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Technology Alumni Spotlight: Ricardo Rojas, ‘19
By

mjones4 [at] Central.UH.EDU (Marilyn Jones)  (713) 743-5630

Ricardo Rojas

In the midst of COVID-19 there are many University of Houston alumni who are working as essential employees, contributing significantly our wellbeing. Ricardo Rojas is one of them.

Ricardo Rojas (’19) is a University of Houston graduate who earned a B.S. degree in Supply Chain and Logistics Technology and a minor in purchasing. He joined A&C Plastics in Houston as a supply chain intern in August 2019, working alongside the director on various technology improvement projects. The company hired him as a full-time employee upon graduation in December 2019.

Rojas set aside the time to share his experience.

College of Technology:  What is your current role at A&C Plastics?

Rojas:  When I graduated in December 2019, I was offered a position as a supply chain analyst and project manager. Now, I lead the enterprise resource planning software (ERP) implementation project for A&C Plastics. In addition, I am responsible for purchasing material from our numerous vendors in order to keep up with the current demand for plastic.

College of Technology: How is your company involved with responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Rojas:  A&C has the unique ability to provide material quickly to fabricators who have been installing protective equipment in stores and for the production of personal protective equipment (PPE). As the current supply is in high demand, we have warehouses that are stocked with material and allow us to respond quickly.   Currently, we are able to distribute a variety of face shields to help protect the front line essential employees. In fact, for every 200 face shields sold, our company will be donating 20 to local hospitals, fire departments, and law enforcement officers.

College of Technology:  How are you responding to the needs of your customers?

Rojas:  Typically, we do not carry face shields since they are fabricated products. However, due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are making sure that they are available to everyone impacted by the PPE shortage.

College of Technology:  Tell us about your team at A&C. How you are supporting each other?

Rojas:  Our office thrives on a flexible and innovative work environment. All employees who are able to complete their work from home have been abiding by the Stay At Home order. We have been following all CDC guidelines for employees who are on the front line, like our warehouse and delivery employees. We have been maintaining a routine and remaining positive as much as possible. Plastic is an important material that must be used and produced efficiently, more than ever. A&C Plastics is working toward helping to save as many lives as possible and slowing the spread of COVID-19.

College of Technology:  How has your work changed?

Rojas:  Although I am handling the situation well now, I did struggle with adjusting to working remotely because I’m always walking around the warehouse. It has taken some effort to learn how I can do my job effectively without using paper and physical interaction with the warehouse managers.

College of Technology:  How have your education and experiences at the University of Houston influenced your ability to rise to the challenges?

Rojas:  I learned a lot through my coursework in the College of Technology. In the supply chain courses we learned about the numerous ERP systems, inventory methods, warehouse procedures, and purchasing methods, giving me the ability to work in this current situation effectively. Management information systems and other classes at UH helped me to become proficient in analyzing data. Before my internship and employment at A&C Plastics, I gained work experience at Chevron, TAS Energy, and Petro IT. Until a few months ago, I was making purchases for our company every other week. With the current demand, the purchasing must be done every day. Learning all that goes in the process of procurement prepared me for my current role. Because of the education at UH, I am able to respond to the challenges that we are facing.