As the CEO of D&M Leasing and Hernco, Inc., Micheal “Mike” Albert Hernandez III has amassed decades of experience in industries including auto leasing, real estate development, energy, and cattle ranching. A native Texan, Mike Hernandez III is dedicated to giving back to his community, and he recently sat down with local publication The Brownsville Herald to share some of his civic efforts. The piece by staff writer Steve Clark delves into the history of Mr. Hernandez’ significant philanthropic involvement. A native of Brownsville, Texas, who has lived and worked in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since high school, Mr. Hernandez always kept a soft spot for his hometown. When success at the helm of D&M Leasing allowed Mr. Hernandez to focus his efforts on his personal passions, he set out to enrich the community that helped shape his identity. Speaking with the Herald, Mr. Hernandez described his initial shock at the largely stagnant economic growth in Brownsville and Cameron County. “I personally don’t see a reason for it,” he said, noting that Brownsville’s location “on the border by the sea” makes it a significant economic asset to the county.
The chief executive officer of D&M Leasing, an auto leasing company in Dallas, Micheal “Mike” Albert Hernandez III is a native of Brownsville, Texas. In an effort to drive prosperity in his hometown, Mike Hernandez III supports OP10.33, through which he encourages positive change in Brownsville and the wider Cameron County area. In 2016, The Brownsville Avenger named Mr. Hernandez its “Person of the Year.” Noting the difficulty in fostering change in an area that traditionally has been unwelcoming to outside influences, The Avenger noted that Mr. Hernandez is perhaps the most active philanthropist in the region and commended him for not only talking about the changes he wishes to make in terms of local politics, education, and economy but also providing the capital to support his ideas.The Brownsville Avenger, a news blog based in the city of Brownsville, Texas, stated its belief that OP10.33 would experience a bigger and better 2017 under the guidance of Mike Hernandez III.
Following over 20 years at the helm of D & M Leasing, a vehicle leasing company in Dallas, Texas, Michael “Mike” Albert Hernandez III has entered semi-retirement and turned his attention to a range of philanthropic endeavors in Brownsville, Texas. Working alongside OP 10.33, Mike Hernandez III has the goal of donating $10 million to a range of projects in the region.Established to provide support to organized efforts to provide education beyond the high school level to every child in Cameron County, OP 10.33 implements various degree plans at high schools and higher education institutes. The organization also provides funding for high-tech educational programs that prepare students for an increasingly technical world, in addition to aiding nonprofit trade schools.Beyond this work, OP 10.33 supports efforts to stimulate the private business sector in Cameron County and backs political candidates, regardless of affiliation, the have proven their ability to obtain funds from relevant government agencies for use in Cameron County.On a wider spectrum, OP 10.33 commits to ensuring Cameron County’s hungry receive food and the underserved population has access to legal aid. Further, OP 10.33 works with private providers to ensure access to a wider range of health care options for the county's residents.
D&M Leasing chief executive officer Michael “Mike” Albert Hernandez III possesses more than three decades of vehicle leasing experiences and leads the Dallas, Texas-based company in offering a diverse range of car leasing services. Mike Hernandez III’s company also offers several professional services auto leasing programs, including the DoctorsAutolease Division geared toward medical professionals. The DoctorsAutolease Division launched five years ago and serves members of the medical community through a series of specialized services designed to meet the specific needs of physicians and medical professionals. Custom-tailored services provided include assistance in locating vehicles that match physician criteria, evaluating trade-ins, and facilitating leases through a remote platform. Leasing staff will also deliver guidance in structuring leases for maximum tax benefits and find new and pre-owned vehicles for the client’s family or medical practice. In addition, the DoctorsAutolease Division leases medical equipment with the potential for home and office delivery through incentive programs. For more information on the D&M Leasing DoctorsAutolease Division, visit dmautoleasing.com/doctor-medical-professional-auto-leasing-program.
Born in Brownsville, Texas, Mike Hernandez III moved away from the area to complete his studies at Texas A&M University. Following his studies, he pursued a number of opportunities before taking a role at D & M Leasing in the early 1980s. Now the CEO and owner of the company, Mike Hernandez III has overseen its growth into one of the largest car leasing firms in the United States, managing $1.2 billion in leases. Growing a company to this extent is no easy task and budding entrepreneurs should take note of the following useful tips that will help them achieve results.1. Know what you don’t do, as this is just as important as the services you offer. Identify your target markets and how best to appeal to them, as moving too far outside of your area of expertise can lead to taking on more risk than your business can handle.2. Understand that while risk is a part of business, there are a number of ways to limit it. Be prepared for the issues that many business owners gloss over, such as implementing policies that determine how you will react in cases of data theft and cyber security issues, which are becoming increasingly common in the modern business environment. Search for relevant insurance policies that will protect the business should these problems occur.3. Remember that your employees consider your leadership as a key component in their decision to work for your business. A Gallup poll found that management quality affected 70% of employee engagement scores across all industries. Unengaged employees will not be as productive as they could be, plus your business will experience a higher turnover rate if management doesn’t make employee engagement a key component of planning.
A Texas native born in Brownsville, Michael Albert Hernandez III manages the operations of D&M Leasing in Dallas as its chief executive officer. Through the firm, Mike Hernandez III helps individuals lease their dream vehicles. One of the major benefits of leasing is the ability to get a new vehicle every few years. While individuals may truly love the cars that they now drive, the truth is that the car will need to be replaced at some point. Warning signs that may signify it is time to replace a car include:1. Difficulty passing state inspection: Texas requires yearly inspections. If inspection time is a cause for anxiety because it often means costly repairs, it could be time to get a new vehicle. 2. More than 100,000 miles: While many vehicles are designed to last much longer than 100,000 miles, that is about the time that a number of major, costly issues will start to occur. Individuals can often save money by investing in a new vehicle.3. Ignoring the check-engine light: Often, when the light comes on, mechanics can find nothing wrong so drivers just start to ignore it. However, this tactic can mean that an actual problem is missed, which could result in dangerous circumstances or costly repairs.
Raised in Brownsville, Texas, Michael Albert Hernandez III now lives in Dallas and presides over D&M Leasing as its chief executive officer. Through his company, Mike Hernandez III leases quality personal and commercial vehicles. More manufacturers are currently offering leases on gently used cars, especially after record new car sales in recent years have brought many used cars to the market. Some corporations have tried to make the deal more palatable by extending repair reimbursements even when warranties have expired.However, why would someone want to take out a lease on a used vehicle, especially since the benefit of leasing a car to begin with is the ability to drive a new one every couple of years? The major benefit is price. Used vehicles have already taken their largest hit of depreciation and lower monthly payments are the result. At the same time, it is important not to rush into a lease on a used vehicle. Ideally, the car comes with a Certified Pre-Owned warranty, which can protect against out-of-pocket expenses. Lexus, BMW, Acura, and Porsche tend to offer good warranties on their used vehicles.
