A Culture of Excellence: Jose Herrera
Our newest District Sales Manager, Jose Herrera, shares his thoughts about Master Wall and our culture. We’re happy to have Jose on board and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.
1. How would you describe the culture at your previous company, and what stands out most when you compare it to our workplace so far?
The culture at San Antonio Masonry was very much like a family — a functional family. Everyone looked out for one another. I never had to worry about not having support from my co-workers. Although I worked remotely, I enjoyed coming into the office. I liked hanging out with everyone at the yard and genuinely enjoyed spending time with the team.
I don’t know what stands out the most when comparing both cultures. So far, I have experienced the same support here that I did at San Antonio Masonry. Ryan Whiting and Jeff Knight check in with me to ensure things are going well and see if I need any assistance. I’ll even get texts or emails from other sales guys with encouraging words. It may seem like a small thing, but it goes a very long way.
2. What aspects of our company’s culture feel similar or different to what you’re used to?
From what I’ve seen so far, everyone seems very close. I think the fact that most MW employees have been working together for a long time helps with this. It also speaks volumes that they have all been working together for so long — they can stand one another! I say that jokingly, but there’s some truth to it.
I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the entire sales team together in person yet, but from the guys I have been around, it’s clear they get along well. It feels like a close-knit group, and I look forward to fitting in and becoming one of the guys.
3. Were there any specific values or practices at your last job that you particularly appreciated, and do you see anything like that here?
The treatment of our customers. At San Antonio Masonry, the “customer experience” was a concept preached by the owner. He understood that keeping customers happy meant they would keep coming back. He often said there would be no San Antonio Masonry without them.
I see that same belief at Master Wall. I’ve worked at companies where customers were treated like they were replaceable, and there was little care if they were lost due to a bad experience. Being in sales, I put a lot of importance on my customers and make sure they are cared for. I want to provide value to them. Nothing I’ve seen at Master Wall suggests otherwise. Our guys care and are passionate about our jobs — I love that!
4. How did your previous company handle collaboration and communication, and how does that compare to your early impressions here?
Communication and collaboration are key in anything we do—they make things easier. I think we can all agree on that. Having a great workplace culture makes this even easier. Communication and collaboration come naturally when everyone genuinely cares about each other’s success.
So far, I’ve seen the same thing at Master Wall. Ryan Whiting and Jeff Knight, along with everyone else, are always there when I reach out. Knowing you can count on upper management and your co-workers to be there for you makes work life so much better.
5. What was the leadership style like at your last workplace, and how does it align with what you’ve observed in our team?
Very positive! I’ve worked for managers and team leaders who tried to motivate through negativity and fear, and this might come as a shock, but that does not work! That’s how employers lose great employees.
San Antonio Masonry had multiple people who had been there for 10+ years, some even reaching 20+ years. To me, that’s a sign of a great workplace and great leadership. Working there was truly a pleasure, and it made the decision to leave very tough.
I’ve seen that same positive leadership at Master Wall. Jeff Knight, Ryan Whiting, and the rest of the team have been very supportive. Even though I’ve only been here for a few months, I already feel like one of the guys. This is a team I want to be a part of for a very long time, and I hope that’s the case.
6. How did your past company balance work-life integration, and how does that compare to what you’re experiencing here?
Robbin Bostick, the owner at San Antonio Masonry, had a great saying: “We aren’t trying to cure cancer…” It put things into perspective.
Yes, work is essential and a priority, but it’s not more important than my family or personal life. Robbin understood that most of us had families and ensured we knew that work is just work at the end of the day.
I feel very confident that Master Wall shares this belief. Nothing I’ve experienced here so far suggests otherwise.
7. Based on your experience so far, what’s one aspect of our culture that feels unique or surprising to you?
Despite its size, the company still has that “mom and pop” feel. It’s not “corporate America,” and I love that!
I want to work for a company where the owner knows your name and cares about their employees. Many companies preach that, but they don’t practice it. That was a big reason why leaving San Antonio Masonry was so difficult—I was afraid I would be leaving a great culture behind.
I can honestly say I have been pleasantly surprised. I haven’t regretted my decision and am very happy to be part of the Master Wall family. I hope to be here for years to come — this is where I want to retire.
