At Triple Tap Ventures, our ultimate core value is that our team members are everything. With that in mind, we've started a new initiative of highlighting exceptional team members from all our concepts. Our first spotlight shines on a very talented young man from El Paso, Texas – Ben Herrera, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema's General Manager at the Montecillo location.
In the world of cinema, there are those who enjoy watching movies, and then there are those who live and breathe the art of film. Ben undoubtedly falls into the latter category. His journey in the film industry and his remarkable personality set him apart as a dedicated and passionate figure at Alamo Drafthouse.
After ten years of restaurant industry experience, Ben Herrera was brought on board as a manager with Alamo Drafthouse in 2016. It's been quite the adventure, working at various Alamo Drafthouse locations facing the challenges and thrills since. Though there was a brief COVID-related gap, he continued to pour his heart and soul into the company. Ben's commitment and dedication to Alamo led to his recent promotion to the General Manager position at the same location where he was originally hired. His passion and drive have left a mark on the venue that he now calls home.
Who is this Ben Herrera guy?
What truly defines Ben Herrera is his vibrant personality. He exudes a warmth and genuine passion for what he does and those he loves. He has strong ties to his family and community; on top of all that, he is an amazing Cat Dad! Though he already had an older cat named Nova, he adopted two kittens from the same litter right before starting his journey with Triple Tap Ventures and Alamo Drafthouse. He couldn't break up the sibling duo, Daisy and Lillian. When they were kittens, Ben even took all three of his fur babies along on a work trip to provide support for Triple Tap Ventures' Lubbock location of Alamo Drafthouse. His kitty trio adventures perfectly (purrfectly?) reflect his caring nature.
El Paso is Ben's hometown, and the city is an essential part of his life. It's a city divided by a mountain, with an east and west side, each with its own unique characteristics. Ben has proudly served each side of the mountain at both Alamo Drafthouse locations in El Paso. His deep connection to the city's culture and its people is palpable. He's proud of the city's diversity and the rich tapestry of life it represents.
What's striking about Ben Herrera is his ability to bridge the gap between his personal interests and his career. He describes himself as a movie lover, a music enthusiast, and a foodie who enjoys exploring the local culinary scene. All of these passions, rather than being distractions, feed into his work at Alamo Drafthouse. He believes in creating a holistic and enjoyable experience for his guests, where music, food, and movies seamlessly come together.
One thing that makes Alamo Drafthouse stand out is its commitment to providing a unique and immersive cinematic experience. Ben takes this commitment to heart, going beyond the ordinary to ensure guests have an unforgettable time. He recalls events where staff dressed as movie characters and times when famous actors visited with guests, all adding to that extra layer of entertainment Alamo has become known for. But whether it's a dinosaur chasing guests or staff transforming into beloved characters, Ben and his team are always adding to the details that make the Alamo Drafthouse experience exceptional.
When asked about a fictional movie character he relates to, Ben chose Leroy Green from the movie "The Last Dragon." This unique choice from a little-known cult classic speaks to his deep connection to the world of cinema. He admires the character's journey in the film and its resonance with his own path. Ben's love for movies is not confined to the mainstream; he appreciates the obscure and lesser-known films, reflecting the essence of Alamo Drafthouse's mission.
Who's inspiring Ben behind the scenes?
Many of the company's influential figures have shaped Ben Herrera's journey, especially John Saldivar, the Director of Operations, and Neil Billingsley-Michaelsen, the CEO of Triple Tap Ventures. Both John and Neil played a crucial role in fostering Ben's career growth.
Ben actually worked under John Salvidar at a previous restaurant in El Paso before the first Alamo Drafthouse Cinema opened in the city. Ben remembers excitedly telling John about Alamo’s opening and lo and behold a few months later John made the decision to pursue a career at Alamo Drafthouse himself.
John's journey with the company and his belief in Alamo Drafthouse's potential in El Paso inspired Ben to join the team as well. John's ability to adapt to various situations and lead by example has profoundly impacted Ben, shaping Ben's own leadership style as he has grown with Triple Tap Ventures.
In Neil, Ben found more than just a mentor. Neil's compassion and support during a personal tragedy showed Ben that Alamo Drafthouse is not just a company but a team that cares. A heartfelt letter from Neil and the presence of his colleagues during that difficult time left an indelible mark on Ben, reinforcing his belief in the company's core values of people-first in all things.
Ben has also been inspired by the unique celebrity guests that Alamo Drafthouse attracts. A standout memory in particular was when Ethan Hawke visited and even went behind the bar to help the servers! Ben was impressed by that energy, confidence, and ability to humbly engage with everyone around him. He found Ethan to be an amazing person to work with and admired his ability to quickly connect with people on a genuine level.
As a General Manager, Ben's leadership style is marked by a hands-on approach. He is not one to shy away from any task, whether picking up trays or sweeping up the theater between showtimes. This dedication to leading by example has undoubtedly contributed to his success. Ben is a conductor and a team player who understands the importance of unity and camaraderie within the Alamo Drafthouse family.
That is Mr. Ben Herrera in a nutshell. He's not just a General Manager at Alamo Drafthouse; he's a passionate leader who embodies the spirit of the company. His dedication to creating memorable cinematic experiences, his love for his city, his unique blend of personal interests, and his commitment to his team make him a truly exceptional figure in the world of cinema. And his story is a testament to the fact that when you follow your passions, align them with your career, and surround yourself with the right people, remarkable things can happen.
Look for Ben at your next visit to Alamo Drafthouse in El Paso, and be sure to say hi. You'll be 100% glad you did.