Enrique Hernandez
Chief operating officer | Tire Group International LLC. |Miami, Fl. | Age: 37
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job in the tire industry was as an operations assistant at Tire Group International LLC. My role was to support all departments in everything they needed. That job ranged from troubleshooting a computer to going into the warehouse to help move and process tires. At the time we were a smaller company, so everyone wore many hats.
What attracted you to the industry?
I honestly didn't choose the industry, it kind of chose me. I needed a job early in my college years, and the owners of Tire Group gave me an opportunity to work and develop my skills. Overtime, I have developed a passion for the products we move and have gained an appreciation for the industry and the network of great people I have met along the way.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
When I first started at Tire Group, I was struggling financially and needed to help my family at home. I remember coming to work every day on a mission to show my worth, and it was a period of a few years in my career where I truly felt like it was sink or swim. Later on I would realize that it was great for me, and it was the birth of my new mentality to never stop challenging myself. If growth is the objective then there will be no shortage of difficult moments.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
I am fortunate to have a long list of amazing mentors. I will start the list with my mom and dad. They set the foundation for me. Next on this list is Joaquin and Tony Gonzalez, current owners of Tire Group. They are the ones who hired me and gave me my first shot.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
Being asked to lead Tire Group's growing operation was an honor and definitely ranks up there in my biggest accomplishments within the industry.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
My current job consists of overseeing company-wide operations and making sure we hit on long-term and short-term initiatives. Depending on the day, I will meet with my team and different department heads to review ways to improve their business process or find better ways to service our customers. I field a good amount of emails requesting approval on transactions or fielding various questions pertaining to day-to-day operations. I also meet with our various tech teams to request status on projects, review new ideas, and discuss implementation strategies.
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
All of the different contracts and agreements! I have read and reviewed so many different types of agreements with our legal team that I think I could pass for a lawyer. All jokes aside, I have learned a great amount recently dealing with the contractual side of the operation. Everything from fleet lease agreements to vendor service contracts.
Tell us about your family.
I am married to an amazing, smart, and strong woman who is also doing great things in her career. Together we have a one-year old son who is an absolute blessing in our lives and a goldendoodle named Rosso, who is like another kid in the house. I also have a great support in my mom and dad who are proud grandparents, and my sister who is an awesome aunt.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
Oh this is easy! The ability to see the future — but only the winning lottery numbers.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Funny. I tend to be a jokester and really try to get a few laughs. A good laugh can change someone's day.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
A food influencer looks like a great career. You get paid to try the best food. Come on, who wouldn't want to do that?!
What's the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
Biggest issue facing the tire industry is global-economic uncertainty, which to a certain extent is not totally within our scope. For example, tires (availability and price) are impacted by natural resources, foreign trade, economics and many other factors outside of our control. Navigating these changes from one year to the next is what I find challenging.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a baseball player, and then later on a sports agent.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
I come home, take off my shoes and start to play with my son. Then I move on to preparing a delicious meal to enjoy with my wife. If it was a really stressful day, I'll do a wine or a whiskey, only on Fridays.
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
My goal this year was to survive the first year of parenthood and balance work and life. So far, so good.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Coaching high school baseball
