Benjamin Hernandez joined Envoy almost eight years ago and is a Customer Service Agent at Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) in Kansas.
“He doesn’t back away from a challenge,” said the individual who nominated Benjamin for his President’s Award. “He has made a meaningful difference to every shift he works, and he genuinely cares about the operation, the team and the whole airline.”
That enthusiasm and dedication to his team and his job is what earned Benjamin the 2024 Envoy President’s Award.
What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation? Can you tell us about your career path and what led you to your current position?
My journey into aviation really kicked off after spending 35 years in construction. While I was busy building parking structures and putting in gas and oxygen lines for hospitals, I felt the weight of responsibility — people’s lives were on the line with my work. After I retired, I started looking for a new purpose. When a job popped up with Envoy in Manhattan, Kansas, I jumped at the chance. I’ve always loved flying, but I didn’t know much about what goes on behind the scenes. With support and dedication from an outstanding team of trainers and supervisors I am now a training instructor for deicing and safety protocols, and I assist with training new hires.
It didn’t take long for me to see how important our role is in keeping travelers safe and getting them where they need to go. I quickly grew to love the aviation world, motivated by the difference I can make in people’s lives. It’s not just about getting them to their destinations; it’s about making sure they’re safe the whole way. From doing thorough pre-flight checks to handling de-icing in winter, every step is taken with our passengers’ safety in mind. Helping customers with their travel issues and adjusting flight plans makes me happy, as I love the chance to assist people on their journeys and help them create unforgettable memories around the world.
What do you believe sets your approach to work apart from others?
What makes me different from others is my strong belief in God, which guides me, and the big impact my parents have had on me. They are my role models, showing me how to be tough and honest in everything they do. The hard work they taught me has influenced my career, pushing me to chase my dreams with enthusiasm. I try to live by the lessons they gave me, tackling every challenge with a focus on doing a good job and making a positive difference.
Are there any memorable moments or significant milestones in your career that stand out to you?
One of my favorite moments in my time at Envoy was when we got the 4Q21 Customer Cup. I felt so proud in that moment, thinking about all the hard work we put in to get there. Being part of such a great team, where everyone’s effort mattered, really made me value the teamwork we built. It wasn’t just about the award; it showed how committed we all were to doing our best and how much we cared about our customers.
As a team it is not just about one station. Another significant moment occurred when my General Manager texted me this year at 2:30 AM, asking if I would like to join others in deploying to Wichita (ICT) as a CARE trained team member after the tragic events at DCA. I felt honored to be invited to assist.
These experiences really remind me how important it is to work together and aim for greatness as a team.
How do you stay motivated and maintain high standards in your work?
I’m the kind of person who loves what I do. Working with the MHK team feels like being part of a family, and that alone keeps me motivated. It’s amazing to be around such supportive and driven people; they really inspire me to push my own limits. We create a fun and professional atmosphere where everyone can shine. Every day brings its own set of challenges, but we face them together with excitement and a shared passion for reaching our goals.
What is your favorite part about working at Envoy?
I enjoy every aspect of being a station agent which includes but not limited to being at the ticket counter, boarding gate, jet bridge, ramp, aircraft marshalling, baggage and every other aspect of working at a regional airport.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
The most valuable lesson for me is the importance of paying attention, studying diligently, and learning from those who have paved the way before me. Throughout my journey with Envoy, I have been fortunate to encounter a remarkable group of individuals—dedicated trainers, supportive supervisors, general managers, and the entire Envoy team—who have played a vital role in shaping my professional growth. Their unwavering support, boundless patience, and wise guidance have been instrumental in my development, and I often reflect on how their experiences and insights have enriched my own understanding. I truly believe that the most profound lessons come from observing and learning from others, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from such an incredible community. It’s this shared knowledge that has pushed me forward, and I take these lessons with me as I keep moving along in my career
Are there any hobbies or interests outside of work that you’re passionate about?
I have many outside interests that keep me busy. I am very involved in my church; I work with the Riley County Community Emergency Response Team and have recently joined the Red Cross and am in training to become a volunteer with them as well. My favorite pastime is bowling. I have been bowling for over 30 years and love being in a league with great team members and meeting new people.
Congratulations, Benjamin!