Jesse is a Chicago Firefighter assigned to Engine 56, which is located on Barry and Leavitt in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood.  Jesse has a pedigree in firefighting.  Jesse’s father is also a member of the Chicago Fire Department.

Jesse’s firehouse is in a neighborhood he grew up in.  Jesse attended Lane Tech High School, and played football at a very high level.  Jesse still lives nearby and also works at a bar, as a “Cooler.”

We all know that a “Cooler” is a bouncer.  Dalton from Roadhouse taught us this, and dramatic lessons that are far more poignant then he has ever received credit for.  Jesse has become a bartender and doorman in part, because of the wisdom of James Dalton.  Professional Cooler, from Roadhouse.

Dalton, Cooler from the Roadhouse.

Dalton was once ridiculed in the movie Roadhouse, when he arrived at the Double Deuce in Jasper Missouri.  Locals reaction to the arrival of James Dalton, their Cooler was “I thought he’d be bigger.”  Sometimes size is less important then heart, and courage.

Jesse Estrada told us, “Dalton was more then just a Bouncer, or even a Cooler.  He has a philosophy that transcends a bar.  His approach to Cooling at a Roadhouse can be used in almost every thing you do, everyday.”

Jesse continues, “I certainly follow these 10 rules everyday, at the firehouse, in football, at the bar, and even in my personal life.  I hope this helps the Blaze friends, family and fans as much as it has helped me.”

10 things I have learned from Roadhouse that have influenced my career and my life:

“Pain don’t hurt.”

“Take it outside.”

“Nobody ever wins a fight.”

“It’ll get worse before it gets better.”

“Never underestimate your opponent.  Expect the unexpected.”

“People who really want to have a good time, won’t come to a slaughterhouse.”

“Take the biggest guy in the world, shatter his kneecap, and he’ll drop like a stone.”

“My way, or the highway.”

“If you’re going to have a pet, keep it on a leash.”

“Be nice.  Until it’s time to not be nice.”

Those 10 quotes are courtesy of James Dalton, from the movie Roadhouse.

“Quotes?  You don’t learn lessons like those in graduate school.  You learn them in life, and from Roadhouse.” said Jesse Estrada.

Jesse has become the person on the Blaze that teammates turn to when they need an answer to a hard question.

Jesse wears #10 on the Blaze and plays wide receiver and is also a kick returner.  Thank you Jesse.