Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Names Alex Meruelo Man of the Year

The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo as its 2023 Man of the Year, recognizing both his business and philanthropic contributions throughout the Arizona community in a ceremony last Saturday.

Meruelo, the son of Cuban immigrants, was born in New York City, grew up in the Los Angeles area, and became the NHL's first Latino owner when he purchased the team in July 2019. The entrepreneur and business leader oversees Meruelo Group LLC, which supports his still-growing family of companies across a variety of business sectors, including entertainment, gaming and hospitality, construction, real estate, banking, and food services.

The award marks the second time he has been tied to the AZHCC's ceremony, as the Arizona Coyotes were recognized as the organization's Corporation of the Year in 2022. The club recently announced it invested a total of $1.2 million into the Arizona community between both the team and its related nonprofit, the Arizona Coyotes Foundation.

"This is an incredible honor, and I sincerely thank the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for selecting me as Man of the Year," Meruelo said. "I'm truly humbled, and though I've never worked for recognition, it means the world that of all of the qualified individuals within our proud Hispanic business community, they selected me for this honor.

"My commitment to my family, the Hispanic community, and the Arizona community is unwavering, and I would like to thank my family, friends, and everyone who works so tirelessly within the Meruelo Group, because my success is also a reflection of their hard work and dedication."

Meruelo's success story began shortly after graduating with his Bachelor of Science from California State University, Long Beach, when he established La Pizza Loca, which focused on the needs and unique tastes of the local Latino community.

His initial success soon grew into several company-owned and franchised pizza restaurants throughout the Southern California Hispanic community, and he then expanded into his various other companies.

His commitment to the Hispanic community has never wavered, and he made history yet again just under a year later after naming Xavier A. Gutierrez President and CEO of the Coyotes, making him the first Latino team President & CEO in the NHL.

"This recognition is really special, not only of Alex's professional accomplishments, which are many, but really who he is as an individual, the family man that he is, the civic and community leader that he is, and the person that he is," Gutierrez said. "As his friend -- and someone who has worked alongside him for many, many years -- what has always struck me is just who he is as a man, an individual, a father, a brother, a son, and how he's always operated with the highest level of integrity. He shows the highest level of care and commitment to his family, and that extends to his family of team members across his various companies.

"It's not just a saying when he says that everyone part of his team is his family who work alongside him across his portfolio of companies. That's how he operates."

Meruelo's daughter, Alexis, currently serves as the Chief Vision and Purpose Officer for the Meruelo Group and was named the Chair of the Arizona Coyotes Foundation Board of Directors in December 2022.

She said her father's success has come as no surprise considering his passion, drive, and desire to help others succeed.

"He can continue to be a role model for other Hispanic entrepreneurs, other business leaders, and community servants all across Arizona," Alexis said. "We are very proud of him, and we've always been his biggest cheerleaders, but I think now, getting recognized by the Hispanic community means so much. The way that my dad did it was day-by-day, step-by-step, and he truly humanizes that part."

Meruelo's son, Alex Meruelo Jr., is the Coyotes' Chief Brand Officer, and said his father leads by example at every turn.

"My dad is the American Dream. He is truly an inspiration for all whom believe in hard work and giving back to the community," Meruelo Jr. said. "Through all the ups and downs, he's never lost sight in what really matters: family and community."

Gutierrez first met Meruelo in 2010 after being introduced by a mutual friend, and the two became quick friends, colleagues, and business partners. That he was named as the club's President and CEO 10 years later highlights their strong working relationship, trust, and Meruelo's commitment to elevating others to help pave the way forward.

"That's a perfect example of the doors that he has opened for many across the portfolio of his companies," Gutierrez said. "To me, when you think about the trailblazer that Alex Meruelo is as the first Latino owner in the NHL, he's been a trailblazer across industries for many years, and he's done it while celebrating, supporting, and empowering his community."

Meruelo and the Coyotes have worked hard to elevate the Hispanic community. Just this past season, for instance, the team partnered with Univision Arizona and the AZHCC to highlight an "Estrella of the Month," recognizing one Latino business each month throughout the season. Winners received four tickets to a "Noche con los Yotes" home game, where they were recognized on the video board and featured across the team's digital media platforms.

Arizona also partnered with Univision Arizona to broadcast games on the radio in Spanish throughout the season, and also expanded its "Los Howlitos" program, which is a Spanish-language learn-to-play program that's one of the first of its kind in the NHL.

In addition, the team was one of the main sponsors of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Convention, which was held in October 2022.

"It's amazing to be part of the AZHCC, especially in its 75th anniversary year, and it's even more meaningful considering the group recognized the Arizona Coyotes as its Corporation of the Year in 2022," Meruelo said. "We pride ourselves in being a diverse, inclusive organization, and I'll continue to work tirelessly to ensure that never changes."

His children are proud to be part of his legacy, and Alexis said they are excited to be able to "continue on what he has started."

"Family and business are intertwined for us," she said. "Sometimes it is hard to put away and to talk about personal things because we're so focused on business, but we've learned that balance."

Meruelo Jr. agreed.

"He drives us every day to continue building, he is the engine behind the family business, it all started with him," he said. "We are so proud of him and the man that he is."

Meruelo said he hopes his many accomplishments can serve as an example of what hard work, dedication, and a commitment to community can achieve.

"I'm so proud of my Cuban roots, and I'll continue to represent the entire Hispanic community with both pride and integrity," he said. "I hope my path can be an example that illustrates just how dreams can be achieved, and I thank the Chamber from the bottom of my heart for this recognition."