The Launch Box Life with Nefi Madrigal

At The Launch Box, we are entrepreneurs serving entrepreneurs, but we took very different journeys to get here. In this series, readers will learn more about how we each live #thelaunchboxlife every day.

Nefi is a Payroll Specialist with 12 years of experience in HR and payroll administration. With hands-on expertise across QuickBooks, ADP, TRESS, and AWS, he brings a detail-oriented, people-first approach to every payroll run. Outside of work, he's an avid reader working his way toward a personal library of 1,000 books.

Explain your career path—how did you become a Payroll Specialist?

I originally studied Culinary Arts in the U.S., but when I moved to Mexico, I realized it wasn’t as well compensated, so I started looking for a job where I could use my English. When I started working in call centers, I moved up through the ranks until I was allowed to transition into HR. Over the past 12 years, I have been certified in Human Capital through the University of TecMilenio. In HR, I increasingly came to appreciate finance, which led me to my current role in payroll. 

Can you describe your personal self?

I enjoy understanding how things work and the reasons behind them. You could say I am curious, which leads me to ask many 'why' and 'what if' questions. Typically, I keep to myself and avoid drawing attention, but that doesn't mean I'm shy or unwilling to try new things or go on adventures.

What are your top personal values, and how do you apply those to your work?

1.   Gratitude: I am grateful for everything I have in my life, and I offer a little of what I receive to others.

2. Respect: I am a firm believer in “you get what you give” or the golden rule, “treat people as you wish to be treated.”

3.   Helpful: I am also a firm believer that we all need help in one way or another. I am always willing to help in any way possible.

Why did you choose to join The Launch Box?

I chose The Launch Box because I saw it as an opportunity to develop my professional skills further. The company has a strong, positive culture and a set of values I genuinely admire, and I'm confident that it offers an environment where I can both contribute my expertise and continue to grow, allowing me to advance my career in the best possible way.

What is a common misconception you hear about being a Payroll Specialist?

That we are the same as accounting, and it is just data entry. While our work is similar to accounting in terms of data entry, we serve a more employee-facing role within the team. Our responsibilities include knowledge of labor law, benefits administration, and other HR-related tasks. The accounting team remains the backbone of every company, and our contributions complement their vital work.

What is the most fulfilling part of your role at TLB?

To confirm that payroll has been processed accurately and everyone is paid.

What about the future of TLB are you most excited about?

Its potential for ongoing growth presents opportunities for the company and its employees to create a future full of exciting possibilities.