We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mason Lopez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mason, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed my confidence and self-esteem through my early experiences in the hospitality industry. Starting out as a busser and then moving on to serving and bartending taught me the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Being on the front lines of customer service, I learned how to remain calm under pressure and solve problems efficiently—all while maintaining a friendly and welcoming demeanor.
Over time, I became a corporate trainer at Texas Roadhouse, and at the time, I was the youngest trainer there. This accomplishment gave me a deeper sense of self-assuredness: not only was I guiding new employees, but I was also trusted to uphold the brand’s standards. That experience sharpened my leadership skills, taught me how to communicate effectively with different personalities, and showed me the value of setting the right example.
Every step after that—from tackling personal goals to stepping into new professional roles—was influenced by the confidence I built in hospitality. I learned that with hard work and the right attitude, even a challenging or unexpected situation could be turned around for the better. Over the years, those lessons guided me through various achievements, ultimately paving the way for me to start and run my own business. My foundation in hospitality remains at the core of my work ethic and my ability to connect with people, driving everything I do as a business owner today.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My journey began in the heart of the hospitality industry, starting as a busser and working my way up to serving and bartending. Those hands-on experiences introduced me to the power of genuine connection, as I learned how a welcoming smile and a problem-solving attitude could change someone’s entire day. Over time, I became the youngest corporate trainer at Texas Roadhouse—a role that sharpened my leadership skills and fueled my passion for helping others grow.
Today, I’m proud to bring those values into my work as a business owner. My personal mission is to cultivate community in all realms of life, a principle that guides everything I do. One of my proudest achievements has been organizing a conference for local small businesses, where fellow entrepreneurs could learn about SEO, branding, marketing, and social media. It was thrilling to see new ideas spark in that environment of shared knowledge and mutual support.
From there, my dedication to community-building and innovative marketing strategies continued to yield rewards. In my very first year of business, I grossed over $200,000, an accomplishment that reinforced the impact of combining passion and expertise. More recently, I was honored to be named one of the Top 30 under 40 in Kootenai County, a recognition that pushes me to strive even harder to uplift and empower others.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to keep expanding the reach of my brand by launching new workshops and collaborative projects that focus on building authentic connections. I believe that when people come together around a shared goal—whether it’s growing a company, developing a brand, or strengthening a community—remarkable transformations can happen. I’m excited to see how these efforts continue to evolve and to keep living out my mission of cultivating community every step of the way.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Genuine Communication and Relationship Building
The quality I rely on most is the ability to over-communicate while remaining genuine with clients. Whether it’s a quick update or a more in-depth conversation, I believe in setting clear expectations and ensuring the other person feels truly heard. My advice: don’t shy away from over-explaining. Encourage clarifying questions, practice active listening, and always follow up. When clients trust your transparency, it becomes easier to build solid, lasting partnerships.
2. Hard Work and Industry Awareness
I’ve learned that staying on top of emerging trends is essential for keeping clients competitive in today’s fast-paced market. Being willing to put in the necessary work—researching new tools, exploring updates to algorithms, or analyzing competitors—helps you adapt quickly and make strategic decisions. To develop this skill, carve out time each week for professional development. Read industry blogs, watch webinars, or follow thought leaders on social media. Hard work paired with current insights will set you apart as someone who consistently delivers results.
3. Adaptability and Continuous Learning
Another key factor in my journey has been a willingness to adapt. Whether it’s shifting gears to meet a client’s evolving needs or completely revamping a strategy when market conditions change, I’ve found that flexibility often determines long-term success. My recommendation is to approach each new challenge with an open mind: ask questions, gather diverse perspectives, and embrace the idea that you don’t have to have all the answers right away. This approach keeps you nimble and ready to pivot, even in the most unpredictable circumstances.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The people who helped me the most were those who recognized my potential early on and trusted me enough to place me in leadership roles. Dan Davis, the owner of the Texas Roadhouse where I worked, was one of the first to give me real responsibility and show me what it meant to lead by example. At Starbucks, my first manager Kristi taught me the fundamentals of leadership by training me as a shift lead and coffee master—an experience that fueled my passion for both teamwork and customer service. When I transferred to Oregon, Kelly carried that torch, mentoring me further and helping me develop the managerial skills that would lay the foundation for my future. Later, Corey, the owner of a local agency, took a chance on me as an SEO specialist, then entrusted me with the roles of Account Manager and eventually Operations Manager. Each of these mentors believed in me, supported my ambitions, and pushed me to grow far beyond my comfort zone, shaping the leader I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seocda.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ml_seo_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlseollc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlseo/
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/rachelnorrisphoto/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
