In the dynamic world of international trade, Rocamador Rubio Gómez stands out as a beacon of expertise and success. She has become a pivotal figure in the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Miami which is a testament to her dedication, knowledge, and unique approach to fostering international business relationships.
Born in Bilbao, in the Basque Country of northern Spain, Rocamador’s early life was shaped by her working-class family’s values and aspirations. Her drive to understand and alleviate economic limitations stemmed from her upbringing. This led her to pursue a degree in economics, with a particular fascination for international economics and economic development.
Rubio ‘s professional journey is marked by several aspects of her work that she loves: “The satisfaction of helping companies achieve their goals is a primary motivator,” she says.
“And seeing their success is immensely fulfilling and drives my passion for international trade and commerce.”
Rubio is an expert in the economic and business environments of both the United States and Spain. She has developed strategies to enhance trade, foster business relationships, and promote market penetration and investment in the construction and design industries. Her expertise makes her a sought-after authority, frequently quoted in trade publications and industry reports.
Since April 2001, Rubio has been the Director of the Department of Ceramic Tile, Natural Stone, Building Materials, and Furnishings at the Trade Commission of Spain in Miami.
In this role, she oversees all aspects of promotional programs, from conception to implementation.
Her responsibilities include planning and coordinating activities across sectors such as ceramic tile, natural stone, wood flooring, windows, and doors for both residential and commercial markets.
Rubio who holds a Master’s degree in Economic and Business Science from the University of the Basque Country (Bilbao, Spain) and a Postgraduate University Diploma in “Commercial Management of Exports and International Marketing” from the same university, cites initiatives like the Tile of Spain program and the Passport to Creativity Tour to Spain as projects she has particularly enjoyed: “It’s been a pleasure to help expand the Spanish business presence in the US. These unique programs are a testament to our innovative approaches to foster international growth.”
However, not just assisting businesses has been a career highlight. She adds: “Guiding interns and watching them grow into proficient professionals brings me immense joy. Mentorship is a vital part of my work, and I take great pride in nurturing the next generation of experts in this field.”
As part of her work at the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Miami, Rubio Gómez navigates the complexities of public administration with expertise.
She has excelled at trade show planning and organization, managing events such as the KBIS and Builders Show, AIA, NeoCom, and HD Show. This year she is directly involved in Coverings.
Rubio also assists Spanish companies in navigating U.S. distribution channels and forming partnerships in the building materials, kitchen and bath, home furnishings, architecture, and interior design sectors. Additionally, she conducts market research and analysis to facilitate Spanish companies’ entry into the U.S. market and coordinates business meetings between Spanish and U.S. companies. Rubio uses IT tools, including SAP and CRM, to manage budgets and customer relationships.
Her office operates under the ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, supporting the internationalization of Spanish companies and promoting exports and investments: “Managing limited public resources while ensuring compliance with Spanish and ICEX regulations adds a layer of responsibility and satisfaction to my work,” she says.
“‘It can often be complex but it is always incredibly rewarding.”
Rubio Gómez’s primary objective is to assist Spanish companies in navigating distribution and retail channels with the US, connecting them with product specifiers, and providing essential contact information.
Thanks to her efforts, she has established successful connections for companies such as Roca Tile, Peronda Group, ADEX, Porcelanosa, and Cosentino.
She employs a strategic framework that has proven efficient in international trade, which starts with understanding the target market: “Comprehensive research to identify opportunities and potential challenges is essential to our success.”
“Then we need to establish trust and rapport with key stakeholders which is another fundamental aspect. This is where regular communication and personalized engagement with clients and partners is central to our approach.”
Rubio adds: “We also need to have the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and innovate quickly. I encourage creative problem-solving and flexible strategies to meet diverse client needs within my team as this kind of thinking can be a huge asset to the client.
“And of course developing a skilled and motivated team is essential. Investing in training interns and employees fosters an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
“It also goes without saying that managing public resources responsibly and effectively is a cornerstone of our methodology. Ensuring that every action aligns with regulatory requirements and optimizes the use of available resources is paramount.”
Rubio’s methods have led to numerous success stories. For instance, The Tile of Spain program, which includes the Passport to Creativity Tour to Spain, has significantly increased the visibility and market share of Spanish ceramic tiles in the US. And continuing Education programs for organizations like the AIA (American Institute of Architects) have opened new avenues for cultural and business exchanges.
Her work has benefitted Spanish companies and contributed to the prosperity and wealth of the US and Spanish economies. Rubio’s efforts have established her as a reliable and honest professional, a mentor to many, and a capable leader who gets things done.
Her approach to her work is characterized by integrity, equal responsibility, adaptability, creativity, and flexibility. As well as this Rubio is a people person, committed to building teams and fostering positive relationships. Her dedication to her role and her clients’ success is unwavering.
Creative and Technical Consultant Ryan Fasan believes her thoughtful, caretaker mentality is a huge professional and personal asset: “It serves her well in her work, as she often manages large groups during international junkets, hosting journalists and design professionals. Roca often thinks three or four steps ahead, considering all ramifications. This ensures every contingency is covered. And her coordination ensures everything runs smoothly.”
Daniel Tormo the Founder and Managing Director of Medstones, a specialized supplier of natural stone: “Roca has this amazing ability to find you exactly who you are looking for from a distribution perspective. Time and again she has narrowed down our search to three companies all of which were superior in their skills and expertise. She provides that bridge makes my job much easier!”
Meanwhile, Carolina Fernandez, the Promotion Manager at ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, says Rocamador’s ability to manage budgets and deadlines which sets her apart from her peers: “She always ensures transparency, good management, and optimization of these resources.
“One of the activities in which we’ve collaborated in recent years is the Coverings Show, an annual event that brings together the entire ceramic tile industry in the United States and is very important for Spain, since the United States is our first destination market.
“Our teams have worked closely together to build ICEX & Trade Commission’s program of activities in the United States.
She is hardworking, bright and a skilled communicator. I have particularly enjoyed her ability to focus and achieve results in the most stressful situations and under tight deadlines.I hope that we will continue to work together for many years to come.”
Rubio’s path to success in international trade is paved with dedication, strategic thinking, and a passion for economic development.
Her ability to navigate the complexities of public administration while building strong international business relationships makes her a true global trade maestro.
“I want to leave a legacy of integrity, mentorship, and significant contributions to the global business community,” she reveals.
