<![CDATA[We Are First Gen]]>A podcast hosted by Northwest Arkansas Realtors Francisco Diaz and Victor Godinez. More than conversations about real estate, this is a space to share the stories that shape us. As first-generation Americans, Francisco and Victor explore the journeys, challenges, and lessons that come with building a life, creating opportunities, and staying connected to your roots. Along the way, they'll sit down with entrepreneurs, business owners, community leaders, and individuals whose stories inspire, proving that success is built in many different ways.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:25:09 GMTThu, 02 Jul 2026 19:42:06 GMT60Francisco Diaz<p>A podcast hosted by Northwest Arkansas Realtors Francisco Diaz and Victor Godinez. More than conversations about real estate, this is a space to share the stories that shape us. As first-generation Americans, Francisco and Victor explore the journeys, challenges, and lessons that come with building a life, creating opportunities, and staying connected to your roots. Along the way, they'll sit down with entrepreneurs, business owners, community leaders, and individuals whose stories inspire, proving that success is built in many different ways.</p>episodicFrancisco Diaznorthwestarkansasrealtor@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Episode 9 | The Path That Changed Everything ft. Eddie Ramos]]>n this episode of We Are First Gen, Francisco sits down with Eddie Ramos, Loan Manager at Banco C and a longtime community leader in Springdale, Arkansas.

Eddie shares the story of moving from Chihuahua, Mexico to Northwest Arkansas at 10 years old, learning English in Springdale schools, and watching the community transform over the past three decades.

From working in restaurants and putting himself through college to building a career in banking, Eddie’s story is rooted in hard work, taking opportunities when they come, and making the most of every chance to grow.

The conversation also explores the value of being bilingual, the importance of representation in professional spaces, the teachers and mentors who can change a young person’s trajectory, and why giving young people access to different career paths matters.

Eddie also talks about his seven years serving on the Springdale School Board and his desire to continue contributing to the community he now calls home.

A conversation about first-generation experiences, finding your path, education, work ethic, and what it means to give back to the place that gave you an opportunity.

Let's stay connected:

@TheDiazTeamNWA

@NWARealtor

@VicGodinez_

]]>43d8e68f-6b0a-4e22-b7d3-dedc86ea6f04Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>n this episode of <i>We Are First Gen</i>, Francisco sits down with Eddie Ramos, Loan Manager at Banco C and a longtime community leader in Springdale, Arkansas.</p><p></p><p>Eddie shares the story of moving from Chihuahua, Mexico to Northwest Arkansas at 10 years old, learning English in Springdale schools, and watching the community transform over the past three decades. </p><p></p><p>From working in restaurants and putting himself through college to building a career in banking, Eddie’s story is rooted in hard work, taking opportunities when they come, and making the most of every chance to grow.</p><p></p><p>The conversation also explores the value of being bilingual, the importance of representation in professional spaces, the teachers and mentors who can change a young person’s trajectory, and why giving young people access to different career paths matters.</p><p></p><p>Eddie also talks about his seven years serving on the Springdale School Board and his desire to continue contributing to the community he now calls home.</p><p></p><p>A conversation about first-generation experiences, finding your path, education, work ethic, and what it means to give back to the place that gave you an opportunity.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Let's stay connected:</p><p></p><p>@TheDiazTeamNWA</p><p>@NWARealtor</p><p>@VicGodinez_</p>no00:57:1519Episode 9 | The Path That Changed Everything ft. Eddie Ramosfull<![CDATA[Episode 8 | How Discipline Can Change Your Life ft. Jonathan Oliva]]>What happens when you stop running from your past and start building toward your future?

This week on We Are First Gen, we sit down with Jonathan Oliva — entrepreneur, personal trainer, father, and the founder of Humble Physiques.

Jonathan opens up about his journey through failure, rebuilding, discipline, faith, fatherhood, and the experiences that pushed him to completely change the direction of his life.

From taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship to learning the importance of accountability, consistency, and balance, this conversation is a reminder that your past doesn't have to define where you're going.

We also dive into fitness, nutrition, building healthy habits, and why sometimes the biggest transformation starts long before you see physical results.

