# Meet Joe Rodriguez: Tangram's New GSA Sales Executive
We're excited to welcome Joe Rodriguez to the Tangram team as our new GSA Sales Executive. With a background in UX sales strategy and a career spent developing innovative sales methodologies, Joe brings fresh perspective and proven expertise to our growing organization.
## From Coast to Coast: A Diverse Background
Joe's journey began on Manhattan, where he was born and raised in Brooklyn before attending school in Connecticut. His professional path has taken him across the country, from the bustling streets of New York City to the innovation hubs of San Francisco and Los Angeles, with stops in Laguna Beach, Pasadena, and Palm Springs along the way.
"I was born on a small island called Manhattan, raised in Brooklyn, schooled in Connecticut and always considered California home," Joe explains. This geographic diversity has shaped his approach to business and client relationships.
## Building Revenue Through Strategic Innovation
In his previous role as a UX Sales Strategist, Joe focused on developing comprehensive sales methodologies designed to create new market opportunities and drive sustainable revenue growth. His experience spans the development of frameworks that connect client needs with practical solutions—skills that translate perfectly to the commercial design industry.
## Getting to Know Joe: Beyond the Office
When he's not developing sales strategies, you might find Joe exploring the vineyards of Sonoma or enjoying his guilty pleasure: McConnell's Ice Cream from Santa Barbara, which he considers "simply the best ice cream in the world."
Joe's work ethic traces back to his earliest days—delivering newspapers to teachers in grade school, then working at his aunt's dry-cleaning business handling registers and sweeping floors. By age 16, he was micro-filming stocks and bonds on Wall Street during weekends and holidays. "I loved it," he recalls of that first real job.
## Philosophy and Influences
Joe's approach to work centers around a quote from Rabindranath Tagore that has stuck with him throughout his career: **"You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water."** This philosophy of taking action aligns perfectly with Tangram's proactive approach to commercial interior design.
He credits his strong work ethic to his parents, his integrity and cooking skills to his aunts, and his sales methodology to two key mentors—one who emphasized excellence, another who focused on marketplace differentiation.
## Looking Ahead at Tangram
"I have always held the team at Tangram in the highest regard as a group of highly specialized professionals and experienced individuals," Joe says. "I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of the team in a collaborative environment toward mutual success."
Joe's experience in developing strategic frameworks and his commitment to excellence make him a valuable addition to our team as we continue to serve commercial design professionals across the GSA market.
When asked about his theme song, Joe doesn't hesitate: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell—fitting for someone ready to tackle new challenges in commercial design.
Welcome to the team, Joe. We're looking forward to the fresh perspectives and proven expertise you'll bring to Tangram and our clients.
