Who are you?
I’m Emanuel DeHerrera, and I am Video Production Technician/PR Assistant for Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (PCTI). My wife, Sandra, and I have two sons: JJ Espino, 17; and Abel Espino, 16.
How long have you worked with cooperatives?
I have been with PTCI since 2014.
Describe your role.
I produce digital advertising, video commercials, radio, and any videos for social media. I help with most PR events from parades to fairs. We have transitioned out of TV into live streaming and we cover 17+ high schools and one college.
What do you enjoy about working with cooperatives?
The things I enjoy most about working for the cooperative are the people and the ability to work in the office and field. And a position where I can have some creative freedom.
When did you join CCA? Why?
I joined CCA this year. Why? My boss told me to. Just kidding! I joined to learn more about other co-ops and to meet new people in the same kind of business.
As a brand-new member, what are looking forward to most?
The conferences, definitely!
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy many things in life, but one of the most important is trying to be a better husband, father, and friend. I enjoy hanging out with everyone. I teach a youth group on Wednesdays, and I want those kids to be successful in every area of life.
Do you have a “bucket list”? What are some of the things on that list?
I really don’t have a bucket list. I have been blessed to travel some and experience many things. If I had to choose items for a bucket list, it would be to invent something and to write a book.
Give us something about yourself that is surprising or that most people don’t know.
Something that is surprising about me? I died when I was 12 … fell out of a tree. I was acting like a monkey, put all my weight on one branch, and it broke. I landed headfirst on an old grill lid. My legs folded over my shoulders, and I was out. I had a cousin, Gabriel, and sister, Amanda, where in the tree with me when I fell. Amanda jumped out to go get help. My cousin, Luis, was also visiting that day having just returned from serving our country in the military. He performed CPR on me until the ambulance arrived. It was a close one, but they got my heart to beat again and I was released from the hospital the next day. Crazy!
