Rigo Razo has a wife, four children and a full time job, but he still manages to take two classes each semester. He will eventually earn a newly offered Business Management and Leadership Certificate with an Entrepreneurial Emphasis at Barton Community College.

It could be said Razo is a highly organized man with a plan, but he’ll tell you that hasn’t always been the case. After high school, Razo jumped right into the workforce and spent a couple of years working at a potato factory in Idaho. He was then offered a job by a Playa Azul manager in Pratt and eventually moved to work at the Great Bend location in 2003.

He has thrived in the local hot-spot restaurant and has received attention from upper-management for his good work. Razo attributes his success to one of his greatest strengths, customer service.

“I know what the customer wants and deserves in terms of product,” he said. “You have to have a smile and be professional and keep confident.”

A business degree from Barton, he said, is his way of playing to his strengths. He already has experience and has made a name for himself. The only thing lacking that might hold him back is a formal education.

Razo has been attending business classes at Barton for more than a year and plans to graduate with his associate degree in May of 2016. Afterward, he has hopes to continue his education in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.

However, Razo plans to stay in the area. “I had job offers in other stores, but I like the community here in Great Bend.”