Isaac Sandoval: My Surprising HR Journey  

Contributed by Isaac Sandoval, HR Manager MX, 11 years, 4 months 

An Unexpected Career Path 

My journey to a career in human resources began after graduating from law school. My first job was in collections for a large mortgage company. I spent my days calling customers about late payments. The entire workday involved arguing with customers. The company’s culture was marked by a lot of yelling and poor treatment of customers. The experience helped me understand the importance of a company’s culture.

A Call from a Friend 

After moving on from the mortgage company, I sold medical products, which I enjoyed, until a call from my best friend from college changed everything. When I told him what I was doing, he said, “Are you crazy? You studied law, and now you’re selling medical products?” His father needed someone he could trust with a law background to run HR at a crane and crane parts manufacturing plant in Reynosa, across the border from McAllen, Texas.

I had no idea what human resources involved, but I took the job. I made many mistakes, but my boss was very patient. His mentoring made all the difference in helping me learn on the job. Soon after, I joined a large Chinese manufacturer that was building its HR function at a facility in Reynosa where my education in human resources continued. I learned about ramping up an organization; hiring everyone from drivers to plant managers; creating HR and legal policies and structures; building labor relations; and creating an efficient culture, which the company emphasized.

Why I Chose R.S. Hughes 

One day, Janet Sall, VP of HR at R.S. Hughes at the time, called me about a job. What followed was a nearly three-month interview process. I met her team, connected with then Regional Sales Manager Marte De Alejandro in McAllen and eventually flew to Sunnyvale to meet Janet and R.S. Hughes President Pete Biocini in-person.

That is when I thought, “This is a great opportunity.” I had always managed large, single manufacturing sites. R.S. Hughes offered something new–I would oversee multiple locations in distribution instead of one site. It meant growth and learning a different industry.

More importantly, it was the culture that drew me in. Throughout the interviews, I felt trust and warmth. Everyone I met was professional, approachable and focused on helping the organization succeed. A manufacturing culture can feel isolated and heavily numbers-driven. At R.S. Hughes, I sensed partnership and genuine care for people. They told me that if I wanted the job, I would need to move to Monterrey. I had attended college in that city and my brother lived there, so the timing was right personally and professionally. They trusted me and that trust mattered.  I said yes and started in November 2014. Eleven years later, after more than 20 years in HR, I can say choosing R.S. Hughes was a monumental step in my life. 

Advice for Applicants and Employees 

The key to succeeding at R.S. Hughes is curiosity, a hunger for learning and a willingness to go beyond your job description. Growth happens when you stretch yourself and think beyond your current role. If you are a customer service representative who wants to become a manager, start thinking like a manager from day one. Understand the why behind decisions and look for opportunities to take on more responsibility. That ownership mindset helped me throughout my career. It keeps you one step ahead and prepares you for bigger opportunities, whether they happen here or somewhere else. 

At the same time, the company works hard to create an environment where people feel comfortable growing by providing the right tools, openness and clarity. I partner with R.S. Hughes Mexico’s leaders to ensure alignment with General Manager Alan Belinky’s vision and culture.  

As an HR manager, I want people to be proud to work here, feel supported by their manager, grow professionally and maintain a balance between work and personal life.