Ideamensch- Javier Loya, Co-CEO of OTC Global Holdings

Read the article here: https://ideamensch.com/javier-loya/

Read the article here: https://ideamensch.com/javier-loya/

Read the article here: https://ideamensch.com/javier-loya/

Read the article here: https://ideamensch.com/javier-loya/

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Javier Loya
Co-CEO of OTC Global Holdings

IdeaMensch + October 15, 2024

2. Javier Loya is Chairman and Co-CEO of commodities broker OTC Global
Holdings (OTCGH), a company he co-founded in 2007 and has led to become
the largest independent interdealer brokerage in the world. Javier is also the
founder and Chairman of GETCHOICE, a national energy software company
founded in 2002, and which empowers clients to become smarter and greener
by providing technology-based energy, telecom, and utility management
services.

Javier was recognized by the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as
“Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2002, and in 2007 was honored by the Greater
Houston Partnership as an “Emerging Leader” In 2004, the U.S. Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce named Javier its “Hispanic Businessman of the Year”
and in the same year he received the John Jay Award for distinguished
professional achievement from Columbia University. In 2010, Javier received
the prestigious Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, one of the
business world's highest honors. Additionally, Javier served on the Board of
Regents for Texas Southern University from 2007-2009 and on the Board of
Directors for several charitable organizations across Houston.

OTCGH has been named to the Houston Chronicle's “Chron 100" list of the top
privately-held companies multiple times, in addition to being named the
“fastest growing company in Houston” by the Houston Business Journal in
2008. The company has been selected five times “Broker of the Year” by Energy
Risk in 2011, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022, recognizing its excellence among peers
across the globe.

3. Javiers passion for sports has led him to be a founding partner of the NFL.
Houston Texans and the Major League Rugby Houston SaberCats. The lessons
learned from coaches and teammates remain a significant part of his life and
impact the way he runs his business, cares for his family, and supports those in
need. Javier is actively involved in the Greater Houston Football Senior
Showcase, which has generated over $160 million in scholastic aid for more
than 4,000 participants since its inception in 2008. Its success was so great
that Javier decided to form the Greater El Paso Football Showcase Combine,
which allows him to give back to the student athletes in his hometown. Since
2011, over 150 high school seniors from the El Paso area have earned over $16
million in scholarships. Many of these deserving but underserved students are
the first in their families to attend college, bringing them opportunities
otherwise undiscovered, By reinforcing academic and athletic success, drive,
diligence and hard work, Javier has helped the next generation realize the
unlimited possibilities that stem from a commitment to both school and
sports.

Javier is married to Lucinda Vincent-Loya and is the devoted father of two
teenage girls, Ana Luca and Elena who currently attend University of Southern
California. He graduated from Columbia University in New York City in 1991
and currently lives in Houston, Texas.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it
productive?

Atypical day for me starts early, often before the sun is up. I find that the quiet
hours of the morning are the best time to set the tone for the day ahead —
whether that's through a workout, reviewing key priorities, or just spending
some time in reflection. Physical activity is critical for me, not just for my
health but also for my focus and productivity. It clears my mind and ensures
that I'm ready for the challenges ahead.

4. Once I'm in the office or on the move, my day is a combination of meetings
with our teams at OTC Global Holdings, catching up with partners, and staying
connected with what's happening in the commodity markets. I also make sure
to carve out time for strategy — both short-term and long-term. I try to
maintain an open-door policy as much as possible, encouraging my colleagues
to bring their ideas and concerns directly to me. That connection with the
team keeps me grounded and ensures I'm aware of what's happening on all
levels of the business

‘To make my day productive, I focus heavily on delegation. 1 have built a strong
team around me, and I trust them to handle the details so that I can focus on

big-picture thinking. I'm also very intentional about time management, making
sure to block out time for creative thinking and important tasks instead of just
real

\g to what's urgent. Every decision I make revolves around impact — how
I can most effectively move the needle, whether in business or the community.

At the end of the day, I take time to disconnect and spend time with my family.
Its important to me to be present at home, just as much as I am in my
professional life. Balancing these roles is what ultimately keeps me energized
and productive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Bringing ideas to life starts with having the right mindset, one that’s open to
possibilities, grounded in creativity, and driven by a desire to solve problems.
I've learned that the key to successful execution is to marry big ideas with the
ability to break them down into actionable steps. It’s about turning visions into
practical, tangible outcomes.

The first step is identifying the core problem we're trying to solve or the
‘opportunity we want to seize. I always try to ensure that every idea, no matter
how grand or abstract, has a clear and measurable purpose. From there, I take
a collaborative approach. I bring in our team and the people whose diverse
perspectives will help refine the concept. I'm a firm believer that the best ideas
flourish when they're challenged, debated, and examined from different angles.

5. Once we're aligned on the concept, I focus on building a roadmap — defining
key milestones, assigning responsibilities, and setting deadlines. The execution
stage is where discipline is critical. Its easy for an idea to get lost in
excitement, but real value comes from staying committed to the process.

What's one trend that excites you?

