Name: Crystal Rico

Company: New Horizons Computer Learning Centers

Title: Team Lead

What do you do? I lead a team of room rental specialists.

Length of time at this job: I have been with New Horizons for three years and three months. I joined the room rental team in May of 2015.

What is it that you like about your job? I enjoy working under leadership that believes in and challenges me. What I like the most is how my company empowers me to succeed through learning.

When did you know that you were in the right place in your career? I saw other opportunities at different places, but New Horizons showed me a clear path and provided me a chance to grow; that’s when I knew I was where I belong.

Would you encourage your child to go into the same field? Of course! I’d want my son to choose the work field of his choice. However, I would strongly encourage him to pursue a career in information technology.

Who were your mentors? My algebra teacher, Mrs. Eckhart, was the first to really open my eyes. My coach and current leaders have also been my mentors.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be an astronaut. How amazing would it be to look back at our beautiful planet from space?

What person do you most admire? My husband. He never gives up and always encourages me to be strong. He is my rock, such an awesome dad and husband.

What do you enjoy doing on a day off? Spending time with my family. My son and I really enjoy watching movies together.

What’s the best movie you have seen in the last year and why? Star Wars – The Force Awakens is the best movie I have seen all year. I grew up with Star Wars and waited so long for the movie to come out.

Pandora. I use this app daily both at home and at work.

What type of music do you like? My car radio typically stays tuned on country or rock. However, if you took a look at my Pandora, you would find I enjoy all genres.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life personally and professionally? In my personal life, I would have to say my in-laws. I see how hard they work and how much they have accomplished. In my professional life I must say my current manager (Mark Villareal). He is the most amazing leader I have ever had. I would follow him anywhere just to be led by such great leadership.

What brought you to San Antonio? The city life and atmosphere brought me here. I was raised in a small town just southeast of San Antonio called Nordheim, with a population of 322 people. In some cases, when you grow up in such a small town, you just can’t wait to get to the city.

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? I love to try different foods, so I would say going out to eat. San Antonio has a great number of restaurants, and I love trying them.

How would you describe your personal style? Creative, original and artistic — I love to mix anything and everything. I would say my style is unpredictable and unique.

How would you describe your leadership style? I consider myself a “player coach” working to be a full-time coach and lead by example.

What is your favorite vacation? At the moment, I must say Mexico. Cabo, Cozumel and Cancun all have been amazing. I look forward to finding new vacation spots to make memories.

What do you like to do in your spare time/hobby?
I really enjoy crafts. I am currently working on ugly Christmas sweaters. I also like to sit down with a new glass of wine with the girls and work on crafts. That is truly one of my favorite things to do.

What book/books have you read lately? One Minute Manage,. and I am currently also reading The Weekly Coaching Conversation.

What is your all-time favorite book? The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

What do you like most about San Antonio? The friendly people. It doesn’t matter where you are in San Antonio, you are bound to meet someone new and friendly everyday.

Do you have a favorite restaurant? Torchy’s Tacos. I highly suggest trying their “taco of the month.”

Do you have a favorite dish? Honestly, anything my husband cooks. He puts effort into his cooking, and he enjoys knowing we enjoy the food.

How do you find balance in your life—career, community and home life? Reading helps me find balance. I recently read a book called One Minute Manager that really helped me.

What is your favorite relaxation strategy? I love to laugh, so laughing and listening to music would be my two relaxation strategies.

What are your goals? My goal is to become a million dollar producer in the upcoming year. Also, I hope to continue growing as a leader and develop other leaders.

What is the best advice that you have ever received? Setting goals is the first step to turning the invisible to the visible.

People would be surprised to know that I … am a really good pool player. I grew up in a small south Texas town. With only a couple of activities in a small town, it was easy to pick up the love of pool.