Featured WBE Interview

Margarita Gonzalez, President

AccuBANKER

Tell us a little bit about AccuBANKER.

AccuBANKER is a brand of Hilton Trading Corp., founded in 1981, that supplies globally cash handling solutions through the sale of money counters and counterfeit money detectors to small and medium size enterprises and national retail groups.

What made you go into this business?

The realization that any business that accepts cash needs an affordable solution to become more efficient in their cash handling made us to take the decision to concentrate on cash handling equipments. Our products reduce time spent on counting money, avoid loses due to counterfeit bills, eliminate human errors, and provide piece of mind

What has been the worst or the biggest obstacle you've faced or had to overcome?

The fact that I am a Hispanic woman has been the biggest obstacle that I have faced in the business world. As a woman, I had to prove to many societies, including ours, that I have the ability to navigate and succeed in the business world beyond the notions and limitations of traditional gender roles. As a Hispanic I have had to demonstrate to many people that I have high standards and the necessary sophistication required to succeed in today's competitive marketplace.

What has been your biggest triumph?

I think it was the day that I convinced a male Chinese factory owner that it was to his interest to deal with me instead of a man, as he was demanding. After trying to convince this man that I was capable and realizing that he was reluctant to deal with me because I was simply a Woman, I pulled the most effective card, which was to inform him that aside from being the Vice President of AccuBANKER as my business card confirm I was also the CFO, and that I was the only person authorized in the company to approve payments. This statement led to a complete change of attitude.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

To apply the Golden Rule and it was given to me at a very early stage in my life by my mother.

Anytime that I am in doubt on how to respond to a given situation, I ask myself "How would I like others to behave if I am the one in that situation"?

Is there anyone who inspired you and why?

The story of Admiral Jim Stockdale, who was a tortured prisoner during the Vietnam War inspired me by demonstrating how you can never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end -which you can never afford to loose- with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.

What is the best book you ever read and would recommend?

While it is not exactly a business best seller, I recommend reading Tuesdays with Morrie , by Mitch Albom, because it serves as a reminder that what matter most are principles, values and relationships. These are lessons that can and should be applied to all businesses.

What is your favorite quote?

You can accomplish anything in life, provided that you do not mind who gets the credit.

By President Harry Truman

What are your goals now and where do you see yourself going?

To reinforce and expand AccuBANKER's position as a global leader of affordable cash handling solutions and to be part of those women that are currently occupying the limelight position in the competitive world of business.

How has being a member of the WBDC and WBENC helped you?

Being a member of the WBDC and WBENC has opened doors of opportunity to us with events such as the Office Depot Success Strategy for Businesswomen Conference and we are confident that AccuBANKER will benefit tremendously by participating in the upcoming Women in Business Conference at Miami Beach.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered as an individual that was able to live a well-balance life in accordance with her principles.

How does someone get in contact with you at AccuBANKER?

By calling at 305-594-0950 ext. 224, or by emailing me at mgonzalez@accubanker.com