The best time of year has finally arrived (from our perspective). From decreased temperatures in our markets to fantasy football leagues and Common Desk’s fall traditions, it’s an invigorating time in our locations whether you’re a member in Wilmington or San Antonio. However, there are more reasons than just the weather and sports season to love the latter half of the year. Nationally, September kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month. Stretching from September 15th to October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and cultural contributions of America’s citizens of Hispanic descent. At Common Desk, the cities we love and serve are greatly influenced by the rich cultures of professionals and individuals with backgrounds ranging from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Throughout the month, communities across the US gather for festivals and learning opportunities to highlight the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans everywhere. Follow along to see how Common Desk recognized Hispanic Heritage Month with our community events and insights from our members.
History
Introduced in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long commemoration by Congressman George E. Brown. Representing two heavily Hispanic districts in southern California, Brown saw a need to celebrate and honor the communities he represented, especially in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement. He was successful in recognizing the role Hispanic populations played in America’s history and Hispanic Heritage Week turned into Hispanic Heritage Month during President Reagan’s presidency. The celebration now stretches from September 15th to October 15th nationally. Why September? The beginning of the month-long recognition isn’t arbitrary in the slightest. September 15th marks Independence Day anniversaries for several Latin American countries, followed closely by Mexico and Chile’s anniversaries which fall on September 16th and September 18th, along with other notable observances like Dia de la Raza on October 12th.
Hispanic Heritage Month at Common Desk
So, how’d we celebrate? From cuisine and literature to festivals and observances, our hospitality teams created intentional moments for our members to indulge in all month long. We recognize that the cities we serve are influenced by and packed with a rich Hispanic heritage and we loved the opportunity to grow our appreciation for the professionals and academics whose cultural background may differ from our own and bring inspiration into our workspaces. From Dallas to Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, our Texas neighborhoods and beyond are home to a large population of hardworking, inspirational people who have kept us committed to making days better for over a decade. Check out how our communities celebrated inside our spaces below!
Common Desk’s Members on Hispanic Heritage Month
Next, we took some time to speak with members from North Dallas to downtown and Houston, to speak with some of the proud Hispanic business owners who love our Common Desk locations.
Sergio Bustamante – Matador Engineering
Meet Sergio Bustamante from our Common Desk – McKinney location. Sergio is a mechanical engineer and the founder of Matador Engineering, alongside his long-time friend and coworker, Blake Boyd. Matador Engineering has been a beloved member of Common Desk for 2 years and it’s been a joy to watch their business grow. We asked Sergio to give us the inside scoop on all things Matador Engineering before getting into a bit of his background.
“Matador Engineering is a company rooted in a commitment to quality and integrity. My partner and I built our business with the belief that we could combine our years of expertise in mechanical engineering and our passion for doing things the right way. After spending over a decade at other firms, I knew it was time to create a space where innovation, precision, and client satisfaction came first. Our goal is to deliver top-tier engineering solutions that exceed expectations, always striving for excellence in every project we take on.”
As far as we’re concerned, Sergio and his team perfectly demonstrate the Common Desk spirit with their commitment to people’s satisfaction and innovation. Listen to what he had to say regarding the why behind his company’s mission.
“The driving force behind Matador Engineering is the desire to provide solutions that not only solve problems but set a new standard of quality. Having the opportunity to create my own company after years of experience means I can approach each project with a focus on long-term success, always asking, “How can we do this better?” Beyond that, as a first-generation American, I have a personal connection to creating opportunities and building something from the ground up, showing others that determination and hard work can create lasting legacies.”
Lastly, we wrapped up our time with Sergio to hear what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him, his work, and his professional legacy.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for reflection and pride. As the son of an immigrant father, a first-generation Mexican American mother, and the first in my immediate family to graduate from college, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the incredible journey my family and I have been on. It honors not only the sacrifices of those who came before me but also the accomplishments we’ve achieved as a family through perseverance and hard work. It represents not only the recognition of our culture but also the responsibility to honor it through our work and our success. This month, I’m celebrating by actively participating in local community events and taking time to mentor young Hispanic engineers, sharing my experiences and helping them carve out their path in the industry.
