About Us
Our Company
OpTech, minority-owned and operated since our inception in San Antonio in 1986, provides technologically advanced solutions ranging from supply chain management, biotech, and IT, to distribution, warehousing and personnel research. Our clients are equally varied with privately held, publicly traded and government clients around the globe.
Our unsurpassed focus on every client’s unique objectives, combined with our integrity and superior performance, has delivered effective results year over year.
Our success stems from an unwavering dedication to our management philosophy: hire gifted professionals in multiple disciplines and continually strive for improvement in every project, every day. This philosophy is why we deliver reliable results to our clients year after year.
OpTech has garnered awards from clients, industry, scientific groups for business growth, research and innovation, and corporate citizenship. OpTech’s major current and past clients include Toyota, AT&T, Telmex, Cisco, Johnson Controls, The Pentagon, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, NASA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Operating Principles
- SERVICE- Customer Satisfaction
- QUALITY – Operational Excellence
- PROFITABILITY
- DEVELOPMENT – Employee Centric
- GROWTH – Systematic Approach to Goodness
Integrated Management System Policy
We are committed to continual Improvement of our quality processes while fostering a safe, secure and healthy workplace for our people, customers, partners, and suppliers that preserves our environment adhering to the incumbent legal framework.
Our Vision
Operational Technologies vision is to continuously strive to provide superior services and products to our clients while providing an exceptional working environment for the OpTech Team. Through dedication, we will earn our goals of continued corporate growth and profitability in both national and international markets.
Our Mission
We are Committed to excellence in providing scientific and technical solutions for our global clients.
Our Team
At OpTech, our team takes pride in making the world a better place! With a strong presence in both the automotive industry and the international supply chain management industry, our professionals and technicians create and provide value-added solutions for a wide range of clients. Our dedication to delivering top results and innovation opens up a realm of possibilities that both fulfill client needs and develop successful and fulfilling careers.
We are minority-owned and operated. We employ a team filled with individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, education, and specialized training. Many of our employees have multiple degrees and/or certifications, and possess skills and expertise in multiple fields.
We also understand the best way to recruit and retain top performers is to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefit packages. Here are just a few of the benefits we offer:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) programs
- Educational and Training Assistance
OpTech is dedicated to supporting Supplier Diversity Initiatives, and proactively supports the principle of Equal Opportunity.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Our History
Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech), was established in 1986 in San Antonio, Texas by Max Navarro along with co founders, Dr. C. Wayne Shore and Dr. Lynda Y. de la Vina. Privately held and minority owned, OpTech has been named one of the fastest growing small businesses in the US by INC Magazine on three separate occasions.
Military:
The first major contract at OpTech was with the US Military’s Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test for personnel research and testing calibration. During this same period, OpTech’s team secured contracts with the Air Force Intelligence Agency (AIA), for the engineering and installation of high security electronic surveillance and other sensitive security equipment for U.S. installations around the world.
Biotech:
Seeing an opportunity to expand, the team broadened services to include an Environmental Engineering Division, opening offices in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dayton, Ohio, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. OpTech continued to grow and expand as the company was granted multiple U.S. Air Force contracts in high tech, leading to a decision to spin-off research and development in biotechnology – OTC Biotech.
Today this OpTech’s biotechnology subsidiary is led by Chief Scientist Dr. John Bruno. Dr. Bruno received his Ph.D. Microbiology & Immunology from the University of Arizona 1991, conducting molecular-based R&D using short-chain synthetic DNA “aptamers.” Dr. Bruno, an internationally recognized and leading authority in aptamer research and development, has secured close to a dozen patents. In addition, he has authored numerous publications in scientific journals and books. Dr. Bruno has been highly successful in obtaining Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Army and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contracts and funding, as well as receiving numerous awards, including the prestigious Tibbetts Award in 2011.
Since its inception, OTC Biotech has succeeded in research and development of DNA aptamer conjugates for use in portable microbial diagnostic devices. Currently the company is engaged in promising research in several arenas in the biotechnology industry. These include food and water safety testing, bio-chemical warfare sensor detection, and the development of other medical detection devices.
Internet:
In the mid-1990s, the team landed a contract with a leading telecommunications carrier for the light manufacturing, assembly, and fulfillment of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) commercial applications. OpTech worked to deploy technology in the telecomm’s thirteen state region, delivering internet connections to the residential and business mass-consumer markets. As a result, OpTech’s technology deployment was instrumental in the explosive penetration, growth, and ubiquitousness of the Internet Technology Age in the US.
