By Mary Shedden
of The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA - Gilbert Gonzalez always wanted to be his own boss.

But he knew if he wanted to do it right, it would mean accepting a lot of advice: from parents, from professors, and most definitely Marty Katz, his boss at a Hillsborough Avenue auto parts store.

Katz’s willingness to share the nitty-gritty nuances of business ownership proved critical in transforming Gonzalez from a part-time stock clerk to the owner of his multi-million dollar network integration company, Mission Critical Systems.

“He literally pulled me out of the oil aisle,’’ Gonzalez said of his mentor’s willingness to let the aspiring entrepreneur listen in as he talked with attorneys, negotiated deals and even as he fired employees. “He was treating me as if I were his own son.’’

A Tampa native, Gonzalez credits much of his success to his family’s Ybor City roots, the Jesuit Catholic High School community and the University of South Florida where he earned a bachelor and master’s degree in business.

He’s continued to tap those networks since he launched his computer systems installation and maintenance company 15 years ago. Today, MCS of Tampa’s 2006 revenue reached nearly $32 million.

At first, Gonzalez said networking meant word-of-mouth referrals and furnishing a warehouse with metal shelves a veterinarian he once worked for donated. That boss, like Katz, his parents and key professors created a business ethic tied directly to those whom he respects.

“When most people think of a mentor, most think of a person,’’ said Gonzalez, who in 2005 was named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s person of the year for Florida. “I think of a way of life.’’

Katz, who retired 11 years ago, agreed Gonzalez actively sought expertise. Even as a teenager, Gonzalez showed business smarts and common sense while other clerks talked about parties and their cars. Katz wanted to share his knowledge with the young employee.

“He wasn’t afraid to go out and take chances,’’ Katz said.

Now 43, Gonzalez puts on his own mentor hat from time to time. Key themes emerge including:

FIND A MENTOR

Entrepreneurs need to be bold about developing the smarts needed to create and sustain a company.

Look for a good business role model and ask for their expertise in exchange for hard work that includes pulling the worst shifts.

“Compromise and make yourself available to them,’’ he said.

Organizations such as the USF Small Business Development Center and the SCORE volunteer counseling program both offer valuable workshops and opportunities for business guidance, he said.

KEEP GROWING

Gonzalez said there’s no time when a business person – or anyone – lacks the need for a mentor. He said spiritual mentors are important for him, as is a formal professional mentor he currently meets with on a regular basis.

He also looks to some of his own employees as respected advisors. His decisions are final, but it helps to seek feedback on tough issues.

“I’ve got good people around me,’’ he said.

ESTABLISH CHARACTER

Contacts from Gonzalez’s alma mater – Jesuit Catholic High School – continue to provide vital business contacts for his company. His accountants, for example, are fellow alumni who referred clients.

And while 60 percent of MCS’s current contracts are government based, Gonzalez says personal recommendations offer a powerful reference for your business and character.

Entrepreneurs new to town can see their enterprise benefit from that badge of honor. But they have to earn it first, Gonzalez said.

“You don’t make a friend in one night,’’ he said. “Be comfortable paying your dues…Start showing the community that you have that character.’’

MENTOR OTHERS

Gonzalez knows he’s expected to mentor now. His most important protégées: his pre-teen son and daughter.

And as he’s ultimately accountable for his 240 employees, Gonzalez feels responsible for serving as mentor in some way to each member of his staff.

It’s a task he believes no one should take lightly.

“A mentor is a layer right below family and right above friend,’’ he said. “It’s not a duty you do for 90 days.’’

Reporter Mary Shedden can be reached at (813)259-7365 or mshedden@tampatrib.com .

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