Raul J. Fernandez
What are you passionate about and how do you pursue that passion at PMA?
I’ve always had a passion for developing businesses, complemented with work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. I’m always curious to know how things work, how they can be improved, and how new things can be created.
What current project(s) are you working on?
We are building the PMA operations in Canada from the ground up. Currently, most of my time is spent generating ideas, initiatives, and activities that will improve our business; identifying opportunities and preparing proposals; working on growth in terms of business expansion; forming strategic alliances; and making strategic business decisions.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
The strength that helps me push and keep going comes from my parents. They began their married life with a major car accident, which left them disabled for nearly a year. So, they began their life together heavily in debt. My father was able to start his medical practice as a radiologist interpreting X-rays and preparing reports from his bed, in difficult conditions, since there were no electronic assistive devices back in the ‘50s. They made their way through it all and provided me with a good education as a person and access to a good education as a professional. They taught me the value of perseverance and that you must always push forward regardless of the conditions you find yourself in.
What are the most positive aspects of working at PMA? Or Share your impressions of PMA’s culture.
Although I only started three months ago, I have found that this company cares about the people who work for it and treats them with respect and kindness. I like that PMA is a company that fosters a work environment where people can contribute, innovate, and excel.
What is something innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
Advanced project management tools and solutions.
Project management tools and solutions have always been game changers. Most high-performing projects use project management software to plan, implement, and monitor all aspects of project management. It goes without saying that project management tools greatly help project managers to plan projects and deliver them on time. It also gives team members a single platform for communication and collaboration.
What university or college did you graduate from?
BSc in civil engineering from Universidad del Norte, Colombia, 1988
Master of Engineering – Civil, with a concentration on Structural Design and post graduate courses in construction management, Stevens Institute of Technology, USA, 1991
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I was an Expat for many years until recently when I moved back to Toronto. While living abroad, I loved to walk and spend time in the old wall city of Cartagena, Colombia. Now that I am back in Toronto and especially during this time of the year, I enjoy the Lake Ontario Waterfront with so many people and activities.
Provide a fun fact or secret talent about yourself.
I used to play tennis, racquetball, soccer, and baseball, but after a disc surgery, I slowed down quite a bit. Now I watch those activities on TV.