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Learn More About Thunderbird

Learn More About Thunderbird

Sam Quintero, Class of 2013, Panama
"I have been doing business worldwide for some time, but have been oblivious to the different environments outside my own corporate culture. The insights in this program have opened my eyes, and this new perspective will greatly benefit my business relations and will enhance my current abilities."


Sam Quintero '13

If you go to a drag race in Panama, you might not see his name anywhere, but Sam Quintero, class of 2013, was an essential influence in bringing back the popularity of drag racing in Panama. Being involved in circuit racing since he was 8 years old, Sam has always been a car guy, so it fits that now, at the age of 40, he works for the largest car company in the world: Toyota Motor.

Sam’s official title is Trainer and Product Expert, meaning on any given day he can go from a meeting with Toyota engineers to discussing the Toyota philosophy with “anyone from the CEO to the janitor.” He also is one of the few authorized media spokespeople in Panama. Sam averages one interview a week about technical advances or car specs. This is a long way from his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Living in Panama puts Sam in a regional hub for international trade, and with Toyota being an international company, the Global MBA for Latin American Managers program was a “perfect fit.” Sam comments, “I have been doing business worldwide for some time, but have been oblivious to the different environments outside my own corporate culture. The insights in this program have opened my eyes, and this new perspective will greatly benefit my business relations and will enhance my current abilities.”

Thunderbird’s unparalleled networking capabilities/offerings were one of Sam’s main reasons for choosing Thunderbird. He understands the importance of networking as he found his way into the automotive industry through a newspaper interview. The program’s organization clinched it for Sam. Because he has to travel throughout Latin America for work, Sam was concerned about missing classes; however, thanks to the multiple Global MBA receiving sites throughout Latin America, Sam is able to access classes at different locations that correspond to his business travels. He appreciates that all of the classes and assignments are detailed and planned. As long as he has the time and resources, Sam can do his homework at home, in the office, or even in an airport.

Sam is very involved with the Lions Club. Not only is he currently the Vice President of the Panama Lions Club and the Advisor to the LEO Club, but he also serves on the Board of Directors, more specifically for special events and fundraising. His involvement began when he was 14 as a member of the Lions Club Youth Organization (LEO Club). Over the years, he has worked to renovate schools, increase registered cornea donors, organize a youth football team, and run a summer camp for less fortunate children. In 2011, he received the International President’s Letter of Commendation, one of the most prestigious awards within the organization.

Most of Sam’s life revolves around the automobile industry, restoring cars, planning races, and driving Toyota test models. If you can’t find him around cars, you will find him reading biographies or golfing (admittedly, not well). His dream job would allow him to travel for business and have time to golf.

Check back soon to hear about Sam’s interim experience which will be in Shanghai in February of 2012.