One trend that really excites me is the growing focus on sustainability within
the commodities market. For years, the industry operated with a “business as
usual” mindset, where efficiency and profitability were the primary focus.
However, there has been a significant shift towards integrating sustainable
practices, and I find this both necessary and incredibly promising,

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

One habit that helps me stay productive is what I call “strategic reflection”
Every day, I carve out dedicated time to step back from the noise—whether it’s
early in the morning or at the end of the day — and reflect on what I'm working
towards, why it matters, and how effectively I'm moving in that direction.

This reflection isn't just about reviewing tasks or crossing items off my to-do
list; ¡ts about aligning my daily actions with my long-term goals.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If could give my younger self some advice, it would be to embrace risk more
confidently and trust the process. When I started out, there were times when I
hesitated, doubted my instincts, or felt that I needed everything to be perfectly
aligned before taking the next step. Looking back, I've realized that growth
often happens in those moments of uncertainty when you push past fear and
take calculated risks.

1 also remind my younger self that setbacks are part of the journey. There's a
tendency when youre young to view failures as defining moments, but I've
come to see them as valuable lessons and stepping stones. Every setback
taught me something I needed to know — whether about myself, about
business, or about the market — and ultimately set me up for greater success
in the long run. Resilience is key, and the earlier you build that mindset, the
more adaptable and successful you'll be.

6. Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with
you.

Something I believe that not everyone agrees with is that failure should be
celebrated, not just accepted. I don't mean just paying lip service to learning
from mistakes, but truly recognizing failure as an essential and valuable part of
success, especially in business.

This belief isn't always popular. We live in a results-driven world where there's
pressure to constantly deliver, and failure can feel like a setback that needs to
be hidden or minimized. But I see it differently: failure is a teacher, and the
lessons it provides are what pave the path to sustainable success.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend
everyone else do?

Set aside time for deep, uninterrupted thinking, We live in an incredibly fast-
paced world, filled with distractions, constant connectivity, and an endless
flow of information. Amid all of that, it's easy to fall into the trap of simply
reacting to what's happening around us instead of thoughtfully planning or
strategizing,

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you
do?

Physical movement helps me clear my head, reduce stress, and often brings me
a fresh perspective on whatever challenge I'm facing. It’s surprising how a
change of environment and some physical activity can make problems that
seemed daunting suddenly more manageable.

Talso make a point to revisit my priorities. When things get overwhelming, its.
usually because Im trying to juggle too much at once, and everything starts
feeling equally urgent. In those moments, I pause and take stock of what's on
my plate, asking myself what really matters and whats driving the most impact.
I then re-focus on the most critical tasks — the things that will move the
needle for OTC Global Holdings, the Houston Texans, or any of my other
ventures.

7. What is one strategy that has helped you grow your
business or advance in your career?

One strategy that has been instrumental in both growing my business and
advancing my career is fostering a culture of continuous learning and
adaptation within my organizations.

What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it,
and what lessons did you take away from it?

I've had several failed ideas over the years. The key takeaway from this
experience was that not every idea will succeed, and that's okay. What matters
is how you respond to challenges and use them as opportunities for growth.
‘This has instilled in me the value of resilience and the necessity of maintaining
a flexible approach in an ever-changing business landscape.

What is one business idea youre willing to give away to our
readers?

One business idea I'd be willing to share is creating a platform that pairs Al-
powered productivity tools with human coaching in a seamless and
personalized way. The idea is to leverage technology for productivity and scale
— automating routine tasks, optimizing schedules, and offering data-driven
insights — but never fully replace the involvement and power of human drive.
‘The platform would focus on enhancing the productivity of small business
owners and freelancers, allowing them to use cutting-edge technology while
having access to human experts who can provide strategic guidance and
motivation,

What is one piece of software that helps you be
productive? How do you use it?

OTC Global Holdings proprietary platform, EOXLive. Its definitely a game-
changer for not just myself but also for our brokers, traders, and clients. It
provides the transparency, pre-trade intelligence, and unmatched liquidity that
we need to make informed decisions in the commodities markets. By offering
unique and comprehensive market data, the platform allows us to stay ahead of
trends, identify opportunities, and maintain a competitive edge.

8. What is the best $100 you recently spent?

‘The best $100 I recently spent was on a high-quality, noise-canceling headset.
As someone who frequently navigates a fast-paced environment filled with
meetings and collaborative discussions, having a reliable headset has made a
significant difference in my productivity and focus.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you've
received much value?

One of my favorite books is Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book has
provided me with valuable insights into the power of small changes and how
they can lead to significant improvements over time. Clear practical approach
to habit formation and his emphasis on systems rather than just goals resonate
deeply with me. He offers actionable strategies for building good habits and
breaking bad ones, which I've applied not just in my personal life but also in
leading teams at OTC Global Holdings.

What's a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently enjoyed Ted Lasso, and I found it to be a refreshing take on
leadership and team dynamics. The series beautifully blends humor with
heartfelt moments, showcasing the importance of empathy, communication,
and resilience in a leadership role.

Key learnings:

+ Failure can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth, highlighting the
importance of thorough preparation, user feedback, and accountability
in the development process.

+ Small, consistent improvements can lead to significant changes over
time, reinforcing the idea that success is often about incremental
progress rather than immediate perfection.

+ Building strong relationships and fostering a supportive team
environment are essential components of effective leadership,
illustrating that empathy and communication are as important as
strategy.