Meet: Juan Pazmino

Reported and written by: Shirley Reyes

Juan Pazmino is a young on-the rise businessman, and is a fairly new Latino resident here on Staten Island. Married to his high school sweetheart Denise for the past seven years, Juan and Denise have two children (Joshua and Emily). Born Juan Carlos Pazmino he grew up in the New York City area, however his parents originated from Ecuador. He attended Brooklyn Tech High School and is currently in the process of obtaining his college degree. Additionally, 28-year-old Juan is currently a Senior Manager for a leading global organization, and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. As one of few young Latinos in such a role in a corporate setting, Juan shares with us his experience both professionally and here in Staten Island.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What do you do for a living? Juan Pazmino: I am a Senior Account Manager for the leading global provider of customized Corporate Information Solutions for some of the worlds leading organizations. As a Senior Account Manager, some of my responsibilities include managing the customer relationship across multiple accounts, site financials, and site personnel. StatenIslandLatino.com™: What do you feel has been the key to your success thus far? Juan Pazmino: The ability to adapt to change. The one certain thing in this Industry, is that tomorrow will hold something new, and how you respond to it can make or break you. In addition, always looking for new things to learn and not being afraid to work. I am always looking to take on new responsibilities at work, in order to be prepared to take on the next step in the career ladder. I also participate in activities outside of work that will help in my development; these activities include attending college full time, membership in groups related to my industry, and being on the Board of Directors for a non-profit agency.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How does education play a role in your success?

Juan Pazmino: With only having obtained a High School diploma from Brooklyn Tech, it has not played much of a role in my success. However, at this time, I personally feel that I have reached a ceiling in my career path as a result of not having obtained a degree from an accredited college/university. As a result, I made a decision over a year ago to attend college once again. I am presently attending Borough of Manhattan Community College and am four credits away from an Associates Degree in Business Management. In addition, I plan on attending the College of Staten Island for the Spring 2008 semester, and will pursue my bachelor’s degree in Business Management and hope to also attend graduate school there as well.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Do you believe that education is important not only for the Latino community, but everyone in general?

Juan Pazmino: Absolutely! It is a very competitive out in the real world. Having an education makes an individual, especially a Latino, that much more marketable. Studies have consistently shown the more you learn, the more you earn! Although money doesn’t always motivate everyone or equal to employment satisfaction, and can help with one’s quality of life.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How long have you been living on Staten Island?

Juan Pazmino: A little over a year. I moved in March, 2006.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Why do you choose to live here?

Juan Pazmino: Quality of life for my family. I grew up in a small apartment in Queens, NY. I wanted my kids to have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood, have some of the luxuries I didn’t have. Some of these luxuries include their own bedrooms, a back yard, a pool, etc. I absolutely love where I live today, its nice, quiet and perfect for my family. I feel that they are safer today, and don’t have to experience the type of child hood I had.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: When you think about Staten Island what comes to mind?

Juan Pazmino: To be honest, at first, it was that it was a garbage dump. Having been raised in Queens, I never had a reason to go to Staten Island. When I started looking to purchase our first home, a friend from work suggested that I look into Staten Island, and I did. It was completely different from what I expected. As a result, I would up purchasing a home 5 minutes away from him.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: As a rising businessman do you feel any conflict with maintaining your identity as a Latino and still being able to climb the corporate ladder?

Juan Pazmino: I don’t feel any conflict with maintaining my identity as a Latino, and being able to climb the corporate ladder. My mom and family would never let me forget my heritage. As well, my wife and I try to teach our kids of their background as much as we can. With regards to climbing the corporate ladder, I try to have my work ethic and experience speak for me. I make every effort to position myself in a way that it would be impossible for an employer to pass me up. In the past, if I have interviewed for a position, and not obtained it on the first attempt, I have asked what I was missing, and made sure I was prepared for the second attempt.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Has living on Staten Island contributed to that experience?

Juan Pazmino: Not as of yet, I haven’t lived in Staten Island long enough.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Do you think that the Latino residents of Staten Island face identity issues living here?

Juan Pazmino: I currently live in an area where I am one a small group of minority families; however, everyone in the neighborhood has been really friendly, especially to my kids. I haven’t had to face identity issues living here as of yet.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How accepted do you think Latinos are in the business world?

Juan Pazmino: There is still a lack of minorities at the top levels of the company. Over the last 10 years I have seen an improvement in the numbers of minorities progressing within the companies I have worked for – however it is still not where it should be. As our numbers continue to increase, I think Latinos will continue to be accepted more in the business world, and we have to continue to show what we can do.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What does living in Staten Island as a Latino mean to you?

Juan Pazmino: Nothing as of today.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Would you like to see more Latino-based events here on Staten Island? If so, what kind?

Juan Pazmino: Oh yeah!! More festivals from different Latin countries would be great. I love to take my families to these types of events and try the different foods!!! My kids would benefit by learning about the different countries.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What if anything would you like to see more of the Latino community in Staten Island doing?

Juan Pazmino: More Latin restaurants!! Just kidding! I think that centers for Latinos would be helpful, especially ones that play a critical role in helping immigrant families, neighborhood children, senior citizens and others.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: In general what do you think are some of the problems facing Latinos today?

Juan Pazmino: We don’t know what we don’t know. There are plenty of opportunities and resources available for us; yet, sometimes we pass them up due to lack of information or communication.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How hard is it to maintain a balance between a high in demand job, family, and personal time?

Juan Pazmino: EXTREMELY HARD!! Work, love and play are hard to balance. Unfortunately, at times, something has to give. During the week I commit myself to all of my work and school, and at times can go days without spending quality time with my kids and wife. However, during the weekends, this is my personal time with my family, and I look forward to being with them.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What inspires/drives/motivates you to get up and do it everyday?

Juan Pazmino: My kids and the desire to give them everything. I want them to have a care free childhood, and have the best opportunity for an education in order for them to have successful and rewarding lives. I had to begin working at the age of 12 in a factory, along with going to school, and don’t ever want my kids to have to experience that type of hardship.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What are some of the things you have been working on?

Juan Pazmino: My education and work experience have been my primary focus for now.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What are you working on now?

Juan Pazmino: In the next 12 months, with the help of a few long time friends, we are planning on establishing a small corporation and begin to explore our opportunities in real estate.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?

Juan Pazmino: Purchasing my first home, this had been my goal since I was a kid.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What do you hope to be your greatest accomplishment?

Juan Pazmino: Obtaining my Masters of Science in Business Management.