Humberto De La Cruz, Warehouse Manager (Houston)
When Humberto joined the PVF industry more than a decade ago, he didn’t know exactly where the path would lead. What he did know was that he was willing to put in the work.
Today, as Warehouse Manager for J2 in Houston, Humberto oversees daily operations at the company’s 130,000-square-foot facility, helping make sure the products customers depend on move efficiently through the supply chain. It’s a role that requires organization, leadership, and a willingness to stay close to the work happening on the warehouse floor.
For Humberto, that hands-on approach is second nature.
From the Floor to Warehouse Leadership
Humberto first entered the PVF industry in 2013, stepping into a field he knew little about at the time. Like many in the industry, he learned the business by doing the work—handling materials, learning the products, and gaining experience one day at a time.
After several years in the industry, Humberto stepped away briefly to return to his previous career as a paramedic. But the opportunity to work with J2 brought him back.
When we were building our team, he received a call asking if he would be interested in returning to help run the warehouse operation. Nearly eight years later, he’s still here!
“I came into this industry not knowing anything. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. Starting at the bottom isn’t a bad thing—you learn everything that way.”
That experience continues to shape how he leads today.
Running a 100,000-Square-Foot Operation
As Warehouse Manager, Humberto is responsible for making sure every part of the operation runs smoothly—from incoming inventory to outgoing shipments.
His team supports a wide range of activities across the Houston facility, including receiving, machining, quality control, and logistics. Keeping everything organized and moving efficiently requires constant coordination.
But at the core of the job is something simple.
“My top priority is ensuring everything is set up for success and every team member is ready to step up and deliver. I focus on building a cross-trained team that’s flexible, confident , and positioned exactly where they need to be so we can support each other, stay efficient, and consistently get the job done right.”
Humberto oversees a team responsible for keeping the warehouse running day to day, making sure orders are processed correctly and materials are ready when customers need them. And while he manages the operation, he still considers himself part of the crew.
“I’m a hands-on warehouse manager. I started doing the same work these guys are doing now.”
That mindset helps him stay connected to the people and processes that keep the facility running.
Built for the Pace of the Industry
Working in distribution means the job doesn’t always stop when the workday ends. Because Humberto lives just minutes from the Houston facility, he’s often able to respond quickly when customers need something outside of regular hours.
“When we get call-outs or urgent requests, being close helps. We can get here, get the material out the door, and take care of the customer.”
It’s part of what makes the operation successful—and part of what Humberto enjoys about the role.
“We are continuously growing and something new happens every day, but that’s what makes it so special here. Even more so with a strong committed team, anything is doable.”
A Houston Native with a Family Connection
Humberto grew up on the East End of Houston, not far from the J2 facility he now helps run.
That proximity has its advantages, especially when the warehouse needs quick support outside of normal hours. But it also means Humberto takes pride in contributing to a business rooted in his local community.
Outside of work, his focus is simple: family. Humberto has four children—two boys and two girls.
Opportunity Through Hard Work
Looking back on his journey, Humberto sees the warehouse floor as more than just a workplace. It’s where opportunity begins.
Starting in a new industry without prior experience could have been intimidating. Instead, it became the foundation for everything that followed.
Today, managing J2 Resources’ largest operational hub, Humberto takes pride in the path that got him here.
“There are a lot of opportunities in this industry. If you’re willing to work hard, you can build something meaningful and go further than you might expect.”