Meet the GFC Team

Linda Gomez-WhitenerBack

President

The day after Linda finished high school, she got on the bus and went to her first job at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where her weekly salary was $67.40. Planning to work there for a year to make enough money for nursing school, she ended up staying for 30 years. And at the same time she raised three sons, put her husband through college and eventually started Gomez Floor Covering.

Commitment, hard work and a great sense of humor got her where she is today-president of a prosperous and growing commercial flooring and furniture company where three generations of her family and extended family play key roles in its success.

Linda is also deeply involved in community service where she helps others the way she had wished for someone to help her when she started her business. As a past president of the Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio, Inc. and currently a parliamentarian, Linda helps minority contractors with training and accreditation support. She also belongs to Altrusa International where she helps raise money for scholarships in her community and support literacy and HIV/AIDS initiatives around the world.

Linda parents struggled to pay for her parochial school education. So, having lived through tough times as a child and as a young mother, Linda knows about getting value for her money and is just as conscientious with her customers' resources. "I always want to be sure my customers aren't paying more than they have to. If we can recommend a product that is just as good but at a better price, we are happy to pass on the savings."

That kind of transparency, generosity and integrity come as no surprise to anyone who knows Linda-especially to her sons. Her eldest son, Brian, says, "The older I get the more I find out that my mom's an exceptional woman."

And she makes the BEST devilled eggs.



 

Steve Whitener Back

Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer of GFC, Inc., Steve Whitener is driven by performance and has invested a lot to ensure it - a feature you're more likely to find in a big corporation not a family-run, minority-owned commercial flooring and furniture business. When he hears customers tell him, "I can't believe the references you have!" Steve knows his investment is paying off.

With his dedication to outstanding customer service, a reputation for never-ever-cutting corners and an emphasis on accountability at every stage of the process, Steve has hand-picked his team to find people who share his work ethic. And he has been sharply focused on building a workplace that motivates his staff to treat customers with respect.

"Over the last five years, I've tried to create an energetic work environment that allows people to be successful. By providing the tools-like computers and vehicles, health insurance, a retirement plan, excellent compensation, I've built a team of people who deserve these things and will reflect that back to the customer," Steve says.

Steve served for 12 years at Randolph Air Force Base where he received a number of awards, including a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in 1978. He completed a Bachelor of Business Administration at University of Texas at San Antonio while he was working and raising a family.

Clearly, his drive to build a business and a legacy for his family is unmistakable. As a man who leads by example, Steve demonstrates diligence, integrity and determination at work, at home, and on the golf course..

Brian Whitener Back

Operations Manager

During summer vacations before he could drive, Brian and his younger brother, Kevin, would get dropped off early in the morning to spend the day ripping out flooring at job sites that never had air conditioning. That's how they learned the business - from the ground up - literally and figuratively. Those stifling hot San Antonio summers would set the tone for the kind of work and workmanship they learned to appreciate as their parents' small flooring company eventually became GFC, Inc.

Now, as Operations Manager, Brian considers himself a Jack-of-All-Trades. "I like the helping-out part the best."That spirit of teamwork is reflected throughout the company where everyone pitches in. "It's all about customer relations. We will all go above and beyond to get the job done."

As Brian's role continues to involve more responsibility for the company's success, he acknowledges his parents set the bar very high with their unbelievable work ethic and determination. "Their drive is amazing," he says.

Bob GomezBack

Business Development/Safety & Quality Assurance
After 42 years providing infrastructure support and supervision at Randolph Air Force Base, Bob Gomez understands quality. “My pride and joy is a job well done,” he says.

A self-professed neat freak, Bob works closely with GFC, Inc. technicians who are just as committed as he is to the great workmanship and attention to detail the company is so well known for. “There are no short cuts here,” he says.

 

Bob also spearheads the company’s safety initiatives and conducts regular safety audits throughout the company.

Jimmie TreffBack

General Construction

"You have to pay attention to the job and take care of the customer. "That's how Jimmie describes his approach to his work at GFC, Inc. And Jimmie's years of building experience ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Before officially joining GFC, Inc. in 2007, Jimmie laid tile as a sub-contractor to Gomez after running his own company for several years. Since he already knew everyone and liked working for them as a sub, he was glad for the opportunity to come on board full-time. "They take care of you here. They're family oriented and always willing to help out with anything you need," he says.

