Our people: Service advisor won't borrow trouble

Ask Herman Chavez for his favorite dish and he'll tell you it's Puerto Rican-style rice and beans with pork chops.

"It was my grandmother's recipe," Chavez said.

"It's the seasoning, sofrito, a custom blend of seasonings. They use it in everything. And the rice is so good, they cook it with chickpeas," Chavez added.

Chavez told The News more about his life in a Thursday interview.

Q: Where were you born? What do you remember about growing up?

A: I was born in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York City.

I don't remember much. We moved to Clovis when I was 4. I remember the beach and wandering around an apartment.

Q: So how did you come to be in Clovis?

A: My mom's family has been here forever.

My dad was from Puerto Rico and his uncle was in the Air Force and liked it here.

I grew up here.

When I graduated in 2007, I stayed here for a bit. I wanted something different, so I went to California.

At one point I was ready to buy a house there but the prices were insane.

Also my father passed away so it was time to move home.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: Probably a professional wrestler. I was a big fan of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

Q: What is your career? How did you choose the field?

A: I'm a service advisor at Bender GM World.

I talk with customers to determine what needs to be done to their vehicle when they bring it to us.

I was living in southern California and I got a job at a Jiffy Lube and things kind of went from there.

Q: You also work in media. Tell us about that.

A: Herman's Media. That's my small digital marketing agency. I work for small businesses. I solve different issues. I use advanced software, build websites and other aspects.

Q: You applied to be a member of the school board. What would you like to change in Clovis schools?

A: Really, I would like Clovis schools to be a fun place to attend.

When I was in school here, it was fun. The football team was awesome.

I'd really like to see Clovis schools to go back to the "glory days" when athletics were competitive and learning was fun.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: It's me and my wife and we have a 13-year-old boy.

We have three dogs that pretty much run everything here; a "malty-poo," two Schnauzer mixes, they're rescues.

My mom, my older sister and younger brother all still live here in Clovis.

Q: What was your first concert?

A: Ozzfest circa 2006.

I was 16. It was at the Pavilion in Albuquerque.

It was Ozzie Osborne, System of a Down, Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold and some more.

It was incredible. It was quite the experience. I don't think I'd ever been around that many people before.

Q: What's the scariest animal?

A: The grizzly bear. I've heard about them from hunting stories, hunting books and the Discovery Channel.

Q: Have you ever asked someone for their autograph? Who?

A: I never have.

Q: What's your favorite action movie?

A: "Hamburger Hill." It's an old war movie. I used to watch it with my grandpa.

Q: What's your favorite smell?

A: Probably when I'm unwrapping a freshly smoked brisket, ready to be cut.

Q: What's your theme song?

A: "Fly Me to the Moon," by Frank Sinatra.

Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change?

A: I wouldn't. I'm very big on life experiences. All of my decisions, both good and bad, have led me to where I am today. I wouldn't change a thing. I love my life.

Q: What's your favorite saying or quote?

A: I believe it was my wife's grandpa who would say "Don't go borrowing trouble."