Trade Flex Legacy
In 1928, Antonio H. Guerra, a chemist working for the Mexican government, helped write the Mexican Tariff Schedules. By 1937, he had risen to the position of Chief of Mexican Customs in Laredo, Texas.
In 1947, the Guerra family obtained a Mexican National Broker License, capitalizing on the rail crossing system between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas.
In 1968, Antonio Guerra Alarcon and Teresa Guerra obtained their Mexican National Broker License, specializing in the Maquiladora regime.
In 1998, Porfirio Waters expanded their capabilities by obtaining a US CUSTOMS BROKER NATIONAL LICENSE, streamlining border crossings.
By 2000, the family’s business had grown into a complete logistics management model, encompassing transportation, warehousing, and customs, with a borderless company culture.
In 2018, they gained Freight Forwarding authority, offering door-to-door services worldwide.
In 2020, Porfirio’s division was acquired by TECMA, expanding their reach from Brownsville to San Diego.
Now, in 2023, Porfirio has reacquired the company, forming TradeFlex Supply Chain Solutions and BorderFlex IMMEX Manufacturing Services, ensuring the legacy thrives in the ever-evolving world of trade.
Our Mission
TO FOSTER AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE BOTH OUR EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS EAGERLY LOOK FORWARD TO ENGAGING WITH OUR COMPANY.
- Attentively heed our customers’ requirements.
- Ensure we deliver desired outcomes.
- Uphold a workplace centered on customer satisfaction.
Biographies
Porfrio Waters
Porfirio Waters is a US Licensed Customs Broker and seasoned consultant with over 27 years of leadership experience in high-paced multinational organizations. He holds licenses and certifications, including IATA/FIATA and Customs and Border Protection CTPAT validation.
His expertise encompasses:
- Launching and relocating Maquiladora (IMMEX) operations
- Handling US Customs Commercial Rulings
- Managing Foreign Trade Zones
- Navigating Food and Drug Administration Import/Export regulations
- Complying with APHIS USDA guidelines
Porfirio’s career began in automotive logistics, where he managed supply chains for major players like General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, and Honda. As Vice President of a large US Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder, he oversaw warehouses, US and Mexican customs departments, and intermodal operations on the Texas southern border while ensuring ISO Quality System compliance.
Later, as the owner and Chief Executive of a comprehensive logistics management service provider, Porfirio facilitated successful business expansions and relocations for companies from the US, Asia, Canada, and Europe into Mexico and North America. His services encompassed customs, warehousing, freight forwarding, and transportation, all compliant with ISO 9000 standards, audited by Lloyd’s.
John Rippee
•John Rippee is Executive Vice President at BorderFlex Solutions, director and board member of the TradeFlex Group. John has been in the Shelter environment for 18 years focused on strategic growth and company implementation. Rippee has assisted with operations start-
ups in key areas of Mexico to include Juarez, Torreon, Tijuana and Nuevo Leon. His experience is vast, from the program management to executive management of large-scale Mexican shelter operations.
•Prior to his ventures into Mexico, Rippee was an Army Aviator serving overseas from 2000-2008, He also spent time as an Officer in the New Mexico National Guard continuing his flying career. Rippee holds a Masters in Leadership from the University of Texas at El Paso and a B.S. from Texas State University. He is an aviation enthusiast and has experience flying helicopters and jet airplanes.
Erika Peña
Erika, born in Pharr Texas just across the border from Reynosa, is a trusted leader in the local community. She is a proven entrepreneur with several successful business ventures. She began her business in Mexican Customs in 2002 and steadily grew over the years until she and her staff joined the TradeFlex team. Erika has dedicated over 25 years to the field of foreign relations in Mexico in support of cross border operations. Her dedication to her craft and skills has led her to obtain a certification from the Organization of American States (OAS) as a customs broker. She has expanded her business into many realms in Mexico supporting various IMMEX programs and is now a Commercializadora in Mexico allowing TradeFlex greater flexibility for its clients in the Mexican sector. Erika’s character and business prowess is a force to reckoned with in the Rio Grande Valley Valley.
Geoffrey Waters
Geoffrey Waters will become the fourth generation U.S. Customs Broker in the TradeFlex family legacy. A Rio Grande Valley native, Geoffrey graduated from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology. Geoffrey began his journey in the Customs Brokerage industry under the counsel of his father, Porfirio Waters, becoming the Operations Manager soon there after. His excellent work ethic, expertise, and organizational skills were utilized by TECMA after their acquisition in his capacity as Branch Manager until Geoffrey began working for Alps Alpine companies. Geoffrey’s experience with Alps Alpine companies has enabled him to obtain vast experience in manufacturing business practice in a multinational fast paced environment. This also allowed him to gain vast experience in supply chain principles in a multibillion-dollar company, while gaining valuable perspective in the supply chain
industry.
Having passed the U.S. Customs Broker exam, Geoffrey’s ten years of prior experience in the customs brokerage and supply chain industry will undoubtedly enhance the knowledge he needs to serve our clients. Geoffrey is not only gifted in his analytical skills but is also
a lifelong learner who is always curious about history and culture. We are proud of his ambition and character, and to share these qualities with our clients and employees alike.
