Empowering the Warehouse: Ernest Rodriguez's Path to Leadership
Ernest Rodriguez’s journey with Sparetek is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself. Starting his career as an Order Selector, Ernest’s path to becoming a warehouse supervisor is a story of growth and perseverance.
Ernest was introduced to Sparetek through a long-time colleague, Jose, our customer service manager, with whom he had worked at a previous job. When Jose offered him an opportunity at Sparetek, Ernest didn’t hesitate. Now, after four years in the warehouse department, Ernest reflects on the challenges he’s faced and the lessons he’s learned.
One of his biggest hurdles was familiarizing himself with the wide array of parts and operations in the warehouse. But Ernest embraced the learning curve, developing key skills in inventory management and forklift operations. He also discovered the importance of trusting his team, particularly during high-pressure projects.
What truly motivated Ernest to rise to his new role was his desire to create a positive, team-oriented environment. The trust placed in him by upper management, including Alfredo, the Director of Operations, further fueled his drive. Ernest is especially grateful for the mentorship and support he received from Raul, current warehouse manager, and Jose, who has believed in him for over 11 years. Their guidance and belief in him, along with Alfredo’s decision to give him another chance despite past setbacks, were pivotal moments in his career.
As the new warehouse supervisor, Ernest is eager to take on responsibilities in freight shipping and inventory management. His leadership style will focus on collaboration, working side by side with his team and leading by example. He firmly believes that fostering an environment where every team member feels heard and valued is key to success.
For those aspiring to grow in their own careers, Ernest offers this advice: “Speak your mind, give new ideas, ask for guidance; your best effort is all I can ask for.” He reflects on one of his proudest moments, when he was given free rein to reorganize our past location at Shipman warehouse and set up our newMacro location, a project that allowed him to showcase his skills and take ownership from start to finish.
Ernest’s journey is not just one of professional growth but a reminder of how trust, determination, and the right support can help anyone achieve their goals. As he steps into his new role, Ernest continues to inspire those around him with his dedication and leadership.