trip centered around key meetings, including an insightful discussion at the Calgary Petroleum Club and a productive session with TC Energy. Calgary remains a vital hub for the energy sector, and engaging with industry leaders here is always valuable.

A Culinary Tour of Calgary

No trip is complete without exploring Calgary’s fantastic food scene. I kicked off my mornings with excellent breakfasts at Fonda Grill, a great spot to start the day right. Lunch at Tandoori Grill provided a flavorful break with its authentic Indian cuisine.

For dinner, Buchanan’s delivered as always with its classic steakhouse experience, while Salt Lick was another standout—great food, atmosphere, and a perfect way to wrap up the trip.

Always a Pleasure to Be Back

Beyond the meetings and meals, there’s something about Calgary that keeps bringing me back. The energy, the hospitality, and the people make every visit worthwhile. Looking forward to the next one!

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North America

Mardi Gras in Lafayette: A Weekend of Food, Festivities, and Soccer

Mardi Gras in Lafayette is a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and, of course, incredible food. This year, we packed our weekend with classic Cajun experiences, delicious eats, and an unforgettable ending at a Dynamo vs. Inter Miami game.

Friday Night – Po’ Boys and a Cozy Stay

Our weekend started with a stop at Darrell’s, where we indulged in one of their legendary po’ boys. The roast beef with gravy was everything we hoped for—messy, flavorful, and the perfect way to kick off our Louisiana adventure. After stuffing ourselves, we checked into Hilton Parc Lafayette, our home base for the weekend. The hotel’s comfortable atmosphere gave us the perfect place to rest up for the festivities ahead.

Saturday – Exploring the Best of Cajun Country

We started our morning with a classic Lafayette breakfast, fueling up for a day of exploration. The first stop was Avery Island, the home of Tabasco. Walking through the pepper fields and learning about the history of this iconic hot sauce made us appreciate the spice even more. The lush jungle gardens and wildlife gave us a taste of Louisiana’s natural beauty.

Lunch was a treat at St. John Restaurant, where we enjoyed Cajun classics like crawfish étouffée and gumbo. Nothing beats the rich, comforting flavors of well-made Louisiana cuisine.

After lunch, we took a scenic drive to Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. The peaceful, swampy landscapes were a nice contrast to the lively Mardi Gras energy. It was the perfect spot to stretch our legs and soak in the natural side of Louisiana before heading back into town.

Back to Lafayette – Coffee, Parades, and More Food

No trip is complete without good coffee, so we stopped at Rêve Coffee Roasters in Lafayette. Their locally roasted beans and cozy vibe made for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up before heading to the highlight of the weekend—the Mardi Gras parade!

The streets of Lafayette were packed with energy. Floats rolled through, beads flew through the air, and the spirit of Mardi Gras was alive and well. The music, dancing, and festive atmosphere were exactly what we came for.

After the parade, we ended our night with a fantastic meal at Prejean’s. Their seafood gumbo and blackened redfish hit the spot, making for the ideal closing meal in Cajun country.

Sunday – Buc-ee’s and Soccer in Houston

Before heading home, we made a necessary pit stop at Buc-ee’s—because no road trip through the South is complete without one. Stocking up on snacks and souvenirs, we hit the road to Houston for the final highlight of the weekend: the Dynamo vs. Inter Miami game. Seeing some of the biggest stars in soccer and feeling the electric energy of the stadium was the perfect way to cap off an incredible trip.

From mouthwatering Cajun eats to scenic bayous and the thrilling spectacle of Mardi Gras, this weekend in Lafayette had it all. Until next time, Louisiana—Laissez les bons temps rouler!

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North America

Indianapolis is a city full of surprises and my recent trip there proved just that. It was a short visit but one packed with interesting experiences, great food, and a touch of nostalgia.

Upon arrival at the Houston airport I had just enough time to check out United’s Go Fly lounge in Terminal B. The concept impressed me—an innovative approach for travelers with short layovers who don’t have time for a full lounge experience. The lounge provided convenient access to snacks and drinks, making it an ideal stop before heading to my final destination.

That evening, I had dinner at The Library, a charming spot known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent food. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day of travel and prepare for the busy schedule ahead.

The following morning, we set out for Connersville to visit a distributor. The drive through Indiana’s countryside was peaceful, and the meeting was productive. Afterward, we stopped for lunch at No. 9 Grill in Cambridge, a great little spot with fantastic food that made for a memorable meal.

Our next stop was the Hoosier Gym in Knightstown, a pilgrimage for any basketball fan. The timing of our visit made it even more poignant—on the very day that Gene Hackman passed away. Standing in the gym where Hoosiers was filmed, I couldn’t help but reflect on the impact of the movie and Hackman’s legendary performance as Coach Norman Dale. It was a special moment to be there on such a significant day.

Charlie and I decided to change our flight and head back to Houston later that afternoon. While at the airport, I took some time to explore and stumbled upon some unique pieces of history—an Indy sports car on display, a letter from Abraham Lincoln, a note from Johnny Cash, and a guitar from ZZ Top. It was an unexpected but fitting way to wrap up the trip.

Though brief, the visit to Indianapolis was well worth it. From great food and productive meetings to meaningful moments and unexpected finds, it was a trip that left a lasting impression.

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North America

A Whirlwind Business Trip to Casper, Wyoming

Business travel often comes with its fair share of excitement, exhaustion, and unexpected adventures. My recent trip to Casper, Wyoming, to meet with Engineered Equipment Inc. was no exception. From airport lounges to great food and a mad dash through Denver, this trip had it all.

The journey began with stops at the United Lounges in Houston and Denver—always a good way to get some work done and grab a quick refreshment before the next leg of the trip. Upon arriving in Casper, I made my way to Frank’s for a well-earned steak dinner. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. There’s something about a perfectly cooked steak after a long day of travel that makes all the difference.

After dinner, I decided to unwind with a game of poker, enjoying the local scene before calling it a night. The next morning, breakfast at the Hilton came with an unexpected highlight—the server’s homemade green salsa. It had just the right kick and was a great way to start the day.

Before heading to my meeting, I stopped by the Blue Ribbon for a solid cup of coffee. There’s nothing quite like a good local coffee shop to set the tone for a productive day. Lunch was at HQ Southern BBQ, where the flavors were as bold as the conversation. A great spot for a final meal before hitting the road.

Then came the sprint. My return trip started with a mad dash to the Casper airport, only to find myself in an all-out 25-minute run through the Denver airport to catch my connecting flight to Houston. Just what you need after a full day of meetings and travel.

I’ll be arriving back home at midnight, finally crawling into my bed around 1:30 AM. The best part? I get to wake up in my own home on Friday instead of spending another full day traveling. It’s always good to get out and meet with partners, but nothing beats coming home after a trip like this.

Casper, you were a whirlwind. Until next time!