Employee Spotlight: Mike Montoya at Hose and Rubber

At Hose and Rubber, we take pride in the dedication and expertise of our team members. This month, we are excited to spotlight Mike, who has been an integral part of our Provo branch. Mike’s journey with Hose and Rubber is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Current Role: Commercial Sales and Government Contracts Specialist

Mike is the Commercial Sales and Counter Sales Lead at our Provo branch. His role is multifaceted, encompassing both customer interactions and specialized government contracts. "Day to day, I handle various tasks," Mike explains. "From helping our counter guys with their operations to managing special orders and large quotes, especially those related to the US military and Defense Department."

One of Mike’s key responsibilities is interpreting and responding to federal government solicitations. "The government has its unique way of requesting things, which can be quite complex," he says. "It's always a challenge to break down military specifications and figure out exactly what they need. But it's also rewarding, and I've developed a unique knowledge base that helps me navigate these tasks effectively."

Overcoming Daily Challenges

In a leadership position, Mike encounters a variety of challenges. "Dealing with different personalities and moods is part of the job," he notes. "Whether it’s team members or customers, my goal is to handle each situation case by case, bringing everyone back on track when needed."

The intricacies of government contracts add another layer of complexity. "Interpreting military specs and ensuring we meet their requirements can be daunting," Mike admits. "But it’s all part of the fun and the learning process."

Journey with Hose and Rubber

Mike’s journey with Hose and Rubber began in 2014. Before joining us, he worked as a barista at Starbucks and had experience in oilfield work. "A friend who worked at the Rock Springs location mentioned they needed a warehouse or counter guy, and I jumped at the opportunity," he recalls.

Starting at the bottom, Mike quickly climbed the ranks through dedication and hard work. "I was in Rock Springs until 2019, then transferred to the government branch in Salt Lake as an assembler. From there, I moved into the bidding role, learning the ropes through trial and error," he says.

In 2021, Mike moved to the Provo branch, where he has found a welcoming environment and a role that perfectly suits his skills. "I love Provo. It reminds me of Wyoming, which has an agricultural focus and a trucking industry. It's been my favorite place to work so far," Mike shares.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of work, Mike enjoys a quiet, fulfilling life. "I’m pretty much a homebody," he admits. "I love going to the gym and spending time with my cat, my best friend." Recently, Mike bought an old-school Jeep and is looking forward to exploring the mountains and fishing this summer.

Mike is engaged to his fiancée, Eli. "We’ve been together for almost five years, and we met in Rock Springs. She moved with me to Salt Lake, and we’re hoping to get married next year," he said with a smile.

Final Thoughts

Mike’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and passion. His ability to navigate complex tasks and his dedication to his team and customers make him a standout employee at Hose and Rubber. We are proud to have Mike on our team and look forward to his continued success and contributions.

Stay tuned for more employee spotlights as we continue to celebrate the amazing individuals who make Hose and Rubber a great place to work.