Area Financial Manager Ivan D. Gonzalez

One day in 1995, I was seeking employment. As I was looking in the classified section, I noticed that a company called Graybar was looking for a Customer Service Representative in the area. I quickly went to the Graybar office and filled out an application, and a few weeks later my career began.

I believe in Graybar and its culture. The culture at Graybar is one of family, respect and loyalty to its employees. The company constantly looks for ways to improve opportunities for employees. Their continued support of promotion from within has been, and continues to be, one of its greatest attributes. It is a company that not only empowers its employees, but also places them in positions of strength. Over the years, Graybar has made it a point to create opportunities for success of its most important asset, its people. Graybar gives me the opportunity to interact with so many different aspects of the business world. With over 6,900 employees, this alone allows me to connect with an array of people from all walks of life.

Being the Area Financial Manager is a highly rewarding career. I like the fact that my position allows me to positively impact, based on my daily decisions, many of our valued customers by helping them with credit decisions. I know the company is counting on me to not only make decisions in a positive manner that will affect today's market, but to also have the vision to know how it will impact our company in the future.

Graybar has provided me with a significant opportunity through our Tuition Reimbursement program. When I first started at Graybar, I was less than a year into my studies. I was eager to get back to school. Upon eligibility for the program, I took full advantage and earned my bachelor’s degree from Florida International University. I will always be grateful and indebted to Graybar for this great opportunity. Currently, I am enrolled in the Supply Chain Management program sponsored through Rutgers University. This MBA-style program has allowed me to participate in an aggressive program that will further enhance my value to the company. I hope to continue growing not only as a manager of Graybar, but also as a person. Both are intertwined, as you cannot be an effective leader if you are not an effective human being.