This past school year I taught a class of high school seniors preparing them for life after they graduate. I was always looking for stories of inspiration and success. One story I discovered just blew my mind. It is the story of Richard Montanez. Montanez became janitor at the Frito-Lay Rancho Cucamonga plant in California after dropping out of high school.
He became inspired when the president of the company suggested that all employees act like the owner. One day he took home some Cheetos that did not have the cheese on them. He created a recipe similar to what the popular street corn vendors in his neighborhood put on ears of corn they would sold. He shared the new concoction with friends and family and they loved it. Soon he called up the president of Frito-Lay, who flew in to see the new creation created by Montanez. The rest is history.
My students are in love with Flamin' Hot Cheetos and most people do not know the origin story. I think this is a great example of the possibilities that America offers to all individuals. He is now CEO of Pepsi's multicultural division.
When I teach this lesson my students have to come up with their own Lay's Potato Chip flavor using the link below:
Do Us A Flavor
I will bring in a bag of Lays that were created by a past contest winner. Last year I brought in biscuits and gravy flavor, which was a big hit!
For any teachers out there this makes for a fantastic lesson!
Below is a link to a video interview with Montanez.