Utahn is excited to cook for Fox
In fact, sitting in his west-side office last week, Fierro was still a bit in shock that he'd been selected to cook up breakfast for President Vicente Fox of his native Mexico who will be a Utah visitor.
"It was completely unexpected," he said. "Completely, completely unexpected. We're quite honored."
But several years after his first sample of American canned refried beans left a bad taste in his mouth, Fierro has long since proved he can make his own beans, and that's not all.
His Rico brand has caught on not only among other Mexicans but among mainstream Utahns as well. In fact, Salt Lake Consul Salvador Jimenez said he selected Fierro to host Wednesday's breakfast for Fox because Fierro is a model of Mexico's culture.
Fierro started his life in the United States two decades ago as a sheepherder in rural Wyoming. Then, he worked odd jobs while learning English in Salt Lake City.
Eventually, the idea that had been at the back of his mind for years materialized. His parents came from Mexico to help him start a business selling beans at the farmer's market. His fiancee also offered support.
"Jorge Fierro is a success story for us," Jimenez said. "He came (to Utah) without anything. Now he is an important figure in the Mexican community."
In addition to promoting education and trade, President Fox's visit Tuesday and Wednesday will be an opportunity to show the vibrant side of Mexico's culture, Jimenez said.
Fox's visit will showcase Fierro as an example of a side of Mexican-American culture often overlooked by news coverage focused on illegal immigration, protests and the ongoing debate in Washington, Jimenez said.
"I am a firm believer that when we build bridges to the community, we can erase or diminish misconceptions," Jimenez said. "With a visit, President Fox is showing his desire to be close friends to Utah."
However, Fox's visit won't be without controversy. The Utah Minuteman Project plans to protest, saying Fox has pushed for Mexican rights in America but has done little to curb the tide of illegal immigration.
"I think it's an incredible event for Utah to have him come, and I think it's spectacular timing," said Kirk Jowers, director of the University of Utah Hinckley Institute of Politics. "It certainly will be controversial. That's not always a bad thing."
Jowers said using the visit to showcase a successful Mexican entrepreneur is part of the appeal of Fox's visit.
"We should look at all the success stories of all these citizens who come here one way or another, and then become incredible citizens here," Jowers said. "There's just no denying that Mexico is an incredibly important part of what Utah is."
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