Welcoming the newest addition to our squad: a round of applause for Ian D.!

1.CAN YOU PROVIDE A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON YOURSELF?

I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Grew up there until my last year at elementary school and came to Miami in 2009 at 11 years old. After moving to the US, my biggest fear was moving to a new place and not being able to communicate with other people who barely spoke my language. But later, I realized here in Miami most people speak Spanish so that fear went away. I would always listen to a lot of music both in English and Spanish growing up, so I think that also helped me become fluent in both languages. I have 7 years of work experience. First one in Walgreens: I was part-time Photo/inventory specialist. There I learned about work ethic, customer service, and inventory. Later, I went to Advance Auto Parts as a Retail Salesman and shortly after I got a full-time position as an Inventory specialist for the next 5 years. Then, I was promoted into a Commercial Parts Pro beginning this year.

2.WHAT WAS IT ABOUT ACR4SALE THAT ATTRACTED YOU THE MOST?

I was always curious about the A/C industry but never took a step forward into a new job due to self-doubt. But then I realized how crazy the climate can be here in FL, especially with global warming, so I know this industry is just going to grow even more going forward. So, I thought to myself, why not become part of the industry and this company and grow with it?

3.WAS THERE A PROJECT OR INITIATIVE IN YOUR CAREER THAT STICKS OUT THE MOST?

There is, back in Advance as an Inventory Specialist, we used to do a full inventory count at the end of the year. It was done by the most experienced Inventory Specialists and Store Managers in the area. I participated in the last 5 and last year I was asked to go to another store to participate in an inventory count on behalf of my store manager which couldn’t go at the time. After they saw my work at that other store, the District manager offered me a position as a Commercial Parts Pro. Thanks to my performance and experience in that specific project, I was offered a new and better position in the company.

4.WHAT ARE A COUPLE OF HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF WORK THAT YOU ENJOY?

I love being active and playing sports, but mostly basketball. I enjoy listening to music and occasionally play video games with close friends to stay in contact and socialize. Also, working on cars, from regular maintenance to full modifications. And I love to travel to new places.

5.WHERE DO YOU ENVISION SPENDING YOUR NEXT VACATION?

I just check marked seeing snow for the first time off my list in a recent visit to Vail, Colorado. But I've always wanted to do a trip through the west coast of the US, and visit famous cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles,San Diego, and Seattle.