Plutarco Orozco, warranty technician for Betenbough Homes in Odessa, was born in Crane, Texas to parents who immigrated from Mexico. His father was an alcoholic who physically abused his wife and emotionally abused his three sons.
With difficulties at home, Plutarco immersed himself in sports and partying, numbing his pain with adrenaline and alcohol.
After high school, Plutarco and his best friend, Servando, made a weekend trip to Odessa to party. The drinking began on the drive there and continued throughout the weekend. On the way home Sunday night, after noticing Servando swerving behind the wheel, Plutarco took over. The next thing he remembers is waking up after the car had rolled. Servando was unconscious. Somehow Plutarco drove the mangled vehicle 25 miles to the hospital back in Odessa, only to collapse upon arrival.
Servando didn’t survive.
Medical records show that Plutarco himself flatlined for two minutes while hospitalized. The medical team was stunned he had made it back to the hospital at all, let alone that he’d driven there.
As his body healed, Plutarco found his soul crushed under a heavy burden of shame and guilt. He blamed himself for Servando’s death and spiraled into a cycle of self-destruction – seeking out fights, abusing substances, entertaining suicidal thoughts, and lashing out at God.
Eventually he was convicted of intoxicated manslaughter and served nearly four years in prison. By the time he was released in March 2002, the world had changed dramatically. Cell phones were a household item, the internet was an important part of daily life, and America had been forever changed by the terrorism of 9/11. Plutarco earned an associate’s degree while incarcerated, but he still had a steep learning curve ahead as he adjusted to a world that had evolved without him.
Determined to build a new life, he obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and became a successful landman. When his youngest daughter was born, Plutarco’s heart began to change. He longed for more time with his family and a career that brought peace, not just a paycheck.
He applied to work at Betenbough Homes – four times.
After being denied a position three times, Plutarco finally received a job offer from Betenbough. “I had to be patient and wait for God’s timing,” he shares. “I had to release my desires and have faith.”
Though he was raised Catholic and served as an altar boy, Plutarco spent most of his life keeping God at arm’s length. He struggled with the idea of letting God have control of his life. “Everything was about me back then,” he says.
But from his very first Jumpstart at Betenbough Homes, Plutarco began to see something different – something he wanted. Living life on his own terms wasn’t working.
Through examples of honesty, vulnerability, and faith like Abe Fuentez (area development manager) and Jesse Gutierrez (warranty manager), Plutarco started to open his heart. “I still want to be closer to God. I still find myself having a ‘my way’ mentality,” he admits. “But now I try to talk to God about everything. I’m learning to leave things in His hands and obey, even if it’s not what I want to hear.”
Plutarco’s faith is being tested again as his son, Marshall, is navigating his own battles. “I can’t control my kids’ lives,” Plutarco says. “I have to trust God. At that age I thought I was 10 feet tall and bulletproof. The accident was a harsh wake-up call. I pray Marshall doesn’t have to go through that.”
His team in Odessa is standing with him in that prayer.
“It wasn’t until I got hired at Betenbough that I experienced being in a group of imperfect people trying to find their way and supporting each other on the journey,” he reflects. “That has helped.”
In April 2024, Plutarco shared his testimony for the first time at a Jumpstart in Odessa. At Winter Weekend 2025, he told Maurie Bratcher (south area connections manager) that he felt led to share it with the Midland teams, as well. With her support, he did just that.
“I saw the walls of self-protection, fear, and shame start to fall in the room,” Maurie recalls from the Midland Jumpstart. “Team members who have hard parts in their own stories were encouraged to step more fully into freedom through Pluto’s vulnerability.”
Gage Rael, builder, can relate to Plutarco’s story and was reminded of the strength God gives those who call on Him. “Plutarco overcame it all with the Lord’s guidance. He is a sign of hope to others that are struggling and lost.”
“I already thought Plutarco was a great person,” shares Dawn Miller, new home associate. “Hearing his testimony gave me an even greater sense of who he is. Having come through what he’s been through is evidence of how God can truly change your life!”
Jordan Granado, detail technician, remembers: “You could tell that he was being so open and honest with his feelings, and it captivated the room. Hearing his story made me think about the man I want to be for my family.”
“I have a very similar background that involved drugs and alcohol,” admits Jay McDaniel, builder. “He’s walking proof that people can change and recover. He showed all of us that we are not defined by our past.”
“It was time,” Plutarco says simply. “I want people to know they’re not alone. Whatever you’re facing – big or small – don’t hold it in. Open up to someone. God sees you. He loves us, no matter what.”