International:
Mexico: Since 2005, OpTech has operated complex cross-border maquiladoras in Mexico as well as operating a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designated facility at Port San Antonio. In an effort to support the company’s International Supply Chain strategy, in 2003, OpTech established Soluciones Tecnológicas Integradas, S.A. de C.V., (STI) in Mexico. STI provides supply chain management services within the Mexican telecommunications industry and operates seven distribution centers with a presence in over sixty cities. STI provides light manufacturing, assembly and fulfillment for its largest client, Telmex, and delivers over 50,000 modems a month to residential and business Telmex customers.
Japan: In 2004, OpTech formed a partnership with a Japanese automotive conglomerate, Vuteq Corporation, to provide global tier-one supplier support to Toyota. This highly successful joint venture company, Vutex Inc., is a tier one supplier which assembles numerous components for the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma trucks at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in San Antonio, Texas. Vutex, Inc. operates 300,000 square feet of production space and provides Toyota with instrument panel module assembly, trim parts sub-assembly, door assembly, and operates a 38,000 square foot glass assembly facility.
Awards
Max Navarro was appointed by Commerce Secretary Robert Mossbacher to serve on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Board. In 2006, Navarro was appointed by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to serve as the Chairman for Emerging Technologies on Digital Age and Diversity Subcommittee. In 1994 and again in 1996, Mr. Navarro was appointed as an International Observer for the Mexican Presidential Elections in Mexico City, Puebla, and the Mexican State of Chiapas. Mr. Navarro also served on the St. Mary’s University Board of Trustees and the Texas Research and Technology Foundation Board of Directors.
Mr. Navarro’s personal endeavors include; Board member of the Industry Policy Advisory Committee for Trade Policy Matters (IPAC), Committee Member for the National Marine and Fishery Service, Committee Member for the National Weather Service, Committee Member for the National Sanctuary Marine Program, and a National Board Member for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
In addition, Mr. Navarro initiated and established a Community Development Bank in San Antonio which has been in successful operation since 1994.
Max Navarro
In March 1986, Max Navarro founded Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech), the first San Antonio Hispanic-based scientific research firm. At the time, San Antonio’s scientific military community needed locally-based, efficient, reliable and scientifically qualified firms to meet the military demand for multi-disciplinary technical services. The development of this critical division resulted in OpTech generating a multitude of important services currently provided to the Federal Government and other High-Technology Industries. Mr. Navarro has built his company into a well recognized firm which has attained excellence through innovation, leadership, integrity, and trust with its clients worldwide. OpTech employs highly qualified personnel throughout the United States and has teams performing all over the world. The Company has evolved into a Telecommunications technical provider and into a diversified firm specializing in: Biotechnology, Innovative Research, International Supply Chain Services, and most recently the Automotive industry. Operational Technologies Corporation has received numerous awards from the Department of Defense and the Telecommunications Industry. Mr. Navarro has received INC Magazine’s Award in 1993, 1995 and 2002 for chairing one of the fastest growing small businesses in the United States.
In August of 1994 and at the request of the Civil Alliance and the Mexican. Electoral Institute, Mr. Navarro served as an International Observer in the Mexican Presidential elections in the Mexican State of Chiapas. In the 2006 Mexican Presidential Elections, Mr. Navarro was again certified by the Mexican Electoral Institute as an International Elections Observer with the U .S./Mexico Chamber of Commerce Observation Mission. He continues to be involved in Latin American affairs, especially in the economic opportunities in Mexico as a result of the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFT A).
In November of 1994, Mr. Navarro was confirmed to serve as a member of the Industry Policy Advisory Committee for Trade Policy Matters (IPAC). The appointment was made by Commerce Secretary, Ronald Brown and Michael Kantor, from the Office of U.S. Trade Representative. Mr. Navarro's role was to provide advice to the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative which was critical in pursuing trade objectives which reflect the concerns and interests of the private sector. The IPAC is the highest level of private industry appointments for the U. S. Department of Commerce and the U. S. Trade Office. In 1996 Mr. Navarro was reappointed to IPAC by Secretary of Commerce, Michael Kantor and Acting United States Trade Representative, Charlene Barshefsky. He was re-appointed again 1997 by current Secretary of Commerce Mr. William Daley.
