Fostering Accountability and Excellence

Lucio Guajardo III spent two decades in the U.S. Army, and that career laid a solid foundation for his success within Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, particularly through his leadership, discipline, and strategic foresight.

His firsthand understanding of military training requirements allows him to serve as a trusted liaison with Goodwill San Antonio's government partners, offering insights that enhance long-term strategic planning and mission readiness.

Organizational Impact

Shaped by years of commanding diverse teams as a staff sergeant under high-pressure conditions, Guajardo's leadership style fosters a culture of accountability and excellence within Goodwill San Antonio.

"The Army instilled in me the values of selfless service, duty, discipline, and structure—principles that guide how I support and develop my team every day," says Guajardo.

William Perry, Goodwill San Antonio vice president of contract services, says Guajardo's "ability to mentor junior staff and build cohesive teams mirrors the Army's emphasis on unit cohesion and mission focus, directly contributing to improved operational outcomes and employee engagement."

Guajardo's organizational expertise ensured the successful staffing and management of an eight-member AbilityOne team, maintaining training areas, ranges, helicopter landing zones, and road easements to federal standards.

Customer impact and recognition

Guajardo was instrumental in launching and sustaining Goodwill's newest AbilityOne Program federal contract at JBSA-Camp Bullis, overseeing grounds maintenance across 1,282 acres of rugged terrain.

Once stationed at Camp Bullis, Guajardo's active-duty assignment gave him an unparalleled familiarity with the terrain, infrastructure, and operational rhythms of the installation. This knowledge has proven invaluable in coordinating complex logistical efforts and anticipating challenges before they arise.

"Working on a military base as a veteran gives me a powerful sense that I am still contributing to the service of my country. Even though I've taken off the uniform, the mission focused mindset never leaves you,” says Guajardo. "Once a soldier, always a soldier, and being able to support the installation and those who serve allows me to continue answering that call in a different but deeply meaningful way."

Guajardo's responsiveness to base needs and proactive problem-solving earned commendations from stakeholders and contributed directly to mission readiness.

A federal site manager praised Guajardo and his team's efforts, writing, "I just wanted to drop you a quick email and let you know that I really appreciate your team at Camp Bullis. They have been great. Super easy to work with and the results are most excellent."

Promotion and responsibility

In a testament to his exceptional leadership and operational capabilities, Guajardo earned a promotion to senior project manager at JBSA-Lackland, Goodwill San Antonio's largest and most complex federal grounds contract. Guajardo now oversees more than 3,400 acres, two operating locations, over 50 AbilityOne team members, and manages over $1 million in major equipment.

"His ability to coordinate large-scale operations while fostering a high-performing, inclusive team environment reflects his deep commitment to both mission success and people development," says Perry.

Guajardo's impact is felt not only in the results he delivers but in the culture of excellence he cultivates.

"We directly support the warfighter mission by ensuring the installation's ranges, training areas, Lackland's Basic Training Parade Field, and base wide facility grounds are maintained in a high state of readiness," says Guajardo. "Every acre we care for helps create safe, reliable, and mission focused environments where service members can train, prepare, and succeed. Knowing that our team's efforts enable warfighters to stay focused on their mission gives our work purpose, pride, and meaning every single day."

The mention of the U.S. Government in this article does not imply endorsement by the government of the product or service provided by the nonprofit agency to the government.