Toyota executive speaks to UTSA M.B.A. students

(March 10, 2004)--Leo Gomez, general manager of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas and a member of the College of Business Advisory Council, recently spoke to M.B.A. students as part of the spring Signature Series sponsored by the M.B.A. Association.

Pictured is (left) Gomez receiving a certificate of appreciation from (right) Kory R. Hochler, M.B.A. Association vice president for business development.

"I feel like I'm in graduate school again," said Gomez, who is responsible for human resources, safety and services, external affairs, and finance and development. "Toyota means opportunity not only for me personally, but also for all of South Texas. They are a leader in the global business community."

Gomez shared with students his three strategies for personal success: know what you want, network and don't neglect your own personal finances.

Gomez has followed his passion of public policy through his distinguished career as assistant director of the Tomas Rivera Center at Trinity University, vice president of government relations at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and most recently vice president of external affairs for Spurs Sports Entertainment.

Most amazingly, he never applied for any of those jobs, but utilized his networking skills to further his career.

"Take the opportunity to meet people and remember who they are. Also, let people do things for you," said Gomez.

Finally, he encouraged students to manage their personal finances. "I never would have been offered an executive position with Toyota if I didn't have good credit," he said.

--Wendy Frost