He left his stable corporate job for family time and passion. His love for cooking led to starting his own business with a food truck. In the beginning, there were hard times and only $1.86 in his account.

Lalo Hernandez is now his own boss and still in business after opening four years ago.  His day includes taking his kids to school and then preparing the food to be taken out. Lalo’s I Love My Taco Chop and Grill is a food truck that can cater and sell at venues.

His wife, Gina Hernandez, has been his backbone since the beginning. Gina has a job with the federal government that provides constant paychecks allowing Lalo to get creative with his truck.

“I wanted to see him succeed in what he considered to be his dream,” said Gina. She has noticed him to be much happier after he started his business. Gina and her kids will help out with the truck when they can.

Lalo said he couldn’t have a more supportive family than his own. The biggest struggle for his truck is not having the staff to help when he can’t cover an event.

“I thought what high school kid wants to spend the summer with her dad? It doesn’t sound right and she did. So, I got to spend some quality time with her before she went off to college. She still works on occasions with me. I wouldn’t trade that for any amount of money,” said Lalo.

PHOTO: Lalo Hernandez standing outside of his own business, Lalo’s I Love my Taco Chop and Grill.

BY: Leah Whiticker