Latino Business Speakers Bureau: Adam Arroyos
story by: David Gomez
In the fields of west Texas, a young boy helped pick pumpkins with his family in the Fall sun of September. His hands were tired, but he knew that every pumpkin he picked meant more food on the table. The boys and girls of the Arroyos household had personal ambitions, but their biggest ambition was to provide for their family. They had each other’s backs and loyalty for their family. Together they helped ease their mother’s burdens to provide for their family. That young boy did not know yet that all the struggle he experienced at such a young age would one day become his greatest asset. Those years of hard work in the fields and the constant push and hustle to make ends meet were necessary to endow him with resilience and gumption; qualities that will empower him to one day launch and lead his own company. The boy’s name was Adam Arroyos and his story is a reminder that a person’s past does not determine his or her future.
Adam is currently the CEO of SERVE2PERFORM and co-founder of the Latino Business Speaker Bureau (along with Dr. Betty and Raymond Arroyo). His story isn’t somber but rather uplifting and one that teaches that hard work and determination can provide unimaginable opportunities. It is also the kick in the pants needed for those who feel limited by their modest beginnings and limited opportunities. He strikes truths in his conversation that inspire and force the listener to assess his or her own mindset. With a caring voice, he delivers pocket-sized double-edge truths, “the belief that disadvantages are limitations to success is in itself a disadvantage.” He then follows with a reassuring statement “If you want something, go get it!” Adam’s confidence projects unto others. He sees potential and believes people can achieve great things. That is one among several reasons why he is such an admired leader. He believes that community is important to lift others and oneself, that is why he makes deliberate effort to help others to be successful.
Field workers and produce pickers know a truth or two about comfort. Slowing down or sitting down to rest can put burdens on others and if the person resting takes a good long rest, they will be worse off the rest of the day. The same principle can be applied to growth. “If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing,” Adam says. Because he grew up poor, Adam is not afraid to work long hours, hustle, take risks and find innovative ways of solving problems. He isn’t afraid of failure because he knows it is part of the growth process. This spartan mindset pushes Adam to greater and more challenging ventures. Even when a college education was not on the table during his upbringing, Adam was encouraged by a mentor to further his education. Today, Adam holds a Doctorate in Public Policy from the University of Arkansas and has been a champion for Latino Talent with the Sam Walton College of Business, the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and with LatinXNA. In 2012, Adam founded SERVE2PERFORM with a vision to improve talent management practices. SERVE2PERFORM isn’t simply a great company that provides a great service, it is also a market disruptor. Adam envisions global impact for SERVE2PERFORM and plans to offer services internationally in the near future.
In the middle of sharing his life story, Adam dropped some truth bombs that are worth repeating: in reaching your goals –“No one is going to do it for you, it has to come from you.” On ownership –“No one is going to be more committed to your success than yourself.” On paying it forward –“Thosewho are blessed with opportunities must reach out to others to help them succeed.” Adam is a natural motivator who is building a legacy through every life he touches.