At Matador Engineering, we’re proof that perseverance and pride in your roots can fuel the creation of something truly remarkable. As a first-generation American, I’ve learned that while the road may not always be easy, it’s challenges that shape who we are. With the knowledge I’ve gained from my heritage and my career, I’m committed to building a legacy not only for my family but for my community, proving that anything is possible with hard work and determination.”
A massive shout out to Sergio for sharing his time, experience, deep thoughtfulness, and accomplishments with us. Common Desk shines because of our members and Matador Engineering is a prime example. To learn more about Sergio and Blake’s work, visit their website here!
Priscilla Trevino – Perfectly Timed Events
Next up is Priscilla Trevino from our Common Desk – Energy Square location in Dallas’ lower Greenville neighborhood. Priscilla is Dallas’ go-to event coordinator and party planner and the founder of Perfectly Timed Events. Leading a 10-person strong team, Priscilla has been a member of Common Desk since 2022 and demonstrates passion and creativity at Energy Square daily!
“I started Perfectly Timed Events in 2017 with a desire to use my gifts of organization, event planning, and attention to detail to create unforgettable memories and moments for our clients. We take away the stress of event planning, simply allowing our clients to run wild with their dreams, and then we bring their vision to life. Since our first party, PTE has grown to become a company I’m incredibly proud to lead. Between our returning clients, talented staff, exceptionally detailed events and celebrations, birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and more, our clients can rest assured no detail will go unnoticed and that their event will thrive in our hands.”
“I started Perfectly Timed Events in 2017 with a desire to use my gifts of organization, event planning, and attention to detail to create unforgettable memories and moments for our clients. We take away the stress of event planning, simply allowing our clients to run wild with their dreams, and then we bring their vision to life. Since our first party, PTE has grown to become a company I’m incredibly proud to lead. Between our returning clients, talented staff, exceptionally detailed events and celebrations, birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and more, our clients can rest assured no detail will go unnoticed and that their event will thrive in our hands.”
We love having Priscilla and the PTE crew at Common Desk. They’re a powerhouse group that reminds us to always do what it takes and to go the extra mile.
When asked about Hispanic Heritage Month, Priscilla said, “Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a reminder to take pride in my roots, language, traditions, and values passed down through generations. Being a business owner, I view my heritage as a source of strength, resilience, and inspiration. It has shaped my work ethic, approach to leadership, and connections to the community. During the month I’m very intentional in supporting other local Hispanic-owned businesses and raising awareness through my social media platforms.”
There you have it! Huge thanks to Priscilla for taking the time out of her schedule to share about her business, passion, and the heritage that keeps her going. To learn more about Perfectly Timed Events and to have them plan your next shebang, check out their website here!
Rob Villanueva – Surge Realty
Finally, we caught up with Rob Villanueva from our Common Desk – POST Houston location in downtown Houston. A Common Desk member for almost three years, Rob is a well-known, game-changing member of our community. Rob is the CEO and Broker of Surge Realty, a real estate company with nearly 40 agents serving Houston and the surrounding area. Surge’s mission is to solve the home and property needs of Houston’s population, as well as give back to the community and help develop a better tomorrow for all Houstonians. Check out what Rob had to say about his company and Hispanic Heritage Month:
“Growing up as a first-generation Hispanic, I never had knowledge or resources about real estate. I wanted to gain knowledge and experience as an agent first helping clients to now as a broker helping agents better serve their clients. This year, I’m the Padrino at an event called Poder Hispano. Poder Hispano is an annual Hispanic Heritage Month event that celebrates the diverse and growing Latino community. It’s a family-friendly event that features interactive activities and participation from local organizations and Latino-owned small businesses.”
Huge thank you to Rob for taking the time to chat with us and share about Surge Realty. Rob’s personable blend of Southern charm and East Coast grit has paved the way for Surge’s success and is a huge inspiration in our Common Desk community and the larger POST Houston building. To learn more about Surge Realty, visit their website here!
Cheers to Hispanic Heritage Month! We hope this feature has been an honorable and encouraging moment to celebrate the history of a dynamic people group that has consistently demonstrated hard work and an undeniable overcoming spirit. For more information regarding Common Desk’s offerings and to join one of our diverse and flexible communities, book a tour today!
