This year, we have the honor of celebrating 25 years of Mr. Jose Hernandez working with the Ezequiel Reyna Law Office. What began as a mentorship between Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Reyna quickly grew into a friendship. Since then, the two have worked together for over two and a half decades. Today we share the wonderful things Mr. Reyna had to say about Mr. Hernandez in a recent interview, highlighting the deep respect that has evolved through their working relationship and the incredible work Mr. Hernandez has done as our Management Accountant.
Mr. Reyna first met Mr. Hernandez in 1972 as a freshman at Pan American University while studying accounting and business. Mr. Hernandez worked as an Accountant Comptroller at a mental health clinic in Hidalgo County, and Mr. Reyna applied for a work-study program at the clinic. Mr. Reyna was 18 years old when Mr. Hernandez hired him, and he worked under him in accounting for about three years before moving to a different department at the clinic.
“While I was there with Mr. Hernandez, it was a beautiful experience because he provided me with an invaluable education on accounting, which I use for all of our businesses. I can’t say enough about how much I learned from him. He was a great mentor, professionally and personally.”
After Mr. Reyna completed his undergraduate degree from Pan American University, he attended law school at the University of Houston. Soon after, he started his law practice and implemented the fundamental business lessons and the foundation of a strong work ethic Mr. Hernandez taught him.
There was a gap in time that Mr. Reyna had spoken to Mr. Hernandez, but he always remembered him. In 1995, Mr. Hernandez sought Mr. Reyna out for legal advice. It was during this session that they entered into a new phase. Mr. Reyna asked if Mr. Hernandez would take over the accounting at the law office, and Mr. Hernandez agreed.
Mr. Reyna knew he wanted Mr. Hernandez on his team, claiming he is “the most loyal person I’ve ever met, the most honest person I’ve ever known, and is very competent at his work and his duties.” On any given day, Mr. Hernandez can present accounting numbers to Mr. Reyna with 100% accuracy, often before Mr. Reyna even asks.
“It’s essential to have somebody like Mr. Hernandez working with us because as a lawyer, entrepreneur, and businessman, I am always trying to stay ahead of the curve; you have to. I’ve come to find out that he’s been studying me all these years, and he always can project what I will be needing. He is always prepared, one step ahead, and is ready to deliver the appropriate reports.
Mr. Reyna appreciates that he can wholeheartedly trust that the firm’s accounting is in good hands. Mr. Hernandez has eased the stress of the financial side of running a business, and this is just one of the many reasons he is an invaluable asset to the firm.
“Joe has played an integral part here. I have never had to take a second look at our accounting department or second guess him.”
Personally speaking, Mr. Reyna says he respects the fact that Mr. Hernandez is so firm in his convictions — spiritually and professionally. He says Mr. Hernandez’s dedication is evident in everything he does, from his role at the law firm to his role as a father and husband.
“It’s good to see somebody like him every day to reassure us that we’re on the right track in life. He’s done that. He and his wife have been a cornerstone in my life.”
On behalf of the Ezequiel Reyna Law Office, the Reyna family, and all the staff, we salute Mr. Jose Hernandez. We appreciate the hard work he has put in every day for the past 25 years and look forward to continued success. Cheers to 25 years with Mr. Jose Hernandez!
