From Agriculture to Data Leader: Julio Hernandez’s Journey of Perseverance and Success

Julio Hernandez’s near-13-year career at Florida Crystals is a testament to resilience, hard work and the power of self-improvement. Since joining the company in 2012, he has embraced every opportunity to develop, evolving from supervising sugarcane planting to Agriculture Data Analyst Manager.

Born and raised in Cuba, Julio’s move to Miami at the age of 19 marked the beginning of a new chapter. He brought a background in information technology that was primarily focused on graphic design and network administration. Determined to build a future for himself and his family, Julio worked various jobs, eventually hearing about a position at Florida Crystals through a friend, Rafael Garcia.

“When I first moved to Miami, I did not know that there was sugarcane farming in the South Florida area,” Julio said. “I was looking for opportunities, and I received a recommendation for Florida Crystals, then I applied and received an interview. I was used to the big city life of Miami, so when I first drove out to the farms and saw the wide-open spaces, it felt like a new world.”

Julio received an offer and, in accepting it, made a life-changing decision at the age of 22 to create a fresh start for his family, including his two-month-old daughter. In his first position, he was responsible for supervising the sugarcane planting crews to ensure the quality of the operation and provide support across the farm division.

Julio immediately realized that the company was a place that he could call home.

“From the very beginning, I saw the magnitude of Florida Crystals and the possibilities,” he recalled. “I told myself I had to take action to show that I had the skills to contribute, for both the company and my family.”

Julio’s career is defined by relentless self-improvement. Early on, he faced language barriers and minimal formal certifications. But he didn’t see these challenges as limitations. Instead, he responded with action. He enrolled in classes at Palm Beach State College, while also working here full-time, to improve his English. However, he did not stop there, as he went on to validate his diploma from Cuba and earn additional certifications in databases and systems, positioning himself for elevated roles. Along his professional journey, Julio developed profound expertise through asking questions, learning processes and taking notes about everything from farm operations to IT systems.

His progression was steady. From the farms, he was promoted to Water Quality Technician, where he drove across farms and pump stations, collecting samples and data, which allowed him to get deeply familiar with the organization’s vast operations. It was there that Julio’s curiosity about data management and analysis began to take root. His relentless curiosity and question-asking was a constant factor in driving him forward.

“I’d see people generating reports and keeping records, and it fascinated me,” Julio said. “I told myself, ‘I want to be part of that.’”

When a farm office clerk position in the company’s Agriculture and R&D center opened, he seized the opportunity. There, Julio took charge of managing databases and creating reports for farm managers. He quickly began improving processes, introducing new tools and dashboards that drove better decision-making.

In recognition of his value, Julio was promoted to Agriculture Data Analyst Manager, a role he has held for the last eight years. Today, Julio leads a team of four, overseeing data for every aspect of agricultural operations, including nutrient application, harvesting and soil sampling. His team supports more than 25 farm workers daily, ensuring the seamless scheduling of harvesting millions of tons of sugarcane.

Julio offers advice rooted in his own experience for those looking to advance here.

“Consistency and focus are key,” he said. “Once you know what you want, go for it. Be prepared for challenges, but don’t see them as reasons to quit. Learn from them and keep moving forward. We never lose – we either win, or we learn.”

Julio’s 13-year career with Florida Crystals is a testament to what happens when opportunity and commitment to growth meet perseverance. Through his work ethic, ingenuity and ability to adapt, he has made a difference and found a place that he proudly calls home.