Juan Garcia’s journey with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the impact of representation. From his humble beginnings as the son of immigrants to his current position on the Executive Committee, Juan’s story is deeply intertwined with the rodeo’s history and its significance to the Hispanic community in Houston.
Juan’s connection to the Rodeo began in his childhood, thanks to his father’s long-standing relationship with Louis Pearce Jr. , a prominent figure in the rodeo’s history.
“Mr. Pearce would allow my dad to use his suite on Go Tejano Day, for as long as I can remember. And so, one of the greatest memories I had growing up was seeing Selena in the Astrodome in Mr. Pearce’s suite. I will never forget it.”
These early experiences laid the foundation for Juan’s lifelong involvement with the Rodeo.
Although Juan describes himself as a “city cowboy,” he had the unique experience of living on a ranch during his junior year of high school.
“I moved out to Rosharon, and I lived out on a ranch. There were lakes, of course, hunting out there, and there were cattle everywhere.”
This experience gave Juan a taste of country life and expanded his perspective. Juan credits the Rodeo with having a profound impact on his life.
“There hasn’t been a greater impact on my life than the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. And specifically, you know, the connections made through the Pearce family. For that, I am forever grateful.”
He emphasizes how the opportunities created through the Rodeo contributed to his and his sister’s success, as they were the first in their family to graduate from high school and go on to earn advanced degrees.
Juan’s involvement with the Rodeo as a volunteer began after he graduated from law school. He started on the legal advisory committee and soon joined the Go Tejano Committee to give back to his community. This experience opened his eyes to the Rodeo’s impact on the Hispanic community.
“I realized what the impact that the Rodeo was having, not only just in the community, but in the Hispanic community through Go Tejano Committee, and I just made it a mission myself to try to do more and contribute to making more of an impact than it was already doing.”
As a member of the Executive Committee, Juan sees his role as an important step for representation.
“I feel now and that, not that there wasn’t a voice in the room, but now, for sure, there is a voice in the room representing the Hispanic community, and I think that’s important. Representation matters.”
Juan’s personal life is also tied to the Rodeo. He met his wife when they were both rookies on the Go Tejano Committee.
“We still do this today. The rookies have to perform a skit early on in the in the season, and it was one big group performing today. That’s when I first noticed her and the rest is history.”
This story serves as a reminder of the strong bonds formed within the Rodeo community.
As Juan takes on his new role on the Executive Committee, he’s focused on the big picture and the long-term future of the rodeo:
“It is big picture. It is more looking strategically down the road to the next 5,10, 20,50, years.”
He’s committed to ensuring the Rodeo continues to grow, prosper, and serve the diverse communities of Houston.
Juan Garcia’s journey from a child in awe of the Rodeo to a key decision-maker exemplifies the opportunities and impact the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo can have on an individual’s life. His story is one of dedication, community service, and the importance of representation in shaping the future of this beloved Houston institution.