Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Garcia
Hi Jay, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from Chicago, where I spent most of my life. About six years ago, I moved to Los Angeles after living in the Bay Area for nearly two years. My career has largely been in the healthcare field, where I’ve held various roles including Business Analyst, Project Manager, Director of Operations, and Surgery Business Manager. I’ve been involved in several exciting projects, such as opening a new hospital pavilion at the University of Chicago, contributing to a hospital expansion at Stanford Children’s Hospital, and maintaining operations without compromising patient care or safety during challenging times like the pandemic at one of the largest hospitals in Los Angeles. Additionally, I’ve collaborated with surgeons and clinicians to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of surgeries.
In addition to my work in healthcare, I’ve explored other industries. I’m a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer for Mission Mortgage, and I’ve ventured into entertainment through writing and comedy. Additionally, my family and I have launched a hot sauce business, inspired by recipes created by my father.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting your own business certainly has its ups and downs, especially when you’re entering an unfamiliar industry. It’s even more challenging with a family business when most of your family is in a different state, making collaborative decisions difficult. You have to learn through trial and error, and, most importantly, through failure. The key is to never give up on your vision and mission, and to keep pushing through the obstacles that come with owning a business.
What has helped me in all my different ventures is leveraging the experience I’ve gained across various fields and integrating them. For instance, my operations experience in healthcare has been invaluable in strategically planning business operations for our hot sauce company, while my background in entertainment has enhanced my ability to communicate effectively, whether I’m speaking to large crowds or engaging with customers at events. It’s important to celebrate your achievements to push your dreams further. On the flip side, it’s crucial to remain humble to navigate through all the ups and downs. I like to say in order to get the Win or W, one must first be able to accept 2 L’s…… the Loss and Lesson.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’ll focus on our hot sauce business. Loco Lolo Hot Sauce is a family-owned hot sauce and food company. The idea has been brewing for many years, with my dad making hot sauce for friends and family for over 20 years. We officially launched the company in late 2023 after receiving enthusiastic feedback at my wedding in 2021. My father provided his hot sauce for the late-night taco truck meal that my sister and brother-in-law gifted us, and it was a instant hit with our guests.
When developing our Original Habanero Hot Sauce, we focused on several key criteria: manageable heat, great flavor, universal compatibility, and no negative aftereffects like heartburn. Our goal was to create a hot sauce that could be used daily with any meal. Since then, we’ve developed two additional flavors to cater to different heat preferences, with another ghost pepper flavor planned for release later this year. We aim to ensure everyone can find a flavor they love. Each of our hot sauces offers a unique taste that stands out from other well-known brands. I’m particularly proud that we collaborated as a family to bring my father’s passion project to life. The name ‘Loco Lolo’ was actually coined by my 11-year-old nephew during a FaceTime call while we were brainstorming! ‘Loco’ means crazy in Spanish, and ‘Lolo’ means grandpa in Tagalog (Filipino), so it translates to ‘Crazy Grandpa Hot Sauce!
We have a fully functional website where customers can order each flavor individually or choose our popular variety packs, allowing for a mix-and-match experience with our three current flavors. We are expanding our availability to TikTok, Amazon, and various retailers. Our products can also be purchased at local events around the LA area. For the latest updates on local events and more, follow us on Instagram at @LocoLoloHotSauce or visit our website at www.locololohotsauce.com
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Some of my favorite childhood memories are from when my entire family would gather in a small, cramped Chicago apartment, braving the city’s notorious rough weather. About 30 of us would come together, surrounded by food, laughter, music, and singing. We played games like Bingo and cards, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. These priceless memories still resonate with me.
Everything I do or am passionate about, I approach with dedication, but always with love and laughter. This stems from growing up in a close-knit family with strong values. We support each other and prioritize open, honest communication, even when it might be difficult. Despite any hard times we’ve faced, we always support each other and eventually look back and laugh. This resilience helps us stay determined to accomplish anything we set our minds to.
Pricing:
- $8/bottle
- $23/variety pack
- $25/shirt
- $2/stickers
- $3/magnets
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.locololohotsauce.com
- Instagram: LocoLoloHotSauce
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553776966252&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@locololohotsauce
