Texas Border Business

McALLEN, Texas – 

Man of the Year

Born and raised in McAllen, Larry Fallek has given his heart and soul to the city he calls home. After graduating from McAllen High School in 1959, Fallek moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1964 and his law degree in 1965.

Fallek worked in Washington, D.C. and Houston for several years after law school. He moved back to McAllen in 1970 after the passing of his father to run the family business, Mike’s Man Shop, which he did for 30 years from the main location in downtown McAllen, as well as in La Plaza Mall. An astute businessman, Fallek and his partners developed numerous properties and created several other companies downtown and throughout McAllen and South Texas, creating thousands of jobs for its residents. 

Today, Fallek serves as Chairman of Castle Hospitality, a full-service hotel management company that has developed and managed nearly 20 hotels in central and south Texas. The Texas Exes Alumni Association recently recognized Castle by naming it to their inaugural Longhorn 100 list, which identifies, recognizes, and celebrates the success of the 100 fastest-growing companies founded and guided by University of Texas alums.

Despite his hectic schedule, Fallek has always found time to give back to the McAllen community:

• He served as Chairman of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce in 1987.

• He helped form and write the initial bylaws for the McAllen Economic Development Corporation and assisted with the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone 

He was a former President and board member of Temple Emanuel in McAllen.

• He has volunteered for and significantly contributed to numerous non-profit organizations throughout the city and region.  

• He was appointed and served as Chairman of the Appraisal Review Board for the Hidalgo County Tax Appraisal District.

• He worked to acquire a building downtown from the federal government to provide public facilities for the benefit of the residents and visitors of the City of McAllen. This building later became the McAllen Heritage Center.

Larry has been married to his wife Patty since 1967. Together, they raised their two children, Michael Fallek (Heather) and Shari Fallek Coats (Steve), and have five grandchildren: Chloe Fallek, Jake Fallek, Jonas Coats, Milly Coats, and Mila Coats.

Woman of the Year 

Lorena Castillo, Certified Public Accountant, was born and raised in McAllen. She is a graduate of McAllen High School (1988) and the University of Texas-Pan American (1992), where she obtained a BBA in Accounting. She has been practicing public accounting for 30 years.

Ms. Castillo’s community contributions include her involvement as past president of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants-RGV Chapter, Junior League of McAllen and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo & Starr Counties. She is a founding member of San Juan Diego Catholic Regional High School (Juan Diego Academy) in Mission, Texas and serves on the board as an advisory member. Additionally, she has served as commissioner for the McAllen Housing Authority and as a board member for McAllen Housing Finance Corporation, Development Corporation of McAllen Inc., Tu Casa Investments, Inc., and Leadership McAllen. Ms. Castillo has served on the State Bar of Texas District 12 Grievance Committee and Texas Bar Foundation as a public member.

She currently serves as president of Affordable Homes of South Texas where she advocates for families to have a pathway to home ownership.  She is a board member with Workforce Solutions and the Love Builds Hope Foundation (Diocese of Brownsville). Ms. Castillo is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in McAllen where she has taught CCD and served on the finance council. 

In 2019, she received the Extraordinary Woman Award from Mujeres Unidas / Women Together for her volunteerism and dedication to our community.

Ms. Castillo is married to Jorge Saldana. She loves to spend time with family and friends, enjoys reading, traveling and loves the beach.

Since 1955, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce has selected two outstanding pillars of the community to be recognized for their contributions to the City of McAllen. 

The 68th Annual “Man & Woman of the Year” Awards will take place from 6:30-10:00 p.m. on November 2nd, 2023, at Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen. 

For reserved tables or sponsorships, please contact Vice President of Membership Services Blanca Cardenas at (956) 682-2871 or [email protected].

For additional questions, please feel free to contact Communications at [email protected].

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