On the road and out of the office most days, Jimmie fits in perfectly with the positive, high-energy atmosphere at Gomez. "The best part of my job is not having to be in an office every day. I'm always on the go," he says.

While Jimmie is focused on the growing General Construction business at Gomez, he's not afraid to get his hands dirty on whatever projects need his help. From remodeling the show room to delivering furniture, Jimmie is up for it.

Jim WalkerBack

Project Manager/Marketing

Since Jim started with GFC, Inc. in 1996 he has enjoyed his relationships with his longstanding customers but never takes them for granted.

"I have made some good friends - some of them for quite a long time. But it's still work because you're only as good as your last install. You have to keep delivering."

Jim has a degree in Business Administration and has focused on sales since he graduated from college. He attributes his success to making things easy for his customers - doing whatever it takes to turn things around quickly and get the job done.

ReDonna MendezBack

Furniture and Flooring Specialist
Licensed Interior Designer
 

With GFC, Inc. since 2005, ReDonna is responsible for many of the company's high-profile projects, like the Center for the Intrepid - a therapy center for wounded soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas and Building 399 at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas.

 

A licensed interior designer who specializes in furniture and flooring, ReDonna is devoted to the entire life cycle of her clients’ projects. “From design conception to remodeling to flooring and furniture install to warranties—I manage it all,” says ReDonna.
 

ReDonna graduated cum laude from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Design and Consumer Economics. Before joining GFC Inc., ReDonna held a number of high-level positions in furniture, flooring, design and installation companies.

ReDonna's extensive experience in sales, marketing and management blend beautifully with her strong design sense and attention to detail. "I'm detail-oriented. My clients are detail-oriented. It's a good fit."

Darinda Dear-GunnellsBack

Furniture and Flooring Specialist

Having previously worked for a Fortune 500 flooring corporation, Darinda admits that she prefers a small business environment. "The best part of working for this family-run company is feeling like you're part of the family," she says.

As a flooring and furniture specialist with extensive sales experience, Darinda is most proud of GFC, Inc.'s great quality work and strong continuity of service. "Customers will work with the same person from beginning to end - from the design to the warranties. And that means we're always accountable."

While Darinda considers the project's design phase "the fun part", she's focused on listening to her customer's needs and exceeding their expectations throughout the process.

Vicki MayorgaBack

Flooring and Furniture Specialist (South Texas)

Vicki joined GFC, Inc. in 2005 with a unique perspective-she used to be a customer. "I've seen both sides. As a vendor GFC, Inc. was very good. They always did what they said they would do. And they did whatever they had to do to get the job done."

Now, as a flooring and furniture specialist who serves the South Texas region, Vicki admits she lives by Steve Whitener's business philosophy, "We're not here to earn your business for this job. We're here to earn a life-time of business."

Before she started with GFC, Inc. Vicki held a number of sales positions with large corporations and, like many of her colleagues, she prefers working for a small company. "Here, you're not just a number. You're more like a family member. There are many more advantages."

David CloudBack

Joining Gomez at the beginning of their busiest season ever might be overwhelming, but David is taking it one step at a time and getting great exposure to every facet of the organization. "It's a little chaotic for me right now—there's so much to learn-but the more I know the better I can serve the customer," he says.

After spending a day with project veteran Bette Smith as she makes her rounds of job sites at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, and just weeks after he started with Gomez, David is inspired by Bette's attitude and attention to detail.

"Here she is managing projects at 80 years old. If she can do it, I can do it." He also shares Bette's philosophy about customer service and accountability. "No one's perfect and mistakes can happen but if you're going to serve customers you have to be there-to fix problems, to go back and check to make sure everything's perfect and the customer is happy. That's the ultimate goal."

David brings a vast amount of technical, sales and operations experience to his new career with Gomez. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology and Information Management from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa and spent three years as an avionics technician in the United States Air Force in Merced, California where he received several medals and awards for his service.

Luis GarciaBack

Estimator

After nearly five years with Gomez, Luis finally agreed to take some time off and go on vacation with his wife and three young children. The fact that his cell phone battery died after the first two hours of his holiday shows how hard it is for Luis for stop working even when he's off the clock.

Luis' military experience might be one reason why he takes his job so seriously. With four years of active Navy service-including launching Tomahawk missiles from the USS Chancellorsville during the first Gulf War - and four years in the reserves, Luis has a tremendous sense of responsibility toward his work.

