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Davenport Restaurant Owner Honored By Governor Branstad

  A restaurant owner from Davenport was honored by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad yesterday, during his annual Condition of the State address. 47-year-old Joe Gomez was given a standing ovation after the governor shared his story. 

Sarah Ritter reports.

  

  Summary

Gomez says he dropped out of high school and was incarcerated in 1996. After spending several years in prison, he earned his GED and an Associates degree.

Later, he worked as a welder and in various restaurants, where he remembered his passion for cooking. In 2004, he graduated from Eastern Iowa Community College's culinary arts program. 

10 years later, he opened Los Primos Mexican Grill in Davenport-- what he calls "a dream come true."

Gomez shared his story to a group of Scott Community College students, which led him being nominated for recognition by Governor Branstad. The governor shared his story as an example of what he calls "the power of apprenticeships" to grow the state's economy. Branstad says the programs allow Iowans to "earn while they learn." 

Gomez says the experience taught him quote, "whatever you put your mind to....when you're ready...you can do anything you want."