Robert Armijo, equipment manager in Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena at Eastern New Mexico University, not only handles the athletic equipment and supplies needs of several of ENMU's varsity teams, physical education instructors, employees and students, but runs a BBQ catering business on the side.

The Portales native also supervises work study students, and repairs and purchases equipment.

Those who play with Robert in the daily noon-time basketball games in the north gym of Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena, know him a fierce competitor. He is equally adept at shooting three-pointers or driving through the lane with whirling dervish moves before laying the ball in the basket.

He is also a physical defender and rebounder who holds his own against players younger and taller. Fellow players love being on his team and dread playing against him.

His non-stop hustle and physical, but clean, play usually leads to a victory for his team.  

Before coming to ENMU about three years ago, Robert owned a store called R-A Masonry Supply in Clovis, then Portales, where he sold masonry tools, brick blocks and stone.

One of the benefits he appreciates about being an ENMU employee is the stability it brings to his employment. He also appreciates being able to take free classes.

What he likes most about his current job is "being able to talk to talk to people. What I don't like is that when school is out for summer vacation, I'm the only one in my office--so it gets pretty boring around here in the summer."

He likes Portales because it is his "hometown and most of my family live here. I'm a graduate of Portales High School. I'm a Ram for life and proud of it. Go Rams!"

Robert is passionate about his BBQ business.

"It is something that I really enjoy doing. I like smoked foods, but right now all I do is cater. One day I hope to have a building where people can come inside and enjoy some of the great BBQ, or maybe have a food truck. I would do it every day if I could."

His ultimate career goal is simply to "retire comfortably."

His hobbies include fishing with his son, Brennan, 12, hunting and cooking.  He also has a daughter, Harley, 18.

Robert says his happiest moments were when he "married my beautiful wife, Dawn, and when his son and daughter were born."

His saddest moments were losing his grandparents who "meant the world to me."

Growing up in Portales, Robert was "a very happy child who had the best parent ever. My mom worked hard trying to support four kids. She often worked out of town on a road crew for K-Barnett and Sons out of Clovis." 

He also has two brothers and a sister "who I love very much."

Robert says growing up in Portales was fun.

"As a kid, I got to play sports and work with my grandfather and my uncles.

"I love this town and am glad I stayed around."