"There are no excuses in the Navy. There are no sick days when you're on a battleship out in the middle of nowhere. If you showed up late to work, the ship would leave without you. Now, with Gomez, if I have an appointment, I'm going to be there when I said I will be there. If I have a deadline, I'll stay late until it's done," Luis says.

After he left the navy in 1992, Luis gained extensive experience in flooring installation and estimating that serves him well in his role with GFC, Inc. Having previously worked for both large and small companies, what Luis loves the most now is the autonomy he enjoys with GFC, Inc. "They give you everything you need and it's up to you to take the initiative. You get lots of independence and great support."

Luis, who also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary's University, is looking forward to celebrating his best year ever with Gomez.

Robert NocitoBack

Payroll/Human Resources

Even though Robert doesn't spend time on job sites or calling on customers, he has no problem articulating why GFC, Inc. is so successful.

"There is an incredible pool of talent here. The people I deal with every day are quality individuals who are excellent at what they do. I see first-hand what the contracting, design and installation professionals can do because our entire office is a show room!"

Robert is a recent graduate of The University of the Incarnate Word with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Psychology of Organizational Behavior. He previously spent more than 20 years in human services working with disadvantaged children, youth and seniors.

Gene Hartley Back

Controller

A quick glimpse at Gene's background and you can bet not much gets past him: he's not only a seasoned CPA, he's also a licensed private investigator.

Gene is one of the newest additions to GFC, Inc. The Gomez team and work environment have already made a strong impression on him. "They're all very good people. I've worked all over the world and this is one of the best work environments I've ever been in. It's like a breath of fresh air," he says.

In addition to working as a PI and business owner and consultant, Gene spent three years in Iraq as an accountant and government compliance auditor for KBR carrying out a variety of assignments from investigating the propriety of vendor invoices to uncovering evidence of human trafficking.

Gene's extensive experience with large government contracts as well as the relationships he built during his time in Iraq will be a huge benefit for the growing Gomez enterprise.

Gene also has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from University of Texas at El Paso.

Mary Jean GarciaBack

Accounts Payable

Mary Jean retired from her position as district book-keeper for an adult probation service in a small town in Texas before joining GFC, Inc. in 2008. She brings her extensive experience in a very structured government institution to a small, family-owned company where she is helping to develop new accounting systems to meet GFC, Inc.'s growing needs.

Although she's fairly new to GFC, Inc., she was impressed early on by the spirit of teamwork and responsiveness throughout the company. "Wheever someone needs something, everyone pitches in. The project managers are busy so we all make sure they get what they need quickly."

Pat VillanuevaBack

Accounts Receivable

Pat is one of the newest additions to the GFC, Inc. team with more than 20 years of accounting experience, largely in the construction industry.

Pat enjoys the daily challenge of her job. "I enjoy the process. I like the feeling that I've accomplished something at the end of the day," Pat says. She describes the atmosphere as easy-going and loves the autonomy afforded to her. "The thing I like most is that you know what you have to do and you're able to do it."

Randy WhitenerBack

Project Contract Administration

Having begun his flooring education from the bottom up demolishing old flooring, Randy is now learning the business from the inside out. He processes contracts for the entire company and is developing a better understanding of how customers, the products and the company are related.

As the youngest son of Linda Gomez Whitener and Steve Whitener, Randy, who has been described as "the most polite young man you will ever meet" already demonstrates the same kind of excellent customer service GFC, Inc. is known for.

"I'm working hard to make everyone happy. I have a stake in this-my family name is on the door," Randy says.

Randy graduated from Texas A&M University in 2008 with a major in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. His commitment to teamwork, leadership and the environment position him well to assume greater responsibility within GFC, Inc.

Betty PilgrimBack

Accounting/Reception

Betty, or "Miss Betty" as she is often called, describes GFC, Inc. as a fun place to work. "It's busy-it's never boring. It's challenging but I can keep my cool. And these are such sweet people to work with."

Betty wears a lot of hats-juggling reception, placing orders, and helping out wherever she's needed. With her long record of employment in the insurance business Betty knows a lot about customer service and demonstrates it every day with both internal and external customers. "Everybody is very nice, very patient. They all seem to like me, and I have seniority over all of them!"

Jeff CarterBack

Branch Manager

When Jeff left a long career in the grocery business in 1998 to open the Dallas office of what was then Gomez Flooring Inc., he left behind a large team and had to rebuild one here from scratch.

