Jose Rosa Roque has no problem taking on a challenge. If anything, he has been conquering difficulties since he was kid.
“When I was seven, my mother and I moved to America from Mexico,” Roque says. “Adapting to a new place where I didn’t speak the language was a tough challenge, but I was determined to conquer it. My unwavering passion for making a positive impact and helping others has always been the driving force in my life.”
Financial challenges and immigration status led Roque to pause his dreams of becoming a registered nurse in order to best support family. In 2012 he became a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, allowing him to adjust his immigration status and move forward with his career. He began his journey as a janitor at Pritchard Industries, not knowing that this decision would be a catalyst for significant job advancements. He then took on the role of maintenance supervisor at Baylor College of Medicine ABM until it led him to his current position as the facilities manager at Hunger Rush.
“Despite the challenges I've faced related to my race, personal appearance, and being part of the LGBTQ+ community, I have fearlessly pursued my dream of helping others and driving positive change,” Roque says. “As a Facility Manager, I provide unwavering motivation to my team and actively foster their career growth by exposing them to diverse facets of Facility Management. Every day, I am resolute in enhancing our team's morale and productivity, ensuring their comfort, and emphasizing our triple bottom line: social, economic and environmental impact.”
Roque was one of eight facility professionals to be named to FacilitiesNet’s third annual Facility Champion award. The Champions play a critical role in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of buildings across the country, all while exhibiting strong leadership and pride within the industry.
“It's such an amazing feeling to be named a Facility Champion,” Roque says. “All the hard work, dedication and commitment have finally paid off. Knowing that my efforts have been recognized and appreciated is indeed a proud and validating moment. This title also comes with a sense of responsibility, motivating me to continue striving for excellence and be a role model for others in the FM industry. Overall, it's a mix of excitement, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
Over the last year, Roque has led the relocation of HungerRush’s headquarters and corporate warehouse. The project required meticulous planning, coordination and communication in order to ensure minimal disruption to operations. By optimizing space and streamlining logistics, he was able to enhance operational efficiency and reduce overhead costs.
The relocation project demonstrated his ability to lead complex projects with efficiency, foresight and focus on employee wellbeing, showcasing his leadership skills and further strengthened the company’s reputation.
“Overseeing real estate management has also been crucial to my career,” Roque says. “This involves not only managing properties but also strategically assessing the best use of space, negotiating leases, and optimizing costs. My focus has been on maximizing the value of real estate assets, whether through space utilization, energy efficiency, or improving the overall work environment. These efforts have contributed to long-term savings and a more productive workplace, driving success for both the organization and my career.”
Roque continues to exemplify pride within the facility management industry. He regularly attends industry conferences, workshops and webinars to hone in on his skills. By staying on top of the latest trends and best practices, Roque has become an advocate for sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
In his career, he hopes to make a positive impact on both the facilities management industry and the planet. By organizing and leading volunteer efforts, Roque continues to strengthen his reputation as a socially responsible facility manager, thus enhancing his company’s reputation.
“Regardless of your race, preference, or immigration background, the Facility Management industry is essential worldwide,” Roque says. “It's a field that constantly evolves with new technologies, regulations, and best practices. As a facilities manager, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the 11 competencies. Instead of being daunted, focus on mastering the fundamentals and view your mistakes as valuable learning experiences. Every facilities manager has a unique approach that works best for them and their organization. Set achievable goals and consistently deliver positive outcomes that bring significant value to the organization.”
The 2024 Facility Champions will be recognized as part of a webcast that will air on November 12 at 11 a.m. ET on FacilitiesNet. Register for the webcast here.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.
