Aqui, en San Antonio, we give back to our communities, to our gente. We know how much more underserved communities truly deserve because we grew up just like everyone else in our neighborhoods. The time has come to change the narrative of “making it out” to “I’ve made it, now let me show you how to as well.” Fernando Reyes, of Reyes Automotive Group and Reyes Hayashi, is the epitome of just that. With an Associate’s Degree from San Antonio Community College, a Business Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, our Harlandale Hall of Famer has more than enough wisdom and knowledge to share with us.
Businessman. Entrepreneur. Community Leader. These words are all synonymous with Fernando Reyes. With 16 years of experience working for the government and over 30 years as a business owner, Reyes has much to offer our city. Prior to his business ventures, working for the Department of Defense, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Internal Revenue Services has helped him learn and grow. Taking the knowledge he gained from these agencies, Reyes is now the owner of Reyes Automotive Group and owns 51% of Reyes Hayashi Automotive, both of which are Tier 1 suppliers for Toyota in San Antonio.
“I don’t forget where I came from,” our Harlandale alum adds with sincerity. As a member of the Harlandale Education Foundation Board as well as treasurer of the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Program, Reyes has been able to aid and assist the youth in our community in perpetuity. In 2008, Reyes, our South Side orgulloso, worked to raise $460,000 for scholarships as Rey Feo 60. As current Chairman of VIA Transportation, it’s his goal to ensure this mobility agency moves people safely, efficiently, and effectively.
As a member of La Prensa Texas’ Board of Directors, Reyes believes that we cannot let this beautiful concept of serving underserved communities die. “That’s, I think, the responsibility, the commitment that our corporation should have. That, ‘Hey, we’re not just gonna take from the Hispanic Community, but we want to give back as much as we can,’ ” he comments.
“We need to find some good strong partners that believe what we believe in, that La Prensa should be a form of communication for the underserved, for the served, and for the Hispanic market period,” states Reyes, Former Chairman of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“If you have la ganas, then you can make it happen. Si se puede!” Reyes passionately reminds us. Con gente como Fernando Reyes, yes…yes we can.
