Richard Montañez was mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms at Frito-Lay when he had a life-changing idea: What if he added chili spices to a regular, old Cheeto? One protocol-breaking phone call to the CEO and a nerve-wracking meeting with company executives later, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos were born.

Today, Montañez is the vice president of sales and community activation for PepsiCo North America, and the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto is as popular as it’s ever been. In this podcast, Montañez explains why his “hood product” has endured, how the best leaders are also visionaries, and why it’s so important for him to give back. You’ll be able to hear even more from Montañez at the ASI Show Fort Worth in February, where he’ll be giving a motivational speech over breakfast.