What important skills did you learn in your first job that have been instrumental to your success?

One of the first skills I had to develop was fitting into an environment I wasn’t accustomed to. It was an adaptation for me. I had to learn that people are different and they come from different backgrounds. There was a lot of diversity there.

 

How do you use these skills in your position today?

I have to adapt to new clients and new situations all the time. You have to do a quick assessment and get an understanding of the environment that you are in. Then you need to make the necessary adaptations to make sure you can communicate with the person and have something to offer him or her.

 

Did anyone ever give you advice that you carried on with you in your career?

One of the things my dad used to tell me was that you need to work twice as hard as the next guy just to stay even. It stuck with me because at one point I realized life isn’t fair; there is no entitlement. Always strive to set yourself apart.

What motivated you to succeed?

I think my obstacles motivated me. I often felt inferior while growing up and in college because of my Hispanic culture. I was called names like Greaser and Pancho Villa. I wanted to turn my supposed disadvantage into my advantage. I took that obstacle and flipped it. I utilized what I had that others didn’t. I was bilingual and had a good understanding of different cultures. I finally realized what made me different could give me an advantage and that helped to motivate me to succeed.

What is important for young people to know about your industry? If they want to work in it, what skills are important for them to possess?

I tell people to be prepared. You’ll never work so long and so hard for so little. It is very brutal. I definitely encourage people to start and own their own business. I tell them to be realistic. People say they love the idea of being their own boss. I always chuckle and say when you own your own business EVERYBODY is your boss. You have to really love it. I live to work, I do not work to live. Money should be a byproduct of doing what you enjoy doing. If you really work hard then the financial part will take care of itself.