If you're in a season of rebuilding, chasing a goal, breaking old habits, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself — this episode is for you.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @TheDiazTeamNWA

Francisco Diaz: @NWARealtor

Victor Godinez: @VicGodinez_

Jonathan Oliva: @TheLifeOfJonny_

]]>b8da279b-6c14-4e3f-9ed6-2a9cc6918de2Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>What happens when you stop running from your past and start building toward your future?</p><p></p><p>This week on <i>We Are First Gen</i>, we sit down with Jonathan Oliva — entrepreneur, personal trainer, father, and the founder of Humble Physiques.</p><p></p><p>Jonathan opens up about his journey through failure, rebuilding, discipline, faith, fatherhood, and the experiences that pushed him to completely change the direction of his life.</p><p></p><p>From taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship to learning the importance of accountability, consistency, and balance, this conversation is a reminder that your past doesn't have to define where you're going.</p><p></p><p>We also dive into fitness, nutrition, building healthy habits, and why sometimes the biggest transformation starts long before you see physical results.</p><p></p><p>If you're in a season of rebuilding, chasing a goal, breaking old habits, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself — this episode is for you.</p><p></p><p>Let's connect!</p><p></p><p>Instagram: @TheDiazTeamNWA</p><p>Francisco Diaz: @NWARealtor</p><p>Victor Godinez: @VicGodinez_</p><p>Jonathan Oliva: @TheLifeOfJonny_</p><p></p>no00:52:2418Episode 8 | How Discipline Can Change Your Life ft. Jonathan Olivafull<![CDATA[Episode 7 | The Power of a Second Chance ft. Roger Ramirez]]>In this episode of We Are First Gen, we sit down with Roger Ramirez, owner of Ramirez HVAC, to talk about his journey from California to Northwest Arkansas and the experiences that shaped him into the entrepreneur he is today.

Roger shares how he went from working 12-hour shifts at Tyson to pursuing a career in HVAC, despite being turned away by company after company. With no prior experience and facing assumptions based on his appearance and tattoos, Roger refused to give up until someone finally gave him a chance.

From starting with one opportunity to building a growing HVAC business, Roger’s story is a powerful reminder that your past does not have to determine your future—and sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to give you a chance.

A candid conversation about second chances, hard work, family, and continuing to take one step forward until you build the life you want.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @TheDiazTeamNWA

Francisco Diaz: @NWARealtor

Victor Godinez: @VicGodinez_

Roger Ramirez

Facebook: Ramirez HVAC

]]>f700fc8a-5341-466a-9d5d-895da0c738b7Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of We Are First Gen, we sit down with Roger Ramirez, owner of Ramirez HVAC, to talk about his journey from California to Northwest Arkansas and the experiences that shaped him into the entrepreneur he is today.</p><p></p><p>Roger shares how he went from working 12-hour shifts at Tyson to pursuing a career in HVAC, despite being turned away by company after company. With no prior experience and facing assumptions based on his appearance and tattoos, Roger refused to give up until someone finally gave him a chance.</p><p></p><p>From starting with one opportunity to building a growing HVAC business, Roger’s story is a powerful reminder that your past does not have to determine your future—and sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to give you a chance.</p><p></p><p>A candid conversation about second chances, hard work, family, and continuing to take one step forward until you build the life you want.</p><p>Let's connect!</p><p></p><p>Instagram: @TheDiazTeamNWA</p><p>Francisco Diaz: @NWARealtor</p><p>Victor Godinez: @VicGodinez_</p><p>Roger Ramirez</p><p>Facebook: Ramirez HVAC</p>no01:05:3417Episode 7 | The Power of a Second Chance ft. Roger Ramirezfull<![CDATA[Episode 5 | Turning Your Background Into Your Advantage ft. Alex Figueroa]]>In this episode of We Are First Gen, we sit down with Alex Figueroa, a bilingual real estate agent originally from El Salvador, to talk about his journey of building a new life in the United States and finding his path in real estate.

Alex opens up about his first-generation experience, adapting to a new country and culture, the value of being bilingual, and what it’s really like starting out in the real estate industry.

We also dive into the realities of building a career from the ground up—from earning clients and navigating competition to understanding buyer agency agreements and learning how to stand out in an industry where relationships matter.

Most importantly, Alex shares the mindset that continues to push him forward as he builds his career and works toward the success he knows he can achieve.

This is a conversation about immigration, ambition, language, real estate, and refusing to put a limit on what you can accomplish.

🎙️ Listen now to the newest episode of We Are First Gen.

