Neftali Vazquez Shares the Biggest Perk of Working at Kaltex
Even after spending more than a decade with Kaltex America, Neftali Vazquez is still energized by the variety his job brings each and every day. As the company’s director of operations, Neftali draws his inspiration from denim itself: The fabric’s perseverance, timelessness and lack of limits are good lessons for us all.
Hebe Schecter, president and CEO of Kaltex America, praised Neftali’s commitment and versatility.
“Neftali’s vision for this company—and what our industry can accomplish together—are translated each day through his work ethic and through his commitment to his colleagues,” she said. “His efforts truly help Kaltex achieve its full potential for the benefit of our customers and the overall denim community.”
Carved in Blue caught up with Neftali to learn what inspires him and what he sees as the future of denim.
Carved in Blue: How long have you been doing this job? What keeps you there?
Neftali: I have been with Kaltex since Aug. 4, 2008. What keeps me with the company is the growth atmosphere and firm loyalty from our president, Hebe Schecter. My role has changed so much since I started. I am not doing the same role I did 11 years ago, and I don’t expect to do the same role I’m doing now 11 years from now.
Carved in Blue: What does the denim industry mean to you?
Neftali: The denim industry is the glue. Denim is limitless. It blends into every type of culture, generation and class. It is multifaceted and ageless. It perseveres, and it has sustained a strong presence in the fashion industry.
Carved in Blue: What do you love most about the job that you’re doing?
Neftali: I love my job so much, so this is a tough question. I love that every day brings a new challenge and/or opportunity to create an impact.
Carved in Blue: What do you love most about denim?
Neftali: Denim allows for creative minds to design the simplest garment from a macro-perspective in the way a five-pocket construction may look, to the most intricate details from the yarn engineering that goes into its design.
Denim knows no boundaries. It has infiltrated its way to every corner of the world. It knows no age, has no limits and allows people to express themselves freely.
Carved in Blue: What’s the best perk about working in your role?
Neftali: The best perk about working in my role is getting diverse global exposure to the supply chain for some of the larger companies. I am all about understanding how the links connect to form the bigger picture.
Carved in Blue: What’s one idea you have for the denim industry that you don’t think enough people are talking about?
Neftali: We need to start focusing on the next generation of denim warriors who are going to carry the torch after our watch is done. I think the schools are doing a very good job, but I think we need to make internships more accessible and spend more time speaking to those interested in a future in our industry.
With sustainability of product being a hot topic right now, let’s also have conversations about the sustainability of our industry. Let’s invest in tomorrow, today.