We were lucky to catch up with Juan Dominguez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Juan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At the heart of our campaign is a mission deeply rooted in service, duty, and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of our community and country. This mission isn’t just a political stance; it’s a reflection of my life’s journey and the values instilled in me from a young age.
My story, and consequently the story of this mission, begins with the legacy of my parents, Juan Sr. and Dinorah Dominguez, who emigrated from Cuba to America as teenagers in search of freedom and opportunity. Their journey, marked by resilience and hope, laid the foundation for my understanding of the American dream — a dream that is inclusive, attainable, and worth defending. They taught me the importance of hard work, the value of family, and the significance of democracy and freedom in America. These lessons have shaped my perspective on life and have been the driving force behind my desire to serve others.
My commitment to service was further solidified by my education at The United States Military Academy at West Point and my subsequent service in the U.S. Army, including deployment in the Gulf War. West Point instilled in me the values of Duty, Honor, Country, and the ethos of a lifetime of service to the nation. Leading a platoon in Desert Shield/Desert Storm, I learned about leadership, sacrifice, and the complexities of global engagement. It was here that I truly understood the weight of the responsibility to serve and protect, not just in terms of national security, but in uplifting and supporting those who entrust us with their lives and futures.
Transitioning from military to civilian life, I carried these values with me into the world of business and community service, striving to make a meaningful impact in every role I undertook. My mission to serve in the United States Congress for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District is an extension of this lifelong commitment to service. It’s driven by a desire to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to achieve the American dream, just as my family sought when they came to this country.
This mission is meaningful to me because it’s about giving back to a country that has offered my family and me unparalleled opportunities. It’s about ensuring that our government remains of the people, for the people, and by the people. It’s about making our schools better, serving our veterans as they deserve, and helping each of us to achieve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. At its core, my mission is about harnessing our collective energy, resources, and time to make a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve — to make our community, our state, and our nation a place where everyone can thrive.
I wake up every day committed to this mission because I believe in the power of dedicated public service to effect positive change. It’s not just about what we aim to do; it’s about why we do it — for the people, for a better future, and for the enduring promise of America.
Juan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Juan Dominguez, a dedicated Democrat running for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District. My journey began at The United States Military Academy at West Point, where I graduated in ’89. West Point instilled in me the values of Duty, Honor, Country, and a lifetime of service to our nation. These principles have guided me throughout my life and are why I’m now seeking to serve in the United States Congress, representing the people of Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District.
After West Point, I served as an Officer in the US Army from 1989 to 1994, leading a platoon in Desert Shield/Desert Storm within the 197th Infantry Brigade, part of the 24th Infantry Division. My commander once said of me, “Our soldiers deserve this bright, innovative officer in key troop assignments. He is one of the Army’s best.”
My drive and dedication are deeply rooted in my family’s story. My parents, Juan Sr. and Dinorah Dominguez, emigrated from Cuba to America as teenagers. Married for over 55 years, they taught me the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the significance of democracy and freedom in America. Their lessons have shaped me into not only a successful businessman but also a dedicated husband and father of two.
My campaign is built on hope, bipartisanship, and a deep desire to serve the citizens of Maryland and our country. I aim to focus on serving citizens first, improving our schools, honoring our veterans, and helping each of us to achieve the American dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Each day, I’m committed to marshaling our time, energy, and resources to make Washington work for you, the people, as it should.
In my career as a business executive, I’ve been laser-focused on achieving goals and supporting my team, earning top awards in leadership and sales, including the prestigious President’s Club award. My military instincts kicked in even while on vacation in 2016, when I helped rescue three teenagers from drowning in the ocean on Miami Beach, an act that was recognized by the Miami Beach Police Department. Indeed, once a soldier, always a soldier.
I reside in Severna Park, MD, with my wife Cheyenne and our two boys, Sovann and Marcellus, along with our two dogs, Tucker and Junior. In my spare time, I enjoy tennis, coaching youth baseball and basketball, and have completed 11 marathons across the US. Our family is a proud supporter of The United States Naval Academy, though we cheer for West Point when the two academies face off. We also take great pride in being a local family sponsor for three Midshipmen.
This campaign, for me, is more than a political ambition; it’s a continuation of my service to the country I love, guided by the values I hold dear. I look forward to the opportunity to serve Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District and make a difference in the lives of its people.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments of my life, which illustrates my resilience, happened unexpectedly on a family vacation in Miami Beach in 2016. It was an ordinary day by the pool with my family when we were suddenly jolted by cries for help coming from the ocean. I heard a young voice yelling, “Help! Help!” It was clear this was no joking matter; someone was in real trouble.
As a West Point graduate and Gulf War veteran, I’ve been conditioned to respond to crises with calm and decisiveness. My military training and experiences have ingrained in me a sense of duty and readiness to face challenges head-on, no matter the circumstance. Without hesitation, I grabbed my son’s boogie board and sprinted towards the source of the distress. It was an instinctive move; there was someone in need, and I had the ability to help.
Upon reaching the surf, I found a teenage boy struggling against a strong undertow. I used the boogie board to bring him safely back to shore, but the relief was short-lived as he informed me that his two sisters were still caught in the dangerous waters. Despite exhaustion and the perilous undertow, I knew I couldn’t stop until they were safe too. With the help of a surfer, we managed to bring the girls to shore. However, in the process, I found myself being pulled out by the same strong undertow that had endangered those teenagers.
At that moment, the reality of the situation set in. I was fighting for my own survival, clinging to a boogie board, miles from home, with my family watching from the shore, possibly witnessing the worst. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the sheer force of nature. But even as I fought against the pull of the ocean, my resolve did not waver. The thought of not being there for my family, for my community, and for those I’ve sworn to serve fueled my determination to overcome.
The lifeguard arrived in time to assist me back to shore, but the real victory was seeing those teenagers reunited with their family, safe because of a collective effort. The following day, the Miami Beach Police Department recognized this act of bravery by awarding me a unit coin, a gesture typically reserved for their own officers. This honor was not just a recognition of a single act of courage but a testament to a lifetime of service and dedication to others.
This experience is a vivid example of resilience not just in facing the physical challenge of the rescue but in reaffirming my commitment to service, leadership, and community. It embodies the spirit of putting others before oneself, a principle I’ve lived by since my days at West Point and throughout my military career. Now, as I seek to serve Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District, it’s this same spirit of resilience, service, and leadership that I aim to bring to Congress.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale is an art that requires a blend of empathy, clarity, and resilience. My approach is deeply rooted in the servant-leadership orientation, a principle that has guided me through various leadership roles, from my time as an officer in the U.S. Army to leading teams in the business sector and serving in the community.
My leadership philosophy is shaped by the understanding that to lead effectively, one must first serve. This means prioritizing the well-being and development of the team above all else. By adopting a servant-leadership approach, you not only achieve your objectives but do so with a team that feels respected, valued, and motivated. This has been my guiding principle in every team I’ve had the privilege to lead, and it remains central to my mission as I seek to serve Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://juanformaryland.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JuanForMaryland/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juanformaryland
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanmdominguez/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuanForMaryland/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNYfu2TII7UhRt1D5wf0UJw