"My goal was to put together a team of people I could rely on and didn't have to hold their hand," Jeff says. Trying to find the right balance of those who came from a structured, corporate environment and those who were more "free-wheelin'" was a challenge. "I tried to find out what they did best and let them do it."

Now, 10 years later, the team at the Dallas office is meeting its ambitious sales goals AND having fun. Part boss, part father figure, part best buddy, Jeff is taking good care of his entire team, including his in-house installers-a unique feature in the industry and essential to GFC, Inc's success. "I always try to take care of our in-house installers. I'll do whatever I can do to help them even when we're not in our busy season."

And this kind of dedication is paying off as the Dallas office heads into its busiest season ever.

Kevin WhitenerBack

Project Manager, LEED AP NC

"I make friends for a living," is how Kevin describes the best part of his job as project manager at the busy Dallas office. Since 90% of GFC, Inc.'s business comes from repeat customers, it's easy to see why everyone is so focused on meeting and exceeding their expectations.

"We are an extremely service-oriented organization. We go to great lengths to maintain relationships with our customers. It's easy to make people satisfied: just do what you say you are going to do and the rest works itself out," Kevin says.

Like his older brother, Brian, and younger brother, Randy, Kevin learned the business from the ground up-ripping out and later installing new flooring during summer vacations. Kevin also has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A & M University with a double major in Management and Marketing so he is well positioned to assume greater responsibility within the company.

Kevin is also keen to ensure GFC, Inc. demonstrates leadership with its clients' sustainable building and design initiatives. He is a LEED accredited professional and his involvement can contribute towards LEED certification for his customers' projects.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

Marco MagdalenoBack

"When he started with GFC, Inc. the only thing Marco knew about flooring was that he walked on it," his boss, Jeff Carter, says of him. Today, Marco is thriving in the role he describes as a "relationship builder."

In the medical industry for 11 years, Marco spent four years as a medic and it's easy to see how he brings that experience forward. "As a medic, my patients were my customers. They got one-on-one attention and service right then and there-with a very small margin for error."

Marco is the consummate people-person: "People energize me," he says, energetically. And he's proud of how he can help GFC, Inc. distinguish itself from the competition-with accountability and integrity. "The biggest thing that sets us apart-it's me. When my client calls, I will be there."

Marco has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northwood University and had a long career in sales management before he joined GFC, Inc. in 2006.

Bette SmithBack

"Mom, I need you." That's how Bette first got involved in the family flooring business many years ago when her son, GFC, Inc. CFO Steve Whitener, asked her to supervise projects throughout the state of Texas.

Today, at 80 (you'd never know it), Bette is still going strong and keeping a close eye on job sites to make sure no detail is overlooked. "I make sure everything-every little thing-is done right," she says.

Her specialty is moving furniture and is proud of GFC, Inc.'s unique system that allows workers to move around efficiently and then replace every piece of furniture exactly where it belongs.

Bette attributes her success as a project manager to a good relationship with the in-house installers whom she describes as the nicest, most polite installers in the business. "They work hard-it's not easy work being on your knees all day long, making us look good. The thing I get rewarded for is when they have a problem, they come tell me. And you’ve got to work for that. It doesn't come easy."

Jerry BurrowsBack

Account Manager

As he prepared to leave a long career in senior management, Jerry gave his customers three reasons why he was joining GFC, Inc.

"First, they have the financial wherewithal-the purchasing power-that other contractors don't have. That's certainly underrated in today's economy. And it also means I won't ever have to ask another customer for a down payment.

Second, they're big enough and strong enough to support in-house crews and on-site, experienced management so their quality control is excellent.

Third, carpet manufacturers all want their business. Reps are in here all the time and they come here first with the latest products. That's the kind of attention Gomez gets. And they get breaks on price and breaks on delivery."

Even though he's new to Gomez and still recovering from recent hip replacement surgery, Jerry is keen to take on the new challenges he was hired for. With his deep understanding of GSA and federal purchasing systems, Jerry is perfectly suited to build relationships with large government agencies throughout the United States and to take care of their needs. His tried-and-true approach will remain the same with Gomez as it was throughout his career with both large and small companies. "What I do is evaluate what the customers' problems are and take those problems away," Jerry says.

Bobby ColdironBack

Installation Manager

Jeff Carter had tried to hire Bobby away from a long career with a previous employer several years before he came on board with Gomez in early 2007. It was Jeff's management style and attitude about customer service that finally closed the deal. "I liked Jeff's attitude-how he wanted to run things. He lets you do your job; he's not into micromanagement. And I liked his customer service policy that customers always need to be first. I firmly believe that, too," Bobby says.

