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Toyota Tier One supplier and guest speaker Fernando Reyes accepts a plaque from St. Philip’s College president Dr. Adena Williams Loston as part of the college’s 2007 Presidential Lecture Series Nov. 8 at the SPC Southwest Campus.
(Images by Mark Barnes)

SAN ANTONIO (Nov. 8, 2007) --- To a standing room crowd of more than 300 students, self-made millionaire and Toyota Tier 1 supplier Fernando Reyes shared his secret of success. Reyes, the newly crowned “El Rey Feo” for Fiesta 2008 kicked off this year’s President’s Lecture Series at St. Philip’s College’s Southwest campus.

“Do not isolate yourselves. You must be willing to stand out. Get involved with your community and each other,” Reyes said. “You never know if your classmate today will be your business partner tomorrow.”

Reyes is president and owner of Reyes Industries Inc., a global manufacturer/exporter of textile and light metal products that employs 300 people. He is a Tier 1 supplier for Toyota of San Antonio in a joint venture that makes parts for Toyota’s Tundra trucks. Born in San Antonio, he grew up on the Southside where he has corporate headquarters.

Reyes spoke to the importance of people, businesses and communities connecting and networking. With Veteran’s day coming up, he said for the past 24 years his workers have built the cots GIs have slept on, adding “I ensure our country’s soldiers do not sleep on the floor.”

“His business portfolio goes from cots to the auto industry,” St. Philip’s College president Dr. Adena Williams Loston debriefed students after Reyes’ speech. “Those are not parallel industries. He’s successful because he moves out on his own. I hope you all keep this in your head as an inspiration.”

The St. Philip’s College President’s Lecture Series is a forum where noted speakers’ perspectives are heard. The program supports the college’s strategic goal of engaging the general public it serves.

St. Philip’s College Southwest Campus students network with prominent business leader and native San Antonian Fernando Reyes after Reyes served as the 2007-2008 SPC President’s Lecture Series speaker Nov. 8 at the college’s Southwest Campus.