Today we’d like to introduce you to Letti Garza.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, I’m a living testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to giving back. As the eldest of eight children, I learned responsibility at an early age, a lesson that would shape the course of my extraordinary life. Tragedy struck when I was just 10 years old—my mother passed away, leaving a void in the family and in my father’s roofing business. My mother had been the backbone of the company, managing all administrative duties. In the wake of this loss, I stepped up, answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and learning the ropes of record-keeping from the secretary my father hired. It was during this time that I discovered my love for numbers—a passion that would guide my professional journey.
My father, a man of strong principles, instilled in us the value of hard work. Weekends were spent picking cotton in the fields, a lesson in grit and perseverance that I carry with me to this day. He taught us that work ethics were essential, no matter how young we were.
In high school, I joined the Vocational Office Education program, which laid the foundation for my first paying job at a mailing and printing company. Over the years, I honed my skills in mail sorting, typesetting, layout, and graphic design. It was also during this time that I was introduced to community service a discovery that ignited my lifelong passion for philanthropy.
The 1980s marked a turning point in my career. I worked for one of San Antonio’s top law firms, an experience that not only solidified my professional skills but also opened doors to new opportunities. I campaigned for congressmen and the mayor of San Antonio, volunteered for the city’s number one radio station, and even caught the eye of a John Casablanca agent, launching me into the world of modeling. From fashion shows to print ads and even appearances in local TV shows and movies, I embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. I was an extra in Johnny Be Good alongside Robert Downey Jr., Uma Thurman, and Anthony Michael Hall, and later appeared in Heartbreak Hotel and The Alamo. I was even offered a role as a double for Angelica Huston in Lonesome Dove, but life had other plans, leading me to Fresno, California.
In Fresno, I continued to wear many hats—working for Barbizon, managing a bagel deli, and mingling with celebrities. My career path took me through advertising agencies, home builders, non-profits, import/export companies, and even the San Antonio Airport, where I traded administrative work for flying lessons. My versatility earned me the nickname “Jane of All Trades” from my employers, a title I wore with pride.
Throughout my career, I never lost sight of my commitment to community service. From helping churches with bookkeeping and event planning to supporting food banks, children’s hospitals, and organizations for battered women and family violence, I dedicated countless hours to making a difference. Giving back has always been at the heart of everything I do.
Today, at 72 years old, I work for Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP, one of Austin’s top five accounting firms, as a financial concierge for high-profile and high-net-worth individuals. I describe the company as life-changing: Maxwell Locke & Ritter has had the most impact on my life and success. They encourage us to grow in our profession and our community involvement. We’re truly a family. The firm’s core value — “No success at work is worth failure at home”—resonates deeply with me, as does their flexibility and genuine care for employees.
Despite recent health challenges that have limited my ability to volunteer physically, I continue to make charitable contributions and remain an active part of my community. After 15 years with Maxwell Locke & Ritter, I have no plans to retire anytime soon. This will be my last job, I say with a smile. But even after retirement, I’ll continue to do community service for as long as I live.
My story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unshakable commitment to making the world a better place. From the cotton fields of San Antonio to the boardrooms of Austin, I have lived a life defined by hard work, compassion, and a passion for helping others. My journey is a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we can rise above them—and in doing so, inspire others to do the same.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a Hispanic female has come with its share of challenges, especially in the early stages of my career. Without a college education, finding a well-paying job was an uphill battle. I often had to go above and beyond to prove my worth, putting in longer hours to showcase my dedication and capabilities. In retrospect of those struggles I gained wisdom and learned important lessons. Through it all, my unwavering motivation has been my faith in the Lord. In moments when the struggles felt overwhelming, I found strength and comfort in Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Maxwell Locke & Ritter I’ve spent the past 15 years building a career within the Family Office practice, a specialized arm of the tax department. Over time, I’ve become something of an original—often referred to as the “OG” of Family Office—as the only team member who has been part of the group since its inception.
My role extends far beyond traditional accounting. As a financial concierge to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, I provide highly personalized, detail-oriented support that touches nearly every aspect of my clients’ financial lives. From coordinating complex bank transfers and liaising directly with private bankers, to managing vendor relationships and supporting clients’ household employees, I serve as a trusted point of contact across a wide network.
I also act as a bridge between clients and their renters or lessees, oversee the setup of utility services, and collaborate closely with attorneys, wealth managers, and other advisors to ensure seamless coordination. In addition to these responsibilities, I manage bookkeeping functions and provide internal support to our tax team, helping ensure accuracy and efficiency across engagements.
This combination of longevity, institutional knowledge, and high-touch client service has allowed me to carve out a unique role—one defined by trust, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
The role I currently hold is a true blessing. I was fortunate that a Partner and an Associate at Maxwell Locke & Ritter reached out to me with an opportunity to join the firm. This was especially meaningful because I didn’t have a degree in accounting or a CPA license, which are typically preferred qualifications. However, they recognized my work ethic and capabilities from my time working with a former employer who was a client of the firm. Today, I can confidently say that I love my job and working for Maxwell Locke & Ritter. It feels like I’ve finally achieved the goal I set for my life, and I couldn’t be more grateful!
Image Credits
Johnny Be Good
Dress for Success
Mobility of Austin
Family Violence
Maxwell Locke & Ritter, LLP
