Joe Hernandez describes his position at 535 N. Michigan Ave. as “a job that doesn’t feel like work to me,” and has been with the team for eight years. Joe clearly loves his job.
It’s an extremely busy lobby with the hustle and bustle of 535 North’s location in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Joe describes his main duties as security detail, concierge services, and coordinating deliveries and repairs.
Joe tells a visitor, “I’m very proud of training my team of doorpersons at 535 North, and we create opportunities to hang out outside of work as well.” Joe goes on to describe a reward system that he developed to give team members time off with their families for special occasions.
After Joe had spent 12 years in the roofing industry, a dermatologist told him to seek alternatives to that job, and spend less time in the sun. Joe says, “Long story short, I ended up here, and this is a second home for me.”
Joe is the oldest of 11 children. “I have nine sisters and one brother; I’m the eldest. I got used to taking care of people early in life.”
He has a lot of folks to attend to, with 468 condominiums on site. He says the residents particularly enjoy the amenity floor with the indoor pool, sundeck, party room, and gym. They also enjoy the Mag Mile location.
“Many tenants work at the nearby Northwestern hospital campus, and there are a lot of pre-med students – very hard-working, nice people.”
Joe and his wife are on the cusp of being empty-nesters. They’ve raised six kids. He says, “I’m proud to be referred to as the rock of the family.” It’s a close-knit family that schedules Mondays and Tuesdays as family nights, and they even play in recreational sporting leagues.
In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing softball, and collects motorcycles and automobiles. The family enjoys traveling, and the next trip on the docket is Las Vegas, planned by the kids.
“How can we say no if our kids planned the whole trip?” he asks. Joe most assuredly has earned a vacation.
To nominate your favorite doorperson, Email info@chicagostarmedia.com with their name and why they should be doorperson of the month. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.
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