Erica Cervantes

After spending over 15 years in telecom as an Internet of Things consultant, I made a significant career pivot when my father-in-law, who was the head of our family lumber business, passed away. I stepped into the CEO role, taking on the challenge of running a company in an industry I knew nothing about. My typical day now involves understanding what's happening in the lumber industry, managing supply chain and imports, overseeing every mode of transportation, and understanding our manufacturing customers so we can tailor our solutions to their needs. I also handle HR and data analysis, among many other responsibilities. My most notable professional achievement so far has been keeping the company afloat while learning this entirely new industry from zero knowledge. I hold a bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Pepperdine University, which have helped me navigate this transition. The company is WBE certified as a woman-owned business and NMSDC certified as a minority business.