ANTONIO MELENDEZ

ANTONIO'S STORY

Once, many moons ago, in first grade, I was given the opportunity to help a fellow classmate. She didn’t speak English, and I didn’t understand why I was chosen to help her. At that time, I didn’t realize that I spoke Spanish or English, I just spoke. I asked the teacher why she chose me, and she said, because you are kind, and you speak Spanish. I went home that day and in Spanish asked my grandmother to explain. I learned that day that I had a unique ability to communicate. 

Over the years I’ve developed that gift in the form of public speaking, leadership, music, art, filmmaking and storytelling. After my time in the Coast Guard and college I moved to Oregon and became a schoolteacher, using the gift to empower and encourage young people to be their best. It taught me more than I ever imagined. 

After 6 years of teaching, I co- founded a coffee roasting company in Grants Pass, Rogue Roasters. The goal: to provide a place for people to communicate, feel seen and belong. It was a great success and won multiple awards for best coffee in Oregon and best cafe in Grants Pass. As part of the competition process, I needed to submit a short film about our brand. This gave me a taste of the power of filmmaking and ignited my passion for storytelling. I won best brand film, and it was my first try. 

When I was blessed with my first child, I chose to leave the company to allow for more time as a new father. To provide for my new family, I focused on fundraising films and assets for local charities. Over the years I’ve helped raise millions of dollars for charities around the world. Using my gifts as a deep listener and cinematographer I’ve connected the hearts of organizations to their supporters.