Page 45 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2025 - Online Magazine

LOCAL LEGENDS
But Jesse has traveled frequently to help out stores all
over the Texas Panhandle, eastern New Mexico, and as
far south as New Braunfels. “I enjoyed helping out at
other stores and all the adventures, but those days were
long, and I like to be home. I think I’m needed here.”
He most definitely is needed at his home base. Soto’s
title at the store is “Warehouse Supervisor.” The
majority of his time is spent unloading merchandise
when trucks come in (sometimes every day during
holiday season). He then has the responsibility of
organizing the stock room. “It’s hard work, but I enjoy
what I do. It’s a challenge to get all the merchandise
arriving almost daily to fit in our stockroom and even
more of a challenge to keep it organized, but it keeps
me going,” says Soto.
Jesse’s coworkers and supervisors also recognize and
appreciate his work ethic. “I have had the pleasure of
knowing and working with Jesse for the past 15 years
and, in that time, I have yet to know someone who can
outwork him, including myself!” says Co-Manager
Gustavo Burciaga.
Jesse finds the reward in working hard to be security
for his family. The father of seven, grandfather to seven
(soon to be eight), and great-grandfather to one, finds
himself happiest when his family is happy. “My family
is my life,” says Soto. “I’m glad that I am healthy
enough to still do what I do and provide for my family.
Life can be challenging, but making my family happy is
worth it.”
Jesse’s perseverance with Hobby Lobby has brought
him recognition at the General Managers meeting
in the Oklahoma City location of the company’s
headquarters. “I’m proud that the second-in-charge of
the company knows who I am,” says Soto.
At his own store the management acknowledges his
merit. “Jesse is the backbone of this establishment and
has been essential to the success of this store,” says
Burciaga. “His work ethic is like no other and is only
matched by his desire to provide for his family.”
When asked if he plans to retire any time soon, Soto
says, “I hope to make it to 30 years. Working helps
keep me active and healthy.”
The management team is holding him to his word.
“Hopefully our partnership with him will continue for
years to come,” says Cox.
LUBBOCK’S HISTORIC HIDDEN GEM!
CONCERTS COMEDY CINEMA
Cactus Theater
1812 Buddy Holly Ave • CactusTheater.com
UPCOMING SHOWS!
NOVEMBER
22...Vibe LBK: Country Vocal Groups Tribute
29...Sounds of West Texas: Home for the Holidays
DECEMBER
4...Michael Bublé Christmas Tribute by Scott Keo
6...Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas
7...West Texas Jazz Orchestra: Remembering Pearl
/
10...Cinema: Disney’s The Grinch (PG) 2:20 7:20 pm
13 & 19...Vibe LBK: Cactus Family Christmas
14...Aaron Watson Family Christmas - 2 Shows!
20-21...Caldwell Kids’ Annual Christmas Shows
JANUARY 2026
9...ThunderBeard: Touring Tribute to ZZ Top
10...Classic Country Legend Gene Watson
15...Comedian Jeff Leeson - 3rd Appearance!
18...Texas State Songwriter Championship
23...The Reba Experience starring Robin Gallo
30...Troy Ramey - First Cactus Appearance!
FEBRUARY
14...Annual Valentine’s Cinema Special Event
21...Buffalo Grass Blues Concert: Shelley King
28...Caprock Jazz Winter Concert
MARCH
6...Casey James - Solo - Return Appearance!
15...Corb Lund: Canadian Troubadour/Americana
20...Noise Pollution: Top Touring Tribute to AC/DC
21...William Lee Martin: Country Comedy Favorite
Also! Cactus Classic Cinema Spring Series
Select Wednesdays, March-May...see website
Tickets: CactusTheater.com
“Best Live Sound, Lubbock’s Most Historic Stage
and a Unique Experience Each and Every Time!”