A Toast to your success!

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I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, starting in the restaurant industry at 10 years old, scrubbing floors, chopping onions, and selling snacks to help my family. At 16, I was offered professional baseball contracts from the Expos, Yankees, and Mets, but my father (a Mechanic) chose education first, a decision that shaped my path.

That same year, I came to the United States chasing the American dream. While working full-time and attending school full-time, I graduated from the Walt Disney Leadership & Hospitality College Program. I began my career in banking with Bank of America, quickly rising through management and leading new branch launches.

Before entering the restaurant industry in the USA, I became a real estate investor, building a portfolio in Pennsylvania. In 2010, my wife Melanie and I opened State Café & Grill, followed by Don Juan Mex Grill, which grew into Martinez Hospitality, a multimillion-dollar restaurant business. I later founded Martin Mechanical, serving the HVAC and refrigeration needs of the Lehigh Valley.

Today, I’m passionate about building businesses, creating opportunities, and giving back, whether through mentorship, community involvement, or strategic investment. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and sharing great meals with my family.

A firm believer in giving back, Juan and Melanie created the Juan & Melanie Martinez Scholarship Fund to support underprivileged, high-achieving high school seniors pursuing college or trade school education in the communities they serve.

💡 “The future belongs to those who prepare for it.”

Follow Juan’s journey and insights on business, real estate, and entrepreneurship right here on his blog—and don’t forget to share!

Education & Affiliations

Active Commercial/Residential Real Estate Professional

Associate degree in Business Administration, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville, PA 

Bachelor’s in business administration, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA 

Master’s in business administration, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA 

Entrepreneurship & Scaling, Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Palo Alto, CA 

Board Member and Chair of the Restaurant Advocacy Fund, National Restaurant Association, Washington DC

Director, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, Lehigh Valley PA

Family of Businesses

https://martinezhospitality.com

 https://www.williampennstorage.com