HodesHonors Winner

Hector
Production Artist

It has always been said that internal clients are the worst clients. And no one knows this better than Hector. When we say "make it jazzy" (a directive that all creatives hate), he goes the extra mile to make it, well, jazzy. When we send a lava-hot ad back, he just says "ok"--and handles it with his asbestos fingers.

We have annoyed Hector. We have pushed Hector. We have tested Hector. But, despite our trials and taunts, Hector is all about respect. And a shy smile that never seems to leave his face.

Hector has single-handedly assumed responsibility for all production for several years, not only in Houston, but for Dallas as well. He works so dedicatedly and efficiently that we take him for granted. We know this because when he's not here, EVERYONE knows he's not here.

Our style of working can be described as chaotic frenzy. Hector seems to take it all in stride. For example, when the Houston office systems went down due to a tornado a few months ago, Hector, while sitting at his desk with a lantern, calmly said, “I can create the ads manually, if needed, we'll fax from Kinko's, confirm them from our houses, etc.” We didn't have to do that in the end, but it shows his thought process--always thinking about how to get the job done.

When Federal Express delayed an urgent package for a Dallas presentation, he not only professionally dealt with them, he also made arrangements for an AE to pick it up and race it over--just in the nick of time. Mind you, he did all this one hour before the presentation.

It should also be mentioned that when Tropical Storm Allison hit Houston and our power was out once again, Hector loaded up the necessary computer systems and re-set it all up at our manager's house so we could continue working to get our ads out. Every single ad was placed that night. And, when many of our own houses were flooded from that storm, it was our Hector who came over to cut out walls and baseboards. It's true that in times of need, you really know who your friends are. And Hector is a true friend to all of us.

Hector has taken on additional job duties without difficulty or complaint. He is a resource for FedEx package mailing. He helps Glenda, our production manager, with the managing and ordering of art supplies. He frequently provides design and production assistance to the rest of the creative team. A native of Mexico, Hector's also our in-house translation service.

Recently, he helped out our Florida offices while they prepared for Hurricanes Charlie, Francis and Ivan to hit. We watched as he did their ads, talked to newspapers and generally just took charge.

Hector arrives early with such regularity that he has become an institution. He always looks sharp and speaks softly. At the end of the day, Hector checks in with the rest of the creative team, as well as account service, to see if anybody needs any help before he leaves. Knowing that we can count on his assistance right to the last minute is invaluable and appreciated beyond measure.

In short, Hector is deserving of HodesHonors because Hector honors us.

The above entry was submitted unanimously by the Houston Account Service Team.

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