Life took me in a different direction. I left El Salvador to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, where I spent 21 years learning the values of honor, discipline, and service. During that time, I stepped away from the land, eventually selling my portion of the farm in 2001. But the mountains of Apaneca never left my heart—and neither did coffee.
Today, I’ve returned to that legacy by partnering with my brother, who still owns and operates Finca Las Lomas. Together, we’re bringing our family’s coffee directly to San Diego and beyond—roasted in small batches, packed with purpose, and steeped in heritage.