For Tina, working at Hose & Rubber Supply is about more than having a job. It’s about relationships, opportunities, taking care of customers and being part of a company she believes in. After eight years with Hose & Rubber Supply, Tina’s journey has taken her through several different roles and locations, giving her a unique understanding of the company and the customers it serves.

Today, Tina works as a Purchaser based out of the Salt Lake City branch, where she is primarily responsible for supporting the Williston, North Dakota location. For the past four years, her job has been to help make sure the Williston team has the products they need on the shelves and that special customer orders are sourced as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“I go in and review the stock and try to keep their shelves stocked for our customers,” Tina explains. “For special orders, I try to find where we can get the products and make sure we get our customers the parts they need.”

That can mean checking availability with vendors, getting pricing, coordinating with the branch and determining whether an order should be shipped to the Williston location or drop-shipped directly to the customer. It’s a behind-the-scenes role that plays an important part in keeping customers working and projects moving.

Tina’s career with Hose & Rubber Supply began in 2018, thanks to a recommendation from her sister, who was already working for the company.

Her first position was in receiving, but she didn’t stay in one role for long. Tina moved to the counter at the Salt Lake City location, spent time working at the company’s GMS branch and later transferred to the Provo branch, where she worked the counter for approximately a year. When an opportunity became available in purchasing, Tina applied and returned to Salt Lake City.

Looking back, Tina says the relationships she has developed and the way Hose & Rubber Supply treats its employees are major reasons she has stayed with the company.

“I like the relationships we build,” she says. “I like the flexibility they have and the understanding of the employees. Everyone is willing to help us be better—for our customers, our families and everybody.”

Making Hose & Rubber Supply a Family Affair

Tina’s belief in the company might best be demonstrated by how many members of her own family have followed her through the doors.

Her sister originally encouraged Tina to apply. Since then, Tina has helped continue that family connection. Today, her brother, another sister and one of her sons all work out of the Salt Lake City branch. Her brother, Robert Martinez, works as a warehouse lead, her sister works alongside Tina in purchasing, and her son works in receiving.

“I really am loyal to Hose & Rubber,” Tina says. “I feel like they’re loyal to their employees.”

For Tina, recommending Hose & Rubber Supply to members of her own family says a lot about how she feels about the organization and its culture.

Family Comes First

As important as her career is, Tina is quick to point out that she has another job that will always come first.

“I always tell my boss that Hose & Rubber is my second job,” she jokes. “My first job is my family.”

Tina and her wife have five children, ranging in age from seven to 26. With their three oldest children grown, much of their time is now spent keeping up with their two youngest. Their son plays football, their daughter participates in gymnastics, and both activities keep the family’s schedule plenty busy.

When she’s not working or attending her kids’ activities, Tina has another passion: breeding American Bullies. She has been breeding dogs for approximately four to five years, adding another activity to an already busy family life.

After eight years, Tina has experienced Hose & Rubber Supply from receiving and the sales counter to multiple branches and purchasing. Through every role, one thing has remained consistent: her commitment to helping customers, supporting her coworkers and being part of a company where relationships matter.

We’re proud to have Tina as part of the Hose & Rubber Supply team and grateful that, over the years, she has brought a few members of her family along for the journey.