De Leon Living American Dream, Inspiring Others

Editor's note: The Galveston County Daily News recently recognized Galveston Wharves Mobility Director Julio De Leon and other leaders during Hispanic Heritage Month for their accomplishments and contributions to the community.

Julio De Leon, Galveston Wharves Mobility director, immigrated to Houston from his native Guatemala at age 10 with his family in 1988. His father was looking for better opportunities for himself, his wife and four children.

Today, as a career professional and the first in his family to graduate from college, De Leon believes in the American Dream and is passing on those values to his children, ages 17, 14 and 6.

"Anyone who works hard is going to do something good, but there are no shortcuts. You've got to get up and go and put in the time," De Leon said.

"My family is one of my biggest motivators to succeed. I want my kids to feel like nothing is impossible if you just work hard and don't give up."

He and his wife Sara, a fifth-generation Mexican American, also want to pass on rich cultural traditions to their children.

"Many of us who migrated continue traditions that were passed on to us and continue to maintain very tight family bonds. Sara and I celebrate these traditions and pass them on to our children while embracing the opportunities and identity we've embraced living in this wonderful country."

One family tradition is making Christmas tamales - Guatemalan style at Julio's patents' house and a traditional Mexican recipe with Sara's parents.

"Early in my career in parking management and technology sales, I had a good mentor who told me to be persistent but adaptable. This is a difficult lesson when you're young, but I learned that when challenges come, if you can stay focused on the goals and adapt how you'll accomplish your goals, you'll overcome those challenges."

When De Leon interviewed with Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees for the mobility director position five years ago, De Leon saw great opportunities.

"Rodger explained the port's 20-Year Strategic Master Plan and his vision to grow the port's cruise business to fund infrastructure improvements. I wanted to be a part of that," De Leon said.

Based on the plan, the port added a third cruise terminal, is building a fourth, is constructing an internal roadway, and is investing millions of dollars in port infrastructure to grow its cruise, cargo and commercial business sectors.

De Leon has more than tripled the port's cruise parking business in the last five years. He has achieved this growth by making his department more customer-centric, providing premium service, and improving traffic flow in and around the port's three cruise terminals.

De Leon also has increased parking reservations through a customer loyalty program and direct marketing to cruise travelers.

"I'm very proud of what my team has accomplished at the Port of Galveston. With the support of great leadership from Port Director Rodger Rees and a hard-working team, we've created one of the largest revenue generators for the city of Galveston. It feels very good to lead a team that contributes to the port's great success."

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