Roland Gonzalez grew up with an entrepreneurial mindset witnessing his father and grandfather start their own businesses. “This has inspired me to believe that if I dream big and work hard, I can accomplish anything,” he said. “I now try to inspire that belief in others that I have the privilege of leading.”
Gonzalez’s entrepreneurial journey has led him to his current role as the chief operating officer at Church’s Texas Chicken, one of the top five largest chicken chains in the world.
Church’s Texas Chicken has over 1,500 restaurants across 23 countries with a vision to be the most-loved global chicken brand, serving guests from all walks of life with legendary and scrumptious flavors at a compelling value.
As chief operating officer, Gonzalez has been instrumental in growing the company’s P&L to over $1.5 billion. In previous roles in the industry, he grew companies to acquire iconic brands and served as the head of global operations standards and strategy. “I remain hungry for more but also grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to make an impact on these organizations and the people within them,” said Gonzalez. “As an executive leader, I am always conscious of how I can lead, develop and inspire.”
Gonzalez has become a prominent figure in the industry, sharing insights and thought leadership at the Global Leadership Conference regarding revolutionizing the way that food safety and standards are assessed in restaurants. He has been awarded the top 40 under 40 by the South Florida Business Journal, was recognized as an executive star by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, and the go getter by the Miami Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association as well as the National Association of Corporate Directors.
As a leader, Gonzalez said he relies on emotional intelligence, communication and delegation. “Understanding and managing one’s emotions, as well as recognizing and influencing the emotions of others is key to effective leadership,” he said. “Effective communication ensures transparency, aligns the team and sets the vision for the organization. Empowering team members by entrusting them with responsibilities promotes growth and efficiency.”
Citing his superpower as calm under pressure, Gonzalez said this trait makes him a reliable person in times of crisis. “My leadership style promotes inclusivity, motivation, and a strong corporate culture that prioritizes innovation, accountability, and collaboration.”
