Omar Mireles Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Man of the Year Omar Mireles laughed and shook his head when asked about being selected Hispanic Business Man of the Year by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “I shouldn’t be here,” he said. “I’m here because of all the people around me.” Mireles’ modesty is refreshing in an age when people tend to overshare and jockey for the limelight. But it’s typical of the way he goes about his life. Born and raised in Nogales, Ariz., Mireles moved to Tucson when he was 10 years old. He lived with his aunt and uncle, Czarina and Humberto Lopez, so he could go to school here. He eventually attended Salpointe Catholic High School, and later graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. From there, he moved to New York City where he worked in investment 148 BizTucson
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Fall 2011
banking. But he found himself pulled in a familiar direction. “I gravitated to real estate,” he said. His uncle made repeated offers asking Mireles to join his firm, HSL Properties. Mireles, who loved his work in New York, turned him down – at first. However, Lopez didn’t give up easily and eventually Mireles accepted a position with HSL Properties and returned to Tucson about nine years ago. Today he is executive VP. With the economy slowly rebounding and more people choosing to rent instead of buy a home, Mireles says HSL Properties has been very busy. Mireles has been involved with work on several projects, including the recent opening of the luxury apartment complex located at River Road. and La Cholla Boulevard, and another planned in the Dove Mountain area, near The RitzCarlton, Dove Mountain.
In addition to his work at HSL Properties, Mireles is active on many boards, including Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, Salpointe Catholic High School and Tu Nidito Children and Family Services. Family also plays a key role in his life, including his wife and children, ages four and two. Mireles is also a strong supporter of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Clearly, I believe in the chamber’s mission,” he said. “I feel it’s a key player in the promotion of business in Tucson.” On being named Man of the Year, he said, “I’m extremely honored, humbled and even a little embarrassed. There are a lot of people a lot more deserving.” Again, he points to the people around him. “We are no one without the people we surround ourselves with. This is their award.” Biz
PHOTO: CARTER ALLEN
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