Jesse Garza

What A Journey It Has Been! Can hardly believe its been almost 20 years since someone in our class coined the phrase the "Galleon Will Shine In '89" -Dolly Aguilar right?
To Summarize, think about the Movie "In The Pursuit of Happiness" staring as George Lopez says -a Mexi"CAN" (instead of Will Smith) with "muchas ganas" and a degree in Economics from Texas A&M. Oh, I almost forgot - polyester clothing, 1 blue power suit and 1 red tie. Graduated ATM Dec-93 and became a waiter at Bennigans thanks to fellow Buccaneer Mario Garcia! Met my first boss by waiting on him and some of his colleagues and went to Work at John Hancock Financial Services in Feb. 94. Spent nearly 3 years selling Life Insurance and Financial Products to everyone that had a pulse. If I called upon you- my apologies- Was trying to get out of the polyester clothing!!1996-Began career at Smith Barney as a Financial Consultant thanks in part to a fellow Aggie who was also an Insurance client. Had to get rid of Polyester at this high end firm.(no choice) Here I learned all aspects of wealth management & investing. Started doing seminars in spanish in Chicago area with niche market of retirees. 2001-Founded J. Garza & Co as a Small Investment firm to replicate what I was doing at Smith Barney only in a more intimate setting. 2004-Moved to Chicago to open 2nd office. Lasted nearly 2 years and realized we could live in San Antonio and still service our clientele from Chicago. Not to mention it is really hard to think in frigid climates!!I Now spend my time in San Antonio with the familia and travel to Chicago 8-10 times a year to visit clients. Having 3 boys I now know what my brothers and I put my parents through!!It is so nice to hear everyone is doing well for themselves and I look forward to catching up.

"It Was The Best Of Times.....It Was The Best of Times!" Truly every year at Miller was memorable! The biggest challenge then was keeping my mind off all the great looking ladies of our time and making sure my academics did not suffer. Trust me hanging out with Mario and Ruben did not help! Oh and the Klan also corrupted me a bit. jk.

Let me just say to all the friends and relationships I developed from my days at Oak Park, Driscoll & Miller a Big Thank You! As I look back I am confident that I truly embraced (sometimes literally!) all the moments of that time. From Dances at the Miller Cafeteria where one could not help to pick up a little rhythm! Flipping burgers at MCD's to pay $100 a month for my first car -a Blue Mazda 323. Without which I may of missed a few house parties, bonfires at Padre, dance clubs and eating late at Taqueria Jalisco. Good Times

Participating in the Senior Skit, the Talent Show (The Guyz as the Beach Boys), Senior Trip to Houston, Bus trips with the Cheerleaders, Klan Parties, and the list goes on.

Looking back, I am blessed to have met and been in the company of so many fine people at Miller. See you all soon.