Today we’d like to introduce you to Uriel Reyes.
Hi Uriel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From Humble Beginnings to Leadership: A Journey of Resilience
I was born in a small and humble town in Mexico a place without electricity, without television, without toys, and without the simple joys many children experience. I didn’t know what Christmas was like, and I never had the chance to ride a bicycle. When I was five years old, I lost my mother to breast cancer. I was raised by my grandparents, and my grandfather was blind. Life was not easy, but challenges taught me strength, responsibility, and courage at an early age.
School often meant sitting under a tree with very limited resources. Still, I loved learning. I always held on to big dreams — even when they felt far from reality. Deep down, I believed there was something more out there for my future.
When I came to the United States at a young age, I started again from zero. I worked through a visa program earning $290 a week barely enough to get by. I didn’t know English, couldn’t read or write in this new language, and didn’t know how to use a computer. But what I did have was determination. I wanted to grow. I wanted to change my life.
I started as a laborer in landscaping and became the youngest foreman, leading crews of five to six people. Two or three years later, I was offered the chance to become a supervisor or production manager. Around that time, I met Nick Keller — the person who would change my life forever. Our first conversation required a translator because my English was still developing. But in that moment, I saw that he was a dreamer like me. He believed in growth, possibility, and building something bigger.
Nick gave me an opportunity — and I promised myself I would not waste it.
I worked tirelessly, without worrying about weekends or extra hours. I attended free English classes every Tuesday at a Baptist church in Georgetown. I learned from every challenge, every mistake, and every new responsibility. I moved from residential projects into the commercial world learning production, business operations, and customer relationships.
Nick continued to trust in me, giving me bigger roles to grow into:
• First a commercial account manager
• Then the residential division manager
• And in August 2024 — I became the Vice President of Keller
Today, I review and sign important contracts, lead teams, and help shape the culture of a company that once took a chance on me. A company that believes in family values, accountability, and giving everyone the opportunity to grow — the same way I was given a chance.
One of the proudest achievements of my life was becoming an American citizen. And my greatest motivation every day is my two beautiful children a boy and a girl — who remind me why I work so hard. Everything I do is for them. I want them to have what I never had: opportunity, education, and a future filled with dreams.
My journey is far from over. I am still learning. I am still growing. And I am still working to become the best leader and example I can be.
I share my story so others know this truth:
If I could come from nothing no electricity, no language, no guidance — and build a new life through hard work and faith… then anyone can do it.
Keep dreaming big.
Keep moving forward.
Your future is worth the fight.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. The road has been full of challenges, but each one made me stronger. When I came to the United States, I didn’t speak English, didn’t know how to use a computer, and had no idea how to start a new life in a new country. I worked long hours doing physical labor, often in the heat, sometimes without knowing what tomorrow would bring. I faced moments of doubt and exhaustion, but I never let them define me. Every obstacle became a lesson — a reason to keep going. What helped me the most was faith, hard work, and the belief that my situation didn’t have to define my future.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the Vice President of Keller Commercial & Home Services, a landscape maintenance company serving Central Texas. We specialize in building strong partnerships with our clients — not just maintaining their properties, but truly caring for them as if they were our own. I’m known for leading by example and for building a culture based on respect, accountability, and growth. What sets me apart is that I never forgot where I came from. I lead with empathy because I’ve done the work — from pushing a mower to signing contracts. I understand every level of what it takes to succeed.
What I’m most proud of is seeing others grow. I’ve trained and mentored people who started as laborers and are now account managers and production leaders. Helping others find the same opportunity I was given — that’s what makes my job meaningful.
What are your plans for the future?
My goal is to continue growing Keller into one of the most respected landscape companies in Texas — not just for our quality, but for how we treat people. I want to keep building leaders from within, creating a place where hard work is recognized and where anyone, no matter their background, can succeed. Personally, I’m focused on becoming a better leader every day — learning more about business, people, and purpose. My biggest dream is to create opportunities for others, especially those who, like me, started with very little but have big hearts and big dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kellerservicestx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellerservicestx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kltexas/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uriel-reyes-908104195
