TGI: A Company That Feels Like Family

By Lester Hernandez

I started at TGI in 2012, diving into the tire industry with absolutely no prior knowledge. From the get-go, I found that there were plenty of people here willing to help me learn the ropes. Coming from a warehouse job where I felt like just another number, this was a refreshing change. Right from day one, I felt like I was part of something special.

If I had to describe TGI in a single word, it would be “family.” This isn’t just a nice phrase here; it’s the reality of our workplace. I remember how Pipo (Joaquin Gonzalez Sr.), one of our owners, would come down from his office to say hello and chat with everyone. That kind of approachable leadership is something you’ll find throughout the company. No matter who you are or where you’re at in the company, you can always reach out and be heard.

We genuinely care about each other here. We’ve got fun health challenges to keep us motivated, and we do sports together. One of my favorites has been being part of the mountain biking Tiger Team. We also know how to celebrate our hard work. Family picnics are a highlight—an opportunity for us and our families to come together and enjoy some downtime.

When someone needs support, the company steps up. This creates a culture where we feel grateful and are motivated to go the extra mile in return. I’ve experienced this first-hand. I started in the warehouse, then moved to a driver role where I enjoyed interacting with clients, and eventually took on a supervisor position at our Miami warehouse. Now, as the warehouse manager at our Tampa location, I’m excited about the challenges and opportunities this role brings.

My time at TGI has been an incredible journey, and I’m looking forward to many more years here. The welcoming, family-like culture that I encountered twelve years ago is something I continue to cherish and embrace. TGI isn’t just a workplace; it’s a family.

With kind regards,
Lester Hernandez