The Hometown Heroes Awards are a celebration of individuals who live, work or teach in the city, and Peoria businesses for their achievements and distinguished contributions to the community and beyond.
Linderman will be honored at an awards luncheon next year.
In partnership with the city of Peoria, he will also be interviewed by the city and aired on Channel 11.
My family and I moved to Peoria in 2008. We love the beauty and calmness of the West Valley. Even though it has grown, we still love the area and people.
Personal background highlights.
Married to Tanya for 17 years with four beautiful girls, Isabella, 16; Gianna, 14; Olivia, 13; and Amelia 6.
Professional background highlights.
Been in the restaurant industry my entire life. My parents owned restaurants my whole life.
What does it mean to be a Peoria resident/worker?
It means we are part of the community. We live here, and our income and profits from the restaurant get reinvested in our community. That’s how our city grows, keeping dollars local and in town.
What would you tell people about why it’s important to make a difference?
Its important to take our successes and use it for good. To reinvest into not only our community but into the people that live here, especially our future generations.
Changes I’d like to see in this area.
I’d love to see our school district fight harder to protect our kids, and give the teachers the opportunity to be their best — smaller classrooms and more schools to match the city’s growth.
My family (what have they taught you?).
My girls have taught me patience. I am a much different, and hopefully better, leader than I was 10 years ago. Three teenage girls in the house will do that for you! Learning that it’s a marathon, not a race, and that most things take care of themselves. The patience they have taught me has helped me follow the marathon route and not stress as much about the little things.
My interests and hobbies. I am a pretty avid golfer, although I don’t get out as much as I would like, I am blessed to be able to get out four to five times a month and love it. Hanging out with buddies help me balance work, family and relaxation.
The trait(s) I admire in others.
I admire people who know how to figure stuff out. None of us have all the answers, but some of us have the will to figure things out, even when its hard. Not backing down from a challenge and learning to make a decision, even if it’s the wrong one, is a trait I look for in leaders. I can teach someone how to make a better decision next time, but its difficult to teach someone to make the first decision sometimes.
People who inspired me (and how?).
It's hard not to think of my parents. This industry is tough, and for them to own and operate 13 different restaurants over 27 years and not fail at any of them is pretty darn impressive. And they did it raising four kids and teaching us good Christian values and above all, staying together. Next year, they celebrate 50 years of marriage, and I am not sure there is a bigger accomplishment on this earth.
My guiding philosophy.
I am not sure I have a philosophy, but my mantra has always been I don’t give up and I don’t fail. I make tons of mistakes, some very costly, but I don’t fail because I don’t quit.
My advice to today’s youth.
Be open to change and embrace it. Understand that the generations before you have made most of the mistakes you are going to make, so take some time to listen to advice from your predecessors. Those who ignore the past are doomed to repeat it!
Name a couple future goals.
Our goal is to continue to grow and bring on more people to our organization. Creating jobs and opportunities in the West Valley is very important to us.
