Former soccer goalie ends up in software development and earns spot in LHS Hall of Fame

My how the times do change.

The son of Marc and Patricia Raygoza finally did “bloom” during his sophomore year at Fresno State, where he finally hit the books and suddenly discovered a passion for software development, and its future. Thanks to this new-found passion and his innate knowledge of software and how to put it to use in business, there are many world-wide companies selling products and making money on the Internet who just may have Raygoza to thank for that.

After earning his bachelor’s degree at Fresno State and later a master’s degree in software engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, the quiet but talented young man from Lemoore managed to make his mark on the technology industry.

It’s for these efforts that the Lemoore High School Foundation for Educational Excellence will induct Raygoza into the Foundation’s Hall of Fame on Oct. 21 in the Lemoore Civic Auditorium.

Marc Raygoza with his soccer trophy.

“I’m honored,” said a humbled Raygoza, referring to his upcoming induction. “Personally, this achievement is for my family, especially my parents. Without my parents’ support, and their faith in me, I would have pursued a different path in life, quite possibly one without education. They knew education opened doors to opportunities and possibilities. I could not be more pleased to share this experience with my family. They deserve the recognition as much as I do.”

Raygoza’s resume reads like a primer on the developing software industry. He’s been there, done that as he continues making his mark as the e-commerce industry as it continues to grow and innovate. He’s been a big part of the innovation.

Most recently, Raygoza is the founder of Vine Global, a leading global e-commerce solutions provider. In all the positions he’s held, with various companies, he’s been the guy to fix things or innovate e-commerce solutions for companies large and small as they navigate the World Wide Web.

He’s also the author of a U.S. patent, No. 8,346,613, a blueprint for a zero integration model for e-commerce merchants.

The list of places where he’s worked or developed e-commerce technology is impressive. He was the chief technology officer for Comerxia. He served as one of the founding engineers and chief technical architect of Buy.Com. He has held engineering and consultant positions as companies like Nasty Gal, ABB Optical, Toyota Motors U.S.A, Washington Mutual and Heidrick and Struggles.

Raygoza was the winner of the national business plan competition, a 2008 Start It Up $250,000 business plan challenge.

Not bad for a kid from Lemoore who says his best memories while at Lemoore High School were playing soccer. “Some of my fondest memories were participating in athletics,” said Raygoza, “particularly soccer. My senior year, we won the Mt. Whitney Tournament, and I was named the goalkeeper of the tournament. I think I still have the tournament shirt.”

Raygoza makes his home now in Southern California with his wife Lori and their two daughters, Chloe and Reese. He returns home often and can sometimes be seen at Lemoore High School soccer matches.

Indeed, he is fond of his hometown, and even named his company after the street on which he and his family lived in Lemoore. “I’m proud that I grew up in Lemoore to the extent that I named my company, Vine Global, after the street I lived on throughout my childhood.”

The Foundation will indeed be busy on Oct. 21. In addition to honoring Raygoza, there will be large contingent of former students, “friends” and athletes honored at the induction dinner which takes place in the Civic Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are $50 per person and can be obtained at the Lemoore High School District office at 5 Powell St. or the Lemoore Best Western at the corner of Bush Street and D Street.

In addition to Raygoza’s induction, this year’s inductees also include Deneen Perreira Guss, Class of 1983; Mandy Smoker Broaddus, Class of 1992. and longtime California Highway Patrolman Jerry Pierce, who will receive the Gary Sedgwick Award, given to a key supporter of Lemoore High School, and someone who did not graduate from the school.

Other athletic inductees include the 2005 football team, coached by Shaun Ball, that won the Central Section championship and the 2004 girls’ varsity soccer team, also champs, coached by Francisco Pimentel.

Another Central Section champion, the 2004 girls’ volleyball team, coached by Kelly Brown, will also earn entry into the Hall of Fame.