In 1991, Mr. Navarro was appointed to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commission by Secretary of Commerce, Robert Mossbacher, in conjunction with the support of the White House Personnel Executive Office. As a member of this Commission, he reported directly to the Secretary of Commerce and coordinated closely with the Undersecretary of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA administration comprises over 50% of the total budget for the Department of Commerce. NOAA conducts research and gathers data about the global oceans, atmosphere, space and sun, and applies this knowledge to science and service that touches the lives of all Americans.
In 1994-2000, Mr. Navarro served on the Research Planning Committee, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This committee is made up of distinguished Texas scientists and technology innovators to provide oversight and approval reviews of over 60 million dollars of competition grants funded by the State of Texas. The majority of funding is competitively sought by the State Universities and Health Science Centers throughout the State.
Mr. Navarro served as a Committee Member for the National Marine and Fishery Service. As a member of this committee and in conjunction with Mr. Perry Bass of Fort Worth, Mr. Navarro was instrumental in reviewing the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which introduced access controls into United States fisheries and management of our marine fisheries. Assessments of various programs and sub-committee recommendations were made to Secretary of Commerce Barbara Franklin.
Mr. Navarro served as a Committee Member for the National Weather Service. As a member of this important committee, Mr. Navarro worked very closely with Dr. Robert White, President of the National Academy of Engineering, to review the national implementation plan for the modernization and associated restructuring of our National Weather Service. Mr. Navarro was particularly conscious of any major consequences from this plan and their impact on the State of Texas. This strategic plan is part of a clear mandate for substantial weather forecasting improvement and for the complete modernization of the Weather Service for the twenty second century. The plan addresses the implementation of one of the most advanced hydrometeorological warning and forecast systems in the world.
In 1997, Mr. Navarro was appointed as a Trustee to the Texas Research and Technology Foundation (TRTF). As a business leader chairing a high technology based firm, Mr. Navarro brought his unique capabilities in the start-up process of new business formulation, technology transfer assessments, and integrated commercialization/public transformation. Mr. Navarro has clearly defined and demonstrated the value in linking the private sector, the University system and the public sector in new high technology business formulation alternatives.
In 1992, Mr. Navarro served on the College of Sciences and Engineering Advisory Council. Mr. Navarro’s enthusiasm to serve on this committee was precipitated by his personal desire to help make a contribution to the future educational impact of San Antonio and its youth. Agendas on this council have included UTSA Strategic Plan and Engineering/Bioscience initiatives. Mr. Navarro is well aware that these programs will have a major impact in the immediate future on available scientific and educational programs for students. These programs should direct students into the sciences and new technology requirements of tomorrow. Mr. Navarro strongly advocates that educational opportunities must be available to all students of Texas on an equitable community-based location plan. These students are the future of Texas' new era of high technology and scientific endeavors. Mr. Navarro was re-appointed in 2002.
In 1992, Mr. Navarro was appointed to the St. Mary's University, School of Business Advisory Council to facilitate and strengthen the school's utilization of the experience and advice of council members to provide liaison with the business community. In April of 1997, Mr. Navarro became a Board Trustee of St. Mary's University and serves on the Academic Affairs Committee and Appointment & Committee.
Mr. Navarro served as a Committee Member for the National Sanctuary Maine Program. This committee implemented a resolution to the Secretary of Commerce to enhance the Sanctuary Program within NOAA and to strengthen the Program's public association. The National Sanctuary Program is now responsible for the management of 13 national sanctuaries consisting of thousands of square oceanic miles including the Flower Garden Banks located 110 miles southeast of Galveston Bay. The Flower Garden is Texas' only national designated sanctuary and must be preserved for the future for our children to enjoy.
In early 1993, Mr. Navarro initiated the Community Development Bank Fund. This endeavor established a Community Development Bank in San Antonio. The concept of the Community Bank is to provide needed financial services for small, women, and minority-owned businesses that have traditionally been unable to be served by today's banking and financial systems. Today, the Community Development Bank Fund now has over two million dollars pledged by investors and has been in operation since July of 1994.
In 1997, Mr. Navarro was appointed to the National Board of Directors in Washington, DC of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, a civil rights organization dedicated to the legal, educational, and social issues of Hispanic communities.
