Meet Joe Flores

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joe Flores a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Joe, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I wish I could say realizing my purpose came early on in life, but in all honesty it didn’t happen til I entered into my adult life. However looking back, all the precursors were there from my earliest childhood memories. I was the middle child with three siblings growing up as a military brat, that above all else I needed to take care of my family and anyone who was standing next to me. Over the years that continued to grow, and without a doubt I can say my purpose is to take care of all those I call family and friends in the service industry.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Currently all my focus is on creating a guild for bartenders and all service industry here in Austin, TX. All of the best people I know, are either currently working in or have previously held some sort of job in the service of others. Day in and Day out they show up and do their best to to give all they can to others, so I wanted more than anything to build something so I can give back to them. The guild will be a haven, a place to learn and grow for all members to live the life they want. A place where they are not only heard, but have a voice. Imagine a place were you can go to get the answers you want, or the resources you need to make through a slow season or a difficult time. Where if you feel stuck in the position you’re in, and really want to get to this other place that feels miles away you have a family that can help get you there.

As we all know life is constantly changing and creating challenges for us all, so what I want more than anything is for my family and friends within the guild to know that they will never have to feel like they are alone.

While my passion is bartending, I have made it a point to try and work in every level and as many different jobs that fall under service industry. From front of house, to back of house and to what Ive felt could be called out of the house as security or doorman. Getting to know the different cultures within each of these groups, and expectations from peers and guests if only getting to understand a fraction of what my friends and family go through daily. The one thing that has been universal in my endeavor is that I want to tell all of them is that they are not alone.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

A thirst for knowledge, coupled with a desire to learn. Without those I can’t help but feel it would be nearly impossible to grow as just a decent human being. Empathy, while some seen to be born understanding what it means I think it’s important for us all to try and grow this within ourselves. This way we can truly connect with each other and find a level of understanding from one person to the next. Then from there, realistic expectations can be met for all to benefit and grow from. Last, taking the time to get to know yourself, introspection, what do you want and what makes you as an individual happy. Sometimes it takes finding out what has made you sad or hurt, or what’s only ever brought you pain to learn what makes you happy. Saying this from a very long, and quite possibly longer road, sometimes the sadness feels like its never gonna end. When you find the strength to keep on going, you find courage.

My advice for folks who are early in their journey is to find your courage, feed it, and never let it go.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Im looking for any and all who live and work as I do, from late nights to early mornings. From sun up to sun down for days at a time taking on multiple jobs at time to make ends meet or chasing a dream. Or anyone else for that matter who feels driven to help in anyway. If I could have one wish it would be for everyone to see these phenomenal and special individuals as I see them. Ive always been a man of few words so I hope that I could at least peak interest in such an institution.

Early on in our birth, the best way to reach us is through our instagram account Black Rabbit Alchemist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Black Rabbit Alchemist
• Linkedin: Michael Flores