Meet HJ Sanchez | Husband | Dad | Marketer | Business Owner | Guided by Faith/True Believer of the Rise Above Mentality🚀

We had the good fortune of connecting with HJ Sanchez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi HJ, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

ABOV HEADWEAR came from a simple idea: to make hats that blend performance with style, while embracing what I call “THE ABOV MENTALITY. I aim to craft an accessory that embodies the essence of life’s champions. In history, hats served as symbols of identity and status, representing groups of people. We’re seizing this chance to transform an American staple into a flag that stands for something bigger. ABOV HEADWEAR represents the winners in life—the individuals who face challenges head-on, with courage, and excel in every pursuit.”

ABOV HEADWEAR represents not just a brand, but a mentality—a reminder to our wearers that they possess the strength, courage, and resilience to conquer the everyday and achieve greatness, no matter how big or small the goal. It’s about celebrating the unsung heroes of daily life and their remarkable stories, which often go unnoticed.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My career journey has been an evolution fueled by my commitment to contributing to a greater purpose and the pursuit of new challenges. Beginning my professional journey in the Healthcare industry in Puerto Rico, I embarked on a path following my father’s footsteps. The healthcare industry captivated me—it’s among the most rewarding jobs, enabling me to make tangible contributions to enhancing people and patients’ lives. During my time there, I was recognized multiple times, including recognized as the top Sales Representative in my division.

However, my aspirations weren’t confined to mere accomplishments. Seeking perpetual growth, I transitioned to the Medical Devices sector within the same company, steering diverse product portfolios across Latin America. This journey propelled me to the USA, embarking on a new chapter, new company, managing a distinct device portfolio but above all, leaving my Island, Puerto Rico, my family and friends, it was really tough!

Currently, I’m privileged to contribute to a Robotic Surgery company in a global role, supporting regions like APAC and Europe while focusing on growing my business: ABOV HEADWEAR.

As you may notice my career has been all around: serving others, connecting people and constant change. However, through every change, and opportunity there has been doubts, worries, and also fear. What’s been constant is my strong belief in God, which gives me courage, strength and resilience to keep going, no matter what. My family and friends have always stood by me, helping me on this journey and my mentality of never giving up!

It hasn’t been easy, but with determination and the right people around, I’ve made it through. This is what The ABOV Mentality is all about —believing in yourself, facing challenges head-on, and taking one step at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

One of my favorite topics and things to do in my spare time. So absolutely, here’s a delightful week-long tour:

Durham:

Best Pizza (in my opinion in the entire triangle are ): Pizzeria Toro

Best cocktails: Alley Twenty-Six.

Best steaks at Nana’s Steakhouse

Best ice cream at The Parlour.

Apex:

Head to Salem Street Pub for their incredible burgers and afterward, treat yourself to delightful Cookies n Cream Ice Cream at Local Fresh. End the evening with a memorable meal at The Provincial.

Raleigh:

Beasley’s offers the best-fried chicken in Raleigh; make sure to savor the pimiento mac and cheese too! Later, head over to Watts & Ward for cocktails and great live music.

Cary:

 Enjoy a lovely brunch at Peck and Plume in The Mayton Hotel. Take a stroll around the new Cary Town Park, grab a pizza slice at Di Fara, and explore Fenton for a wide array of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

First and foremost, I dedicate this shoutout to the “winners in life” the everyday individuals who face life’s challenges head-on, never relenting in their pursuit of greatness. Their stories have been the bedrock of inspiration for ABOV HEADWEAR’s philosophy, celebrating the relentless spirit of those who go above and beyond, despite life’s struggles.

Moreover, I owe an immense debt of gratitude to my incredible support network—my family, especially my wife Maria and daughter, Ana Catalina, who’ve stood by me through every twist and turn, offering unwavering encouragement. My friends and extended family have also played pivotal roles in fueling this endeavor with their unflagging support and belief in the ABOV Mentality.

In addition, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to a few individuals and entities that have been instrumental in shaping the vision of ABOV HEADWEAR: MadMono Films for their creative contributions, JC Rosary for his mentorship and guidance, Elier Abraut for his unwavering support, Garage Buds for their collaborative spirit, Wendy Jones and her podcast ‘What I Mean to Say’ for sharing stories of inspiration, Karl de Blaker, Cearra, Victoria and Veronica Corcoran, Jenn Holley, Raleigh is growing, Raleigh Fashion Fest and CARSPACE.

Website: www.abovheadwear.com

Instagram: @abovheadwear

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/humberto-j-sanchez-7271b252

Facebook: @abovheadwear

Youtube: @abovheadwear4782