GuthrieAmerica Story: Nate Ortiz

Tell the world your name.  

 My name is Nate Ortiz.

Where were you born specifically?

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

When did you move to Guthrie? 

I moved here in 7th grade from OKC. 

What's your favorite Guthrie-related memory?

My favorite Guthrie memories started before I even moved here. I used to come here to visit my Uncle and his family on the 4th of July, and I'd stay for weeks in the summers. We used to go fishing all the time and just have so much fun.

What's the best part about living in Guthrie?

The community, the friends, the Friday nights.

What does Guthrie have that other towns don't?

The best football stadium ever!

Are you a GHS alumni?

Yes, Class of 95.

Where do you currently work and how long?

I just recently started a business with a buddy of mine back in November 2017. It's DSB Home Improvements. We do a lot of window replacement and siding, but we can do all kinds of home remodeling and repairs.

What do you love most about your job?

Well, DSB stands for Doing Something Better. It kind of has two meanings. First, it is just in reference to producing high quality work, but the second is in reference to myself that I'm doing something better for myself, doing work I'm proud of and genuinely enjoy. Nothing beats that.

If you grew up in Guthrie and had your first job here...where? Did you get fired?

I guess you could say my first job here was working for my Uncle Manuel at his greenhouses and picking watermelons. I bet we picked 500 watermelons a day or more in the summers. It was, by far, the hardest work I've ever done. And no, I didn't get fired.

Do you have family here?

Yes, I mentioned above my Uncle Manuel. His family lives here too. 

How did you first hear or learn about the GuthrieAmerica brand?

I got the t-shirt from a friend for my 40th birthday. She said she just had to get it cause "it was so me." She was right. I love this tee.

Why do you wear GuthrieAmerica tee?

Because I'm proud of this town and enjoy representing it.

What are your favorite things to do in Guthrie?

In the fall - Friday night football! I probably haven't missed a home game since 2010.

I used to coach little league football when my son was young, so I know a lot of these boys. In the spring - baseball. I've coached little league baseball for years. I love seeing them grow as players.

I also play adult co-ed softball in the spring and fall. My softball team is like family. And the rest of the time - fishing!

How would you define what it means when you hear or say COMMUNITY WINS?

I think of that saying "it takes a village to raise a child"- basically when people come together for the kids we all win. When kids grow up as healthy contributing adults, community wins.

Anything significant about your life you would like to share?

always say I feel like this town saved my life. I lived in a really rough area of south OKC when I was young. My brother and sister stayed there and got into drugs and other trouble that led to prison... but I ended up moving to Guthrie. Don't get me wrong, I've gotten into some trouble here - but nothing like I think I would have if I'd stayed where I was.

Lastly, we love SHOUT OUTS! Who do you want to give a shout out to?

I'd like to give a shout out to my wonderful girlfriend Charli and to all of my friends that live in this wonderful community - to many to name.

Wait, one more. What does it mean to CHOOSE GUTHRIE?

It means choosing to support friends and neighbors who own businesses here whenever we can.