Latin times : Tell us about your family … latinoMovernShaker : Mom and Dad were both born and raised in Puerto Rico and migrated to the United States in the late 1950 ’ s . My dad had his own business in NY selling and making statues . He had a factory in Brooklyn that employed about ten people . My mother worked for a hospital in Brooklyn and did billing . I have a wife named Yamile and three kids , Erica , Andrea , and Nicky .
Latin times : What is your definition of success ? latinoMovernShaker : My definition of success has changed over the years , first it was finishing school , getting a nice car , having a great job , buying a house . However , as I grow older , I now see success as being happy with who you are , having kids , a loving wife , and family support .
Latin times : What advice would you give to young Latinos about pursuing their goals ? latinoMovernShaker : To achieve a goal , write down what you envision to be the result and work backwards to create the steps to get to the goal . Do not give up if you first do not succeed , this is part of life and you will learn from failure .
Stay around positive smart people , they will rub off on you and you will learn from each other . Read books about leadership to learn from other successful people , they will discuss their goals and you will see their results .
Reach out to others that have already reached the level you are pursuing . They can provide invaluable experience and even provide a few lessons that they learned for you to avoid or follow .
Volunteer for tough assignments , this will give you confidence to set higher expectations for yourself and thus creating goals that are more meaningful and challenging .
Learn how to manage yourself , your emotions , do not be selfish , do not judge others , be helpful to those that need help , because leaders lead by teaching .
Latin times : Are you involved in community organizations ? Which ones ? latinoMovernShaker : Yes , I am the current president of the National society of Hispanic MBA ’ s a Tampa Bay a not for profit organization with 8,000 members nation wide , 32 chapters across the U . S . and Puerto Rico .
I must mention this , NSHMBA Tampa Bay and University of South Florida have formed the first in the nation NSHMBA student council at USF , this is a huge accomplishment and our chapter is now creating the template / model for the other 32 chapters across the U . S .
Latin times : How did you get started in your profession ? latinoMovernShaker : I was recruited by a good friend DeeDee Castillo in 2006 with Homebanc Mortgage Corporation . Best decision I ever made I love my job , I get to help out people in the community in becoming home owners and achieving the American Dream .
Latin times : As a young boy , what did you aspire to become ? latinoMovernShaker : Funny , I wanted to be a pilot . Instead I joined the Army and got to work and teach helicopter maintenance , had a great 22 year career .
Latin times : Tell us about your family … latinoMovernShaker : I am the oldest of three children , mom lives in NY with my sister , the youngest one lives in Ft . Lauderdale . I have four beautiful children .
Latin times : If you were President of the United States , what would you do to repair the Nations Economy ? latinoMovernShaker : Tough question , I believe that what President Obama is doing right now is ok , but I would have done it differently . Instead of bailing out the institutions , I would have given each American a lump sump of money to pay off their home and their debt . This in turn would stimulate the economy . Get people spending , but there would have to be rules instilled and each person will need to be educated about financial responsibility .
Latin times : What advice would you give to young Latinos about pursuing their goals ? latinoMovernShaker : Let your brain be like a sponge , take advantage of the great educational opportunities offered and never stop dreaming . And no matter what obstacles you encounter in life you must overcome them and achieve your dreams .
Latin times : Are you involved in community organizations ? Which ones ? latinoMovernShaker : I am a cancer survivor and I support the American cancer Society , I am a member of NAHREP , involved in many Networking groups and the Chamber of Commerce .
Latin times : How did you get started in your profession ? latinoMovernShaker : My first job after graduating from USF ( 85 ) was as a Letter of Credit and Collections Analyst in Sidor , Venezuela ’ s largest steel industry , collecting the proceeds derived from the exports of steel products globally .
Latin times : Tell us about your family … latinoMovernShaker : I have been married for 24 years , after dating for 5 years . We met while studying English at USF in 1979 and have been together since then . We have 2 children , Samira who is 21 and attending USF pursuing a Master ’ s Degree in Architecture . My son Juan Miguel is 13 years old and ready ( not really ) to begin High School . I consider myself very lucky as my parents and siblings all live here .
Latin times : What are your immediate and / or long term professional goals ? latinoMovernShaker : On a professional note , ensure that an International Trade training program is developed and implemented in Latin America , allowing my clients to become more knowledgeable and experienced in the subject . As a person and resident of this planet , ensure that I continue to connect to someone on a daily basis , by helping in any possible way . Latin times : Who ( here or departed ) do you consider to be a role model in the Latino Community , and why ? latinoMovernShaker : I think that naming a “ single ” person is unfair because we have had and currently have many “ role models ” in our community who have in one way or another helped and supported our growth and development as an ethnic group . Many people represent us Latinos and extend us a hand on a daily basis . To me , a role model is the person that is able to touch someone in a non-interested way , no strings attached and out of the goodness of their heart .
Latin times : What advice would you give to young Latinos about pursuing their goals ? latinoMovernShaker : Set SMART goals , work hard and consistently towards reaching them and do not allow anyone to deviate or distract you . Develop new relations and strengthen the existing ones . Practice networking and spend valuable time with others , oneself and family .