Francisco Rodriguez was working in the oil and gas industry when life took an unexpected turn when his younger brother was diagnosed with cancer for the second time at just 16 years old. As his brother’s bone marrow donor, Francisco was required to remain close to the hospital throughout the treatment process, but his job at the time lacked the flexibility he needed. That life-changing moment prompted him to reassess his priorities and seek out a career that would allow him to be there for his family. Around that same time, Goodwill was launching its in-house fleet and needed a manager. The opportunity came at just the right moment, offering Francisco a chance to support his loved ones while stepping into a mission-driven role that aligned with his core values.
Francisco’s path has been shaped by the challenges he’s faced from growing up in an immigrant family to taking on responsibilities at a young age. His family’s move from Mexico in search of a better future instilled in him a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and gratitude. At Goodwill, those qualities have guided his leadership style and fueled his ability to connect with others in meaningful ways. He takes pride in supporting team members who share similar backgrounds, whether that means helping with a day-to-day task or offering encouragement during tough times. Being honored with a recent award felt like a powerful validation not just of his own journey, but of the collective efforts of the team. For Francisco, it’s a symbol of how far he’s come and a reminder of the impact that compassionate leadership can have on others.