For Donnie “Bravo” Hudson, H-E-B started as a way to help take care of his niece the best way he could. Three years later, he loves that his job has allowed him to do that and so much more for his family. He’s grateful for the leaders he’s had along the way and shares that his goal is to ultimately make an impact on the work and lives of his Partners. Recently, Donnie was a part of our ‘Be a Part of Something as BIG as Texas’ recruiting campaign, and he invites everyone to join him at H-E-B.
What’s your H-E-B story?
Before I joined H-E-B, I was in El Paso working for a different company. At the time, my niece, whom I help raise, was only six months old and I needed more income to better provide for her. A friend of mine told me about H-E-B, saying, “they’re just like family!” Well, I come from a big family — one of 12 children — so the idea of a job feeling like family really resonated with me. After applying, H-E-B hired me to work at the PDC, one of our refrigerated warehouses. A few months later, I transitioned to the RDC, and later the SM-RSC and SASR. Even after three years, I remember how welcomed I felt when I first came to H-E-B. What my friend said was right — it really is like family.
What is your favorite part of your job?
As a San Antonio Super Regional supervisor, I get the opportunity to learn from and interact with Partners daily. A part of my job that I consider vitally important is always making sure I’m available to help them or talk. When I first started, I had so many leaders who helped me get to where I am today, so the best part of my job is now I get to be that person for our Partners.
How do you feel your contributions are valued?
Over time, you begin to see the impact you have on those around you and the growth that can stem from a single conversation, or a series of conversations, with your Partners. You don’t have to be a leader to make an impact on your peers or those who report to you. I see value in what I bring to the H-E-B family by helping my Partners see their value. Stay here awhile, and you’ll begin to see the impact you have.
Are there specific Leaders at H-E-B who have made an impact on you?
Mario Montemayor was one of my leaders who really sought to understand his Partner’s situations and be a part of the solution. He empowered me with the resources to take care of my niece like I wanted and empowered me in taking ownership in my growth. I am so grateful for him. Thank you, Mario!
Another leader I look up to is Chad Madison, H-E-B’s Group VP of Warehousing. From the beginning, he helped me see that I could do great things at H-E-B. Not long after I started, I attended an event where he spoke. I recall raising my hand to express interest in becoming a trainer, but my eagerness quickly dissipated into feeling unqualified, and I put my hand back down. Afterward, Chad approached me and asked why I had put my hand down. I laughed and said, “well, I’m probably not qualified,” and he said, “don’t let that stop you from getting to where you want to go.” Then he asked me what my goals were at H-E-B, and I shared my interest in leadership, and he encouraged me to go for it. A couple of months ago, I saw him, and he remembered our conversation — I’m so glad he got to see that I took his words to heart and didn’t give up.
What is next for you?
My long-term goals at H-E-B are to be a Dedicated Trainer, then an Operations Leader, and from there, a facility leader. I’m going to continuously add value and be the absolute best I can be in whatever role I’m in. My ultimate goal is to inspire as many people as I can and show them what’s possible. Whatever they want out of their career at H-E-B, they can get there. And there are so many people, me included, who are here to help along the way.
What’s been a memorable moment at H-E-B for you?
The community events I’ve participated in have always been so memorable to me. Many years ago, before H-E-B and even before we lived here in Texas, my 11 siblings and I were all living together with my mom in a small one-bedroom apartment. My mom sacrificed so much to take care of us, and I know it was hard on her to raise so many children. We would often go to churches and community events to get food and other things that we needed. Even as a kid, this experience left a mark on me.
Now that I work at H-E-B, a company known for taking care of people, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer for community events that my mom and all of us would have wanted to attend.
What advice would you give others about working for H-E-B?
Be open-minded, have fun and enjoy the process. If you’re open to it, you’ll experience so many careers and opportunities at this amazing company and have a lot of fun along the way!
