The gym at Gustine High School was buzzing with more than school spirit this week as the annual Job Fair brought a wave of opportunity to campus, connecting students with a wide range of career paths. From military recruiters to local business owners, the event offered students a firsthand look at what life after graduation could look like.

Among the professionals sharing their experiences were two familiar local figures: Kyle Spinelli of Exit Realty and Danny Quezada of Empresarios Barber Shop in Newman.

For Spinelli, real estate wasn’t just a career choice — it was something that took root early. He recalled playing Monopoly with his brother as a child. While his brother always wanted to be the banker, a role he still holds today, Spinelli focused on acquiring as many properties as possible. His grandfather was also a Realtor, a connection that helped shape his interest in the field long before he entered it professionally.

Spinelli earned his real estate license nearly seven years ago, just before the COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted nearly every industry. He said the timing, while challenging, ultimately reinforced his belief that “everything happens for a reason.”

“Each step along the way has prepared me for where I am today,” he said.

With about 90 transactions completed — from residential homes to agricultural land — Spinelli offered students practical advice. He encouraged them to research the field by talking to real professionals rather than relying on social‑media influencers, to choose a brokerage that invests in their growth, and to stay authentic in a relationship‑driven business.

Representing the grooming industry, Quezada highlighted how barbering blends traditional craftsmanship with modern trends. Empresarios Barber Shop stays busy by balancing straight‑razor grooming with the trend‑heavy styles popular among today’s youth. A standard haircut takes 45 to 60 minutes, he said, while a “VIP treatment” — which includes a facial and razor shave — can take up to 90 minutes.

“Anybody can be a barber if you have the love and passion for it,” Quezada said, encouraging students to start early if they’re interested in the trade. The shop is open seven days a week and accepts walk‑ins, though he recommends appointments to guarantee a spot.

The Gustine High School Job Fair served as a reminder that success comes in many forms. Whether through the detailed paperwork of a real estate closing or the precision of a barber’s blade, the professionals in attendance shared a common message: start early, stay authentic and follow your passion.

For the students of Gustine High, the door to the future isn’t just open — it’s waiting for them to walk through.