It all began out west in the state of California. While living in Santa Ana, Leo worked as a dishwasher for two years and cook for ten years. During his time as a cook, he worked for a barbecue restaurant and catered several times to Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch and to the Soul Train Awards. He had the chance to meet both Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson. After several years in the Golden State, some family friends suggested that he should open his own Mexican restaurant. Leo moved around the country to find the perfect location to open his first restaurant. Finally in 2001, he decided to open the first Rodeo Mexican Restaurant in the southern city of Valdosta.