In 1999, Mr. Navarro officially became a National Board Member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. The institute includes in its membership the majority of elected United States Congressional Hispanic Representatives.
In 2006, Mr. Navarro was appointed by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to serve as a Member of the Digital Age on Diversity and Technology Committee.
Mr. Navarro has recently retired from the St. Mary's University Board of Trustees, and currently serves on the Mexico-¬US Chamber of Commerce, and the Japan American Society of San Antonio.
Education: Mr. Navarro received his M.S. Degree from St. Mary's University.
Dr. C. Wayne Shore contributes to the overall management of OpTech’s operations along with its interests in other companies. He also directs OpTech’s Personnel Research Division which primarily supports Department of Defense military personnel research.
Dr. C. Wayne Shore
Dr. C. Wayne Shore is a graduate of Duke University (B.S.), Vanderbilt University (Peabody College) (M.S.), and Oklahoma State University (Ph.D.). He retired after a 20-year career in the Air Force where he served as Special Agent, Office of Special Investigations, Chief of Training Technology for Air Training Command, Chief of Air Force Personnel Testing, Commander of Occupational Measurement Squadron, and Chairman of the Joint-Services Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Working Group. After retirement from the Air Force, he served as manager of the San Antonio office of McFann-Gray Associates. He then cofounded and served as President of Performance Metrics, Inc. He is a cofounder of OpTech and several of its associated companies.
His duties with OpTech include managing the Personnel Research Division and serving on the Board of Directors. He also represents OpTech as a board member for Vutex, Inc, SecureLogix, Inc., and Cibus Biotechnologies.
His other interests and activities include tennis, in which he created the first metrics, including a mathematical model of a tennis match; member of the University of London’s Forum for Authorship Studies; and author of fictional short stories in various genres.
Dr. Lynda Y. de la Viña was named Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Treasury Department under Secretary Robert Rubin during the administration of President Bill Clinton. Dr. De la Viña completed her Presidential Appointment and was subsequently named Professor and Associate Dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Professional Studies, where she led the Graduate Division of Business and Management and was Chair of the Department of Finance and International Business at the University. She served as Dean of the College of Business for the University of Texas at San Antonio from 2004-2012.
Lynda De La Viña, PhD
Dr. de la Viña received her master’s and doctorate in economics from Rice University and her bachelor’s in government and economics from University of Texas, Pan American campus. She was the first Mexican-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in economics in the United States.Recognized by her peers, she received the 2014 Alumni Achievement Award from UTPA; the 2011 Federation of Business Disciplines Outstanding Educator Award; and the 2006 Ford Educational Excellence award. In 2005, she was named one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S. by Hispanic Business magazine. . She also completed a prestigious Kellogg Leadership Fellows Program and was named one of the most influential women in Texas by the Texas Diversity Council.
The first Mexican-American woman at the secretarial level of the U.S. Treasury in the Clinton administration, de la Viña served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy from 1998-2001. Following her role at the Treasury, she was senior policy analyst at the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. She then rejoined academia and was named full professor and associate dean of the School of Professional Studies where she led the Graduate Division of Business and Management and was Chair of the Department of Finance and International Business. She served as Dean of the College of Business at University of Texas, San Antonio, was named the Peter Flawn Professor of Entrepreneurship and Economics and Director for the Center for Global Entrepreneurship.
She has co-founded several technology companies including Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech) and Pronucleotein Biotechnologies (now CibusDX) in San Antonio, TX. Under her tenure, OpTech rose from a small incubator operation in downtown San Antonio to one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the nation. She continues to serve on the Board of Directors of OpTech and is also on the Advisory Board of Novothelium and the Board of Directors of Virus Visualization LLC.
Her latest ventures are VINJER: delavina/jerge productions LLC where she is the majority owner with co-founders Nicholas Jerge (NY) and John de la Viña (LA) and Honey West Entertainment LLC with VINJER as majority owner and also cofounded by Gloria Fickling, author of the Honey West novels. Both entities have offices in San Antonio and Los Angeles. VINJER is dedicated to the development of film/tv/alternative media productions. Lynda is a prolific academic writer and has also co-written film scripts; a television pilot: and various treatments. Her personal focus is the development and production of film/tv/media for the English speaking and bilingual U.S. Hispanic market. She has written two books, “Letters to Hillary” 2018 and “The Last Confession.” in 2021.