Pallet Enterprise: What is the best piece of business advice you have ever received?
Tavárez: As most people, I have always been told that hard work trumps all, but to build on that principle, you need to have both patience and passion to succeed. You need passion for what you do, who you work with, and what you want to achieve. Passion is what fuels your hard work. You also need patience, as you will lose out on opportunities and face challenges. This can challenge your passion, but you have to understand the lesson and prepare for the next opportunity.
Pallet Enterprise: What is one thing you do at your company that is different from other pallet companies?
Tavárez: I think the biggest difference between us and our competitors is the environment in which we work. Our plant space has great infrastructure. Add this to our focus and attention on continually improving our processes and aligning our resources with customer needs. All of these factors create a unique pallet service and place to work.
Pallet Enterprise: How/why did you first get involved in the industry?
Tavárez: I have worked my way up through the industry, starting as a repairman in high school all the way up to owning my own business today. I have always looked to take advantage of each opportunity that came my way. When my former boss was looking to downsize in 1997, I worked out a deal to take over the facility he was closing, and I guess as they say, “The Rest is History.”
Pallet Enterprise: What do you like most about your job?
Tavárez: I have maintained a focus on both growing my business and growing the individuals who are a part of my business. As rewarding as the business growth is, it is the personal growth of the employees at Harvey Pallets that is the most rewarding. Having started from the bottom and worked my way up through this industry, it is great to work hands-on with employees at my company.
Pallet Enterprise: What is the best part of working in this industry?
Tavárez: I believe our industry does not always get enough credit for our role in the supply chain and distribution of goods. We face multiple challenges every day and being a problem solver for the multitude of issues keeps me on my toes. While there is a great network of pallet manufacturers and recyclers to learn from, it is taking some of their examples/practices and facing my challenges head on.