Let's connect!
Instagram: @thediazteamnwa
Francisco Diaz: @nwarealtor
Alex Figueroa: @alex_figueroasellsnwa

]]>56bccd23-5b9f-4b82-a736-388b794e10cdFri, 14 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <b>We Are First Gen</b>, we sit down with <b>Alex Figueroa</b>, a bilingual real estate agent originally from El Salvador, to talk about his journey of building a new life in the United States and finding his path in real estate.</p><p></p><p>Alex opens up about his first-generation experience, adapting to a new country and culture, the value of being bilingual, and what it’s really like starting out in the real estate industry.</p><p></p><p>We also dive into the realities of building a career from the ground up—from earning clients and navigating competition to understanding buyer agency agreements and learning how to stand out in an industry where relationships matter.</p><p></p><p>Most importantly, Alex shares the mindset that continues to push him forward as he builds his career and works toward the success he knows he can achieve.</p><p></p><p><b>This is a conversation about immigration, ambition, language, real estate, and refusing to put a limit on what you can accomplish.</b></p><p></p><p>🎙️ <b>Listen now to the newest episode of We Are First Gen.</b></p><p></p><p><b>Let's connect!</b><br />Instagram: @thediazteamnwa<br />Francisco Diaz: @nwarealtor<br />Alex Figueroa: @alex_figueroasellsnwa</p>no00:50:2115Episode 5 | Turning Your Background Into Your Advantage ft. Alex Figueroafull<![CDATA[Episode 4 | Why Failure Made Her Richer ft. Irlanda Espinoza]]>In this episode of We Are First Gen, we're joined by Irlanda Espinoza—entrepreneur, salon owner, project manager, and businesswoman—who shares the incredible story behind everything she's built.

From immigrating to the U.S. as a child to buying a home at just 17, overcoming major business setbacks, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and helping grow a successful family business, Irlanda opens up about the sacrifices, resilience, and mindset that have shaped her journey.

This conversation dives into the realities of building a business from the ground up, navigating failure, embracing opportunity, and staying determined through every challenge. If you're an entrepreneur, a first-generation dreamer, or someone working toward a bigger future, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Tune in and hear why sometimes the biggest setbacks lead to the greatest opportunities.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @thediazteamnwa
Francisco Diaz: @nwarealtor

Victor Godinez: @vicgodinez_
Irlanda: @irlygespinoza

]]>0e914116-cabe-4331-bf4e-ac9af18c8491Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <b>We Are First Gen</b>, we're joined by <b>Irlanda Espinoza</b>—entrepreneur, salon owner, project manager, and businesswoman—who shares the incredible story behind everything she's built.</p><p></p><p>From immigrating to the U.S. as a child to buying a home at just 17, overcoming major business setbacks, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and helping grow a successful family business, Irlanda opens up about the sacrifices, resilience, and mindset that have shaped her journey.</p><p></p><p>This conversation dives into the realities of building a business from the ground up, navigating failure, embracing opportunity, and staying determined through every challenge. If you're an entrepreneur, a first-generation dreamer, or someone working toward a bigger future, this episode is for you.</p><p></p><p>🎙️ Tune in and hear why sometimes the biggest setbacks lead to the greatest opportunities.</p><p></p><p>Let's connect!</p><p>Instagram: @thediazteamnwa<br />Francisco Diaz: @nwarealtor</p><p>Victor Godinez: @vicgodinez_<br />Irlanda: @irlygespinoza</p>no01:19:1914Episode 4 | Why Failure Made Her Richer ft. Irlanda Espinozafull<![CDATA[Episode 3 | The Mindset That Changed Her Life at 20 ft. Gloria Diaz]]>In this episode of We Are First Gen, Francisco Diaz sits down with his younger sister, Gloria Diaz, a licensed nail technician and entrepreneur in Northwest Arkansas, to explore her journey from discovering a passion for art to building a successful business at a young age.

Gloria shares how growing up in a first-generation household shaped her work ethic, why she chose entrepreneurship over the traditional college path, and the mindset that helped her become a homeowner at just 21.

Together, they reflect on their family's story, the sacrifices of their immigrant parents, and the importance of consistency, resilience, and creating opportunities through hard work.

Whether you're pursuing your own business, navigating an unconventional career path, or looking for motivation to keep pushing toward your goals, this episode is filled with honest conversation and meaningful perspective.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @TheDiazTeamNWA

