Solving Problems, Strengthening Teams: Meet Agustin Salas
For Agustin Salas, every conversation (even a difficult one) is an opportunity to strengthen a relationship—and every challenge is a chance to learn something new. Since joining Gray, he’s brought his signature blend of structure, warmth, and curiosity to every project, helping teams stay on track while never losing sight of what matters most: the people.
Crafting a Career Through Curiosity and Challenge
Since joining Gray in 2021, Agustin Salas has brought his energy, curiosity, and love for problem-solving to every project. He started his career as an industrial engineer on the customer side of the food and beverage industry, working across the U.S. and Canada with everything from beef, poultry, and pork to candy, chocolate, and cookies—but it wasn’t long before his desire for more complex challenges pulled him into the consulting world.
His path to Gray was anything but ordinary. Initially approached to join the team years earlier, Agustin was determined to stay rooted in Canada at the time. When remote work became a possibility post-pandemic, Gray reached out again—and this time, the timing was right. From the very first conversation, he could feel that Gray operated differently. Little moments during his interview and onboarding, like thoughtful “safe travels” text from his first manager and the HR team’s steady support navigating pandemic-era logistics left a lasting impression. It just felt right, and Agustin joined the team without a second thought.
Starting in Integration before moving to Project Management, Agustin shaped his career at Gray in a way that naturally aligned with his skills and passion for structured problem-solving. Agustin approaches each week strategically, with his team at the front of his mind. Mondays are reserved for setting the course, and the rest of the week is spent collaborating with design managers, tracking progress, and preparing for