Jaden Garza

Jaden Garza has been in the IT and technology industry for the duration of his career. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of technology and finding ways to build solutions for communities, he has become what some may define as a serial entrepreneur, always looking for the next project and way to use his talents to help others. Together with his wife Jessica, Jaden installed and developed wireless internet solutions for RV communities throughout the state of Texas beginning in 2017, and in 2020 was critical in rebranding the business into a direct to consumer solution. As it stands today, thousands of rural Americans are able to connect to a reliable, wireless internet service, providing these last mile customers with opportunities to do remote learning and to work from home with confidence.

Most recently, Jaden launched HXO, a short form version of the company’s complete name, Hope and Origin. HXO is a passion project that houses a collection of like-minded brands and businesses that focus on dedicating their resources to helping people.

“Although I began with a vision of helping rural customers find a reliable connectivity option in their area, I found that what really fuels me is helping people across many industries,” Mr. Garza states. “Helping people is what I am most passionate about and what makes me get up each morning, and I will continue to extend the HXO vision and mission across as many industries as I possibly can.”

Operating out of the greater San Antonio, Texas area, Jaden is actively working to find new ways to bring hope to individuals and communities that are left out of larger commercial opportunities. He hopes to continue creating entrepreneurial and family-like environments where anyone can choose to dream big and find support along their own journey into something greater.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My days are rarely the same, which is done on purpose. I am not always a fan of routines and schedules, as I like to create and feel like I have the flexibility to do so. However, I do have a great team that reminds me of the importance of structure and prioritizing set weekly schedules with leadership to collaborate on projects, and who ensure I am always prepared for meetings and new events which takes a lot of worry off my plate. Having a strong team of talented and self-motivated people around me keeps me thankful and productive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I rely on the collective reasoning and input of many to push my ideas. I have always found that creating as a team is more important and more successful than trying to do everything on your own.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I am constantly reading and looking for information. I will completely submerge myself into a topic that I find interesting, to become an expert. I find my natural curiosity and desire for knowledge has been a large part of my success and growth as a leader.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would give this advice to most young people, who are interested in leading or developing a new idea. Trust yourself, but never forget where you came from and your personal values. I think it’s easy to get lost in a sense of success or fame or whatever it is someone is aspiring to gain. Self-reflection, and remembering what drove your passion to start something, is something to be practiced often. For myself, I know I value family and that my drive stems from not having a lot growing up. However, money and items are not more important than family, and not worth chasing over being known as a man who cares deeply for others. Coming back to the basics keeps me grounded.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

There is a quote that states a good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan executed in the future. This is something that I have defended many times, as it really emphasizes that if you wait around to get everything just right – you might miss an opportunity to try at all. Someone may come up with the same idea, and get there first. You may talk yourself out of something. While I don’t agree cutting corners is the right answer, I would argue that you’ll never have a perfect plan.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Being open to change and to feedback is very important. Also, taking time to plan steps and phases during a period of growth is crucial to a successful business. You want to be as prepared as you can be and have a plan to scale an idea so you have the right resources in place and can paint a path for your team. As a leader, clearly defining the “mission” is important so everyone is moving towards a common goal with confidence.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Recently my wife had the idea to take our kids to a drive-in theater, as an end-of-summer celebration and for some quality time as a family. With a family our size, it was a bit more than $100 but the kids had a blast sitting in the car watching a movie, eating awful drive-in food, and just enjoying being a kid. Moments like that are priceless.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Our companies use a lot of resources, but generally I try to find platforms that are user friendly, easily accessible, and integrate well with each other. I love Google services and the ease of sharing documents or organizing chats on their platform. I’m a huge fan of visual representations, so Lucid Charts is awesome for taking an idea off a white board, and putting it to paper. Shopify is a great shop platform for new businesses as it integrates with tons of applications that small businesses need to get themselves off the ground, and have used their platform with success in the past as well.

What is your favorite quote?

Aside from the quote in my explanation from earlier, I really enjoy Steve Jobs’ quote of “It’s more fun to be a pirate than to join the Navy.” I love that it embodies the spirit of an entrepreneur.

Key Learnings:

• Trust yourself, and your team, to do important things. But never forget why you started something in the first place and remain humble.
• Make a plan, gain feedback, and take a collaborative approach when you can.
• Surround yourself with smart, talented, and caring people. There is no replacement for a team that is passionate about the same thing you are and who wake up every day to do something great.