Francisco Diaz: @NWARealtor

Gloria Diaz: @NailsXGloria

]]>d99ae415-d603-45bb-8b45-435397760415Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <i>We Are First Gen</i>, Francisco Diaz sits down with his younger sister, Gloria Diaz, a licensed nail technician and entrepreneur in Northwest Arkansas, to explore her journey from discovering a passion for art to building a successful business at a young age.</p><p></p><p>Gloria shares how growing up in a first-generation household shaped her work ethic, why she chose entrepreneurship over the traditional college path, and the mindset that helped her become a homeowner at just 21. </p><p></p><p>Together, they reflect on their family's story, the sacrifices of their immigrant parents, and the importance of consistency, resilience, and creating opportunities through hard work.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're pursuing your own business, navigating an unconventional career path, or looking for motivation to keep pushing toward your goals, this episode is filled with honest conversation and meaningful perspective.</p><p></p><p>Let's connect!</p><p>Instagram: @TheDiazTeamNWA</p><p>Francisco Diaz: @NWARealtor</p><p>Gloria Diaz: @NailsXGloria</p>no00:44:1913Episode 3 | The Mindset That Changed Her Life at 20 ft. Gloria Diazfull<![CDATA[Episode 2 | The Opportunity That Changed Everything ft. Jonathan Cervantes]]>In this episode of We Are First Gen, Francisco Diaz and Victor Godinez sit down with Jonathan Cervantes, a mortgage lender at Priority Bank, to discuss his journey from delivering newspapers as a teenager to becoming a trusted lending professional in Northwest Arkansas.

Jonathan shares how growing up in a first-generation family shaped his work ethic, the opportunity that changed his career, and the lessons he's learned about persistence, mentorship, and financial responsibility. The conversation also covers practical advice for first-time homebuyers, common financial mistakes, and why it's never too early to start preparing for homeownership.

Whether you're building your career, working toward your first home, or looking for motivation to keep moving forward, this episode is full of valuable insights and honest conversation.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @TheDiazTeamNWA

Francisco Diaz: @NWARealtor

Victor Godinez: @VicGodinez_

Jonathan Cervantes: @Jonathan805

]]>c972302b-79b0-4ac0-9acf-b47419d18612Fri, 17 Jul 2026 19:45:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <b>We Are First Gen</b>, Francisco Diaz and Victor Godinez sit down with <b>Jonathan Cervantes</b>, a mortgage lender at Priority Bank, to discuss his journey from delivering newspapers as a teenager to becoming a trusted lending professional in Northwest Arkansas.</p><p></p><p>Jonathan shares how growing up in a first-generation family shaped his work ethic, the opportunity that changed his career, and the lessons he's learned about persistence, mentorship, and financial responsibility. The conversation also covers practical advice for first-time homebuyers, common financial mistakes, and why it's never too early to start preparing for homeownership.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're building your career, working toward your first home, or looking for motivation to keep moving forward, this episode is full of valuable insights and honest conversation.</p><p></p><p><b>Let's connect!</b></p><p><b>Instagram:</b> @TheDiazTeamNWA</p><p><b>Francisco Diaz:</b> @NWARealtor</p><p><b>Victor Godinez: </b>@VicGodinez_</p><p><b>Jonathan Cervantes:</b> @Jonathan805</p>no00:43:2512Episode 2 | The Opportunity That Changed Everything ft. Jonathan Cervantesfull<![CDATA[Episode 1 | Welcome to We Are First Gen]]>Welcome to the very first episode of We Are First Gen!
In this episode, Francisco Diaz and Victor Godinez introduce themselves, share the story behind the podcast, and explain why they felt called to create a space for meaningful conversations. While real estate is a big part of their journey, this podcast is about so much more. It's about the experiences that shape us, the lessons we learn along the way, and the stories that deserve to be shared.

Join us as we talk about our backgrounds, what "We Are First Gen" means to us, and what you can expect from future episodes featuring entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members with inspiring stories of their own.

Thanks for being here from the very beginning—we're excited to have you along for the journey.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @TheDiazTeamNWA

Francisco Diaz: @NWARealtor

Victor Godinez: @VicGodinez_

]]>436aacf7-a72a-4338-949c-b0c732386af4Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:30:00 GMT<p><b>Welcome to the very first episode of We Are First Gen!</b><br />In this episode, Francisco Diaz and Victor Godinez introduce themselves, share the story behind the podcast, and explain why they felt called to create a space for meaningful conversations. While real estate is a big part of their journey, this podcast is about so much more. It's about the experiences that shape us, the lessons we learn along the way, and the stories that deserve to be shared.</p><p></p><p>Join us as we talk about our backgrounds, what "We Are First Gen" means to us, and what you can expect from future episodes featuring entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members with inspiring stories of their own.</p><p></p><p>Thanks for being here from the very beginning—we're excited to have you along for the journey.</p><p></p><p><b>Let's connect!</b></p><p><b>Instagram:</b> @TheDiazTeamNWA</p><p><b>Francisco Diaz:</b> @NWARealtor</p><p><b>Victor Godinez: </b>@VicGodinez_</p>no00:17:2011Episode 1 | Welcome to We Are First Genfull