Javier Loya, the chairman of OTC Group and part owner of the Houston Texans, shared his incredible journey from a young football enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. His story highlights the power of hard work, perseverance, and the deep impact of supporting communities, especially through education and diversity initiatives.
From El Paso to the NFL
Loya’s love for football began in his hometown of El Paso, Texas. Like many young boys in the state, he was introduced to the sport early, and it quickly became a central part of his life. For him, football wasn’t just a game—it was a way of life.
“For us, it was a unique experience because football was a means for us to get an education,” Loya recalls. He later went on to play football at Columbia University.
While Loya dreamed of going pro, he soon realized that making it to the NFL was a steep climb. As he progressed in his career, he understood the importance of education and the role football played in securing his future beyond the field.
The Entrepreneurial Leap
In 1994, Loya took a bold step into the business world. With an interest in commodities and natural gas, he saw an opportunity in the deregulation of the natural gas market. He moved to Houston and, with two partners, founded a natural gas brokerage firm.
“We were excited about it, probably naive about the risks, but we had the drive and the right opportunity,” Loya admits.
That early venture grew rapidly, and after 25 years, OTC Group employs over 500 people, becoming a significant player in the energy sector. For Loya, this success was built on the lessons of discipline and hard work instilled in him by his parents.
“My parents taught me the value of a dollar, the value of hard work, and the importance of discipline,” he says.
“These values are the backbone of both my personal and business life.”
Breaking Barriers in the NFL
As a part-owner of the Houston Texans, Loya is proud to be the first Latino owner in the NFL.
“I’m honored to be the first, but I hope I’m the first of many,” he says.
Being the first Latino NFL owner is a point of pride, but Loya also views it as a milestone for the broader Latino community. He hopes that in time, more opportunities will open up for minority communities to achieve ownership stakes in the NFL and other professional leagues.
“Football is a very competitive and exclusive world, but I believe it’s only a matter of time before more Latino and minority owners emerge,” Loya explains. He sees this as a natural progression of growing wealth and influence in America’s minority communities.
Giving Back to the Community
Loya’s commitment to supporting his community is as strong as his business acumen. His dedication to education, especially for underprivileged youth, is a central part of his philanthropic work. He has long been involved with LULAC, which aims to empower the Latino community through education and advocacy. Loya’s first exposure to LULAC came when his father, who had been unjustifiably fired, sought their assistance.
“It was my first connection to LULAC, and later, when I bought into the Texans, I was grateful for their support in helping to open up the ownership group,” he shares.
Recently, Loya made a significant donation to LULAC, supporting their 90th anniversary celebration. He hopes his contribution will further the organization’s mission to educate and uplift the next generation of Latino leaders. Loya’s belief in education extends beyond LULAC.
His support of programs like the Houston Showcase and the El Paso Showcase—which helps local students secure academic scholarships—shows his commitment to expanding opportunities for youth from all backgrounds.
The Power of Education and Entrepreneurship
When asked about advice for young entrepreneurs, Loya emphasizes the importance of both passion and hard work.
“Follow your passion, but also do what you’re good at,” he advises. He encourages young people to seek out internships, shadow others, and always be willing to learn.
“Education doesn’t stop,” he adds. “Even as an entrepreneur, you have to continue educating yourself, studying the competition, and staying on top of market trends.”
A Legacy of Giving Back
“We live in a welcoming city like Houston, which has a strong Latino presence. There are so many great stories here, and I’m just one of many. We all have the ability to succeed, and I encourage everyone to follow their dreams and work hard to see them through.”
Through his business success, football ownership, and commitment to giving back, Loya has become an inspiring role model for the Latino community and beyond. His journey from a young football player in El Paso to a major player in business and philanthropy shows what’s possible with dedication, passion, and a desire to make a difference.
Loya’s story is more than just about football or business success—it’s about creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and lifting up others along the way. His contributions to education, his commitment to diversity in ownership, and his ongoing efforts to support the community serve as a reminder that when we help others rise, we all rise together. As Loya says,
“If it’s a level playing field, our community will perform. We just need to give them the opportunity.”
