In the world of comic books, origin stories inform the reader of the identity and motivations of heroes and villains (thankfully, we only have the former here). Like Spider-Man or Captain America, your origin story is important as it defines who you are today. Learn about the experiences, people, and influences that shaped Concord's Brandon Martinez by reading below!

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Odessa, Texas, and spent much of my childhood in San Antonio, Texas. My family relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, when I was around 10, and I've been here ever since.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Eating overcooked hamburgers and undercooked brats that my dad grilled was a part of my childhood. Now that I have my own family, I think it's only fitting that I continue the tradition.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life?

My parents.

What is your favorite travel destination?

QuikTrip. I can't drive anywhere without a beverage and snacks.

What’s an experience that shaped who you are today?

As a young adult working various jobs for employers that did not treat their lowest-paid workers well, my resolve to find somewhere that does only strengthened. That, and all the alien abductions.

What is your favorite food?

Mexican food. I also enjoy cooking it and draw inspiration from my grandma's cooking. She taught me that if you are the one cooking, you get to snack on the end product first. Now that's really the only reason I like cooking—I get to eat first.

How did you end up in your current career?

I've always had an interest in technology, especially programming. I was tinkering with making websites when I was very young and was more of a hobby programmer until I decided to get my act together and finish my bachelor's degree in my late 20s/early 30s. This is my first job out of college, and I've worked here since then.

What is your favorite hobby?

Spending time with family, since that's all I have time for these days, might as well make the best of it and see it as such.

When was a moment where you felt most accomplished?

When I was able to fill my gas tank instead of putting just 5 or 10 dollars in at a time between paychecks. Feels good.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself to stop worrying about things and just live your life, which is probably what I was doing anyway.