About the company

Networkcar is a leading provider of services for remotely monitoring the performance and location of commercial fleet vehicles.

Networkcar’s system, Networkfleet, combines patented remote vehicle diagnostic systems with GPS-based location technology to help fleet managers reduce operating costs and improve driver productivity. Networkfleet provides detailed GPS tracking, exact speed, fuel efficiency/MPG, emissions monitoring and trouble code data to improve overall fleet operations.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

Leading the engineering and manufacturing teams for Networkcar, business philosophy.

Most notable milestones

In 1999, I entered the original concept for Networkcar in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 50K Entrepreneurship Competition. It was awarded as a semi-finalist. Networkcar’s first product was a wireless vehicle management system that monitored engine diagnostic information. It was subsequently enhanced to monitor both GPS location and diagnostic information.

Networkcar has received several recognitions for its innovation. These include a 2006 American Business Award for Most Innovative Company, a 2006 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award for Wireless Emissions Monitoring, and a 2005 Telematics Update Magazine Award for Best Commercial Vehicle Solution.

What’s the niche?

Networkcar’s services are used by commercial fleets in government, utilities and service industries to monitor their vehicles and keep them running and productive.

What’s the biggest challenge?

Managing explosive growth while maintaining focus on the customer and high profitability.

What’s in store for the future?

In the future, Networkcar will be shaping the evolution of after-market telematics and fleet management, through leading edge wireless technology.

Best way to keep a competitive edge

Recognize that your business strategy must be continually evolving.

Guiding principle in life

Stay humble. This helps you recognize your weakness and the strengths of those around you.

Yardstick of success

I will only feel “successful” when I can spend the majority of my time helping other Mexican-American kids become “successful” engineers.

Goal yet to be achieved

Drive a land vehicle over 200 mph.

Best practical advice

God first, family second, work third.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

Former boss (at GM) and friend (Kathy Lutgen) said something like: “With your talent and work ethic, there is nothing beyond your reach professionally.”

Mentors?

Antonio Lara, my high school physics and chemistry professor. He opened my eyes to the world.

Kathy Lutgen, the first boss I ever had that expected more of me than I did of myself.

Mike Neuhalfen, my boss at Delphi. He was the first person I ever met that truly exemplified a “relentless pursuit of perfection in engineering.”

Vince Wenos, who taught me that even in business “nice guys finish first.”

What motivated you to get started?

The drive to deliver on the personal potential that others have helped me identify and develop.

Like best about what you do?

Helping young engineers become better engineers.

Like least about what you do?

Paperwork for “corporate America.”

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Truck Driver

What was your first job?

Migrant farm work, picking onions in NM.

Biggest pastime outside of work

Exercise: cycling, etc.

Person most interested in meeting?

Jules Verne: he was a visionary who could see technology 100 years into the future.

Leader in business most interested in meeting?

Steve Jobs: he has an innate knack for finding those things that we “didn’t even know we needed” (like PC’s and iPods).

Three interesting facts about yourself

1. My mother taught me how to read (Spanish) before I got into kindergarten.
2. I could disassemble and re-assemble a carburetor by the time I was 13.
3. I have never “golfed” in my life.

Three characteristics that describe you

1. I am insecure about my “people skills” (I am always working on them).
2. I (subconsciously) trust “everyone” until they prove they cannot be trusted.
3. I hate “office politics.”

Three greatest passions

1. My wife Leticia
2. Fast (very fast) cars
3. Optics.

Favorite book

“Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger and “The Martian Chronicles” by Ray Bradbury

Favorite cause

NWF (National Wildlife Foundation)