Interview with Paco Hernández, Logistics Manager

For almost 10 years, Paco Hernandez has been working at Montana Colors as a Logistics Manager. In addition to some peculiarities of his job and his career, Paco also tells us about his curious hobbies that demonstrate his versatile and ingenious personality. An example of how in Montana's staff we can find people as different as surprising.

Could you please explain in a few words what your job consists of?

I manage the Montana Colors Logistics Department at the different plants we own. Distribution and production. I am also in charge of the different warehouses we have around the world.

How did you start working at Montana Colors?

Well, I started more than 9 years ago as part of Montana’s project to professionalize and automate certain areas, including Logistics.

Next year, you will have worked 10 years at Montana Colors … How has your role within the company evolved?

I think that all of us who have been around for some time have grown along with the company; my role has evolved as in most departments by taking on new tasks, getting into the productive part, automation, and process improvement. When I onboarded, the team was made up of 12 people, and we are more than 50 people right now.

What are the most important changes you have seen throughout this time?

Apart from the COVID pandemic, which was something I do not even know how to express in words, I would say that it has been like evolving from youth to adulthood in business terms. Expanding our businesses areas, distribution models, and product ranges has meant that we have had to adapt, learn, and grow in recent years in order to fit in without detriment to our essence or customer service.  It is an ongoing change.

In what way have you yourself evolved? Has Montana contributed anything in this regard?

Of course, I do not conceive of working at a place where I am not happy, where I do not enjoy myself, and which does not help me to grow. Montana fully meets its goals, as it makes you learn on an ongoing basis, but I have also met amazing people, we have shared good and not so good times, but there were times in my life I have been lucky to be able to rely on this circle of friends to move forward.

What are the distinctive features of logistics in a company like Montana? 

There are many. Things seem easy when they just happen and you get to see them from outside. But we have to make those gears work, so that the staff we are lucky enough to manage is happy and satisfied. We have to be efficient. We deliver both to a customer who lives in a village in Galicia and to our branch in the US. For us, service is the first key issue, as we understand that it not only provides you with value as a brand, but also helps the sales team to sell more, but doing so in terms of the right time, manner, and cost is complex.

Which moments have been the most difficult ones for you?

I would point out two. When COVID hit us and everything that it implied, as well as last year, because it was a challenging year due to the huge increase in transport costs and the economic situation in general, which did not help. It was one of those years when you have to work twice as hard to get half the results.

We know you have a very special hobby, what is it?

Well, I have had several since I was a child, and all were related to the performing arts and music. I have written dramas, poetry, and screenplays, I have played in a band, and I have done monologues.

You are also a singer and songwriter, right?

Three years ago, I started to compile songs I already had and to pick up the guitar again. I like composing, it relaxes me, inspires me, and keeps my mind active.

Why did you never try to become a professional in those areas?

Because I really enjoy it as a hobby, without responsibilities, without the financial hassle; I always knew that it would be a hobby and nothing else.

Is it true that your career as a stand-up comedian began alongside Berto Romero?

He is a second cousin (his father and mine were cousins). We were born in Cardona and have shared a flat both there and in Barcelona for years. Humor brings people together, and we were very similar in that regard. At the beginning, when we started our first shows, we did them together, we spent a couple of years at the Grec in Barcelona, etc., until it got to the point where our paths parted ways.

If you had to keep a memorable aspect of your work, what would it be?

I would keep the people, the friends I have made and, fortunately, continue to make at the different places I have been. My best memories are linked to the people who are still part of my present life.

Why have you never had one of your shows at Montana’s parties?

You do not need to endure that ordeal ... To experience me singing karaoke is more than one can bear.