After more than 25 years of installation and supervisory experience, Bobby asserts that the key distinction between GFC, Inc. and other flooring companies is the quality of work they perform. "We want to do a quality job-for everybody. And we stand behind every job. Even if it's a mill problem, we will stand behind it," Bobby says.

Another Gomez advantage are the in-house installers Bobby manages. "You have more control over in-house staff-when they start and when they finish so they get done what the customers want done," he says. "And a lot of people like it; their backgrounds are checked and the same guys will be back next time."

As GFC, Inc.'s busiest season ever is starting to wind down, Bobby is eager to finish up processing his crew's time cards before he heads off to install a transition strip. "Everyone is still really busy so I'll just go do it myself," he says.

Anita PhillipsBack

Project Coordinator

Anita Phillips has her hands full.  Between scheduling jobs, processing work orders, ordering materials and getting the jobs billed and pay requests submitted she’s a very busy woman.

As a project manager for various flooring companies for many years, Anita can clearly see how GFC, Inc. is different. “Our philosophy is that the customer matters. Big companies say it is, but it’s not. It’s about the sale. Here, we know our customers. We know what their expectations are and we make sure they’re satisfied.”

And this focus on customer service throughout the entire company—including GFC, Inc.’s in-house installation staff—has a tremendous impact on the end-result of all their projects. “Our quality surpasses that of other companies I’ve worked for. Our installers are so knowledgeable. They do such a good job…because they also know our customers well.”

Ruben RodriguezBack

Project Supervisor

Even though he's new to GFC, Inc., Ruben already understands why he's a good fit for the company.

"I was interested in joining this company because I knew I'd be comfortable here. It's very family-oriented. We treat everyone with respect. Everyone is hands on and you hang in there until you get it done."

Ruben sees how GFC, Inc. differentiates itself from its competitors. "Gomez delivers 100% commitment to customer service and quality assurance," he says. And in his role as project supervisor, Ruben can back that up: he ensures the jobs he oversees are completed on schedule and everyone gets "the full-service treatment."

"The best part of my job is that feeling of accomplishment. It's very satisfying," Ruben says.

Gloria MejiaBack

Accounting

When she started with GFC, Inc. in 2005, Gloria was nervous. But she quickly learned that her new colleagues were like a family. They taught her the tricks of the trade of the flooring industry, and she soon took full responsibility. "Everyone is always willing to help and we work as a team," Gloria says.

When asked about the best part of her job, she says, "EVERYTHING!  Every day is different, and every day we learn something new."

Amy MillerBack

Project Manager

Family oriented and financially stable were the two qualities Amy was looking for in the company she would join after leaving another flooring company that was in financial difficulty.

"I needed to do what was best for my family, and couldn't stay with an unstable company. Gomez has had such a great payment history with its vendors that their credit is in good standing and they have made wise business relationships with clients they know will pay," Amy says.

While she's only been with GFC, Inc. for a few months, Amy, a new mom, is grateful for the support she gets from Gomez to be successful both at work and at home. Amy says, "The best part of my job is the flexibility-I decide my schedule. Working from home three days a week allows me to spend time with my 15-month-old son, Quincy. I can be more productive with that kind of arrangement."

Amy has a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design from Texas State University-San Marcos.

Richard CarterBack

Project Manager

Between coordinating his schedule with flooring projects for Gomez and his other job as a fire-fighter Rick has become an expert in both time management and people management. "With the fire service, no two calls are the same. We're faced with a variety of interactions with people and I'm constantly learning new ways to deal with customers," Rick says.

Covering a lot of geography between his home and job sites all over the Houston area means Rick spends a lot of time alone in his vehicle. (That's probably why his wife jokes about him talking a lot) Rick is looking forward to the day he retires from the fire service to grow the Gomez Houston business full time.

Rick's father, Richard Carter, a former Gomez customer, has worked for Gomez for five years. Now, winding down his projects and settling into retirement, Richard continues to mentor his son on the flooring business. "My dad stayed on a couple more projects to ensure I knew the ins and outs because he knew this would be a very busy season. He didn't want me going in blindly," Rick says.

Rick has always loved being in construction and used to run a home maintenance business, doing cabinetry, trim finishing and tile work, but he prefers the support of a larger company where he's not doing everything on his own.