The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) recently hosted a lecture featuring Richard Montañez, the former snack company executive known for inventing Hot Cheetos. The event, which was part of the Shepperd Leadership Institute's Distinguished Lecture Series, was held on September 26th at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. According to a Facebook post by UTPB, the event drew a crowd of more than 600 attendees.
During his keynote address, Montañez shared his personal journey and spoke about the theme of "One Revelation Will Lead to a Revolution." Despite lacking a formal education, Montañez emphasized that his vision for the Flamin' Hot Cheetos empire was not hindered. He encouraged the audience to challenge the norm and think differently, stating that "innovation often comes from the most unexpected places." Montañez also highlighted the importance of taking action on ideas, stating that "ideas are just dreams until they're acted upon."
The speech was met with overwhelming praise, with not a single person sitting down when Montañez concluded his talk. Attendee Kaylie Banda expressed her admiration for Montañez, stating that his story was both humbling and inspiring. She emphasized the importance of taking pride in one's work and how it can lead to success in life.
UTPB expressed gratitude to those who attended the lecture, acknowledging the impact of Montañez's story. The university's Facebook post highlighted the significance of the event and the inspiration it provided to the audience.