WiM Member Spotlight - Maria Ruiz
Getting to know WiM member...
Tell us a little about your company and the work you do in manufacturing.
Born in the country famous for barbecue and tango, Ricardo Presa began his sausage making journey in Argentina in the 1950s. He worked in butcher shops throughout his life, where he developed a deep passion for working with meat.
In 1981, he moved his family to the United States and began making sausages from his home, selling them to local Argentine restaurants in South Florida. After recognizing a growing demand for his products, he founded Mr. Tango, becoming the first Argentinian style sausage available in the South Florida retail market in 1985.
As South Florida’s cultural landscape diversified, the company expanded its product line, and in 1995 the business officially became Special America’s BBQ Inc. Today, Ricardo’s children and two of his granddaughters lead the company. Their products are now sold in major U.S. cities as well as in the Caribbean, Central America, and several South American countries.
What makes your organization unique or something you’re especially proud of?
What makes our organization truly unique is our commitment to preserving the culture and legacy established by our founder. Consistency, respect for others, and transparency are the core values he instilled in us, principles that continue to guide everything we do.
What inspired your company to become a WiM corporate member?
Becoming a WiM corporate member allows everyone at Mr. Tango to benefit from the many professional development opportunities WiM offers. It also provides us with a platform to share our story within the industry while learning from the experiences and perspectives of other companies.
How are you hoping to engage with or benefit from the WiM community?
Networking is essential to building strong community connections, and WiM offers a variety of tools and resources that will support Mr. Tango Sausages in its continued growth. We also value the opportunity to connect with individuals who share our passion for the industry.
How does your organization support employee growth and development?
Whenever possible, Mr. Tango Sausages promotes from within. We offer training opportunities and support employees seeking certifications such as HACCP, OSHA, and other industry specific programs. Investing in our team’s development is a key part of our culture.
What excites you most about the future of manufacturing?
I’m most excited about the growing role that technology is playing in the manufacturing industry. Innovations across the sector are creating opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?
What I enjoy most about this industry is that each day brings a new challenge. Career opportunities are endless, and the manufacturing field is incredibly diverse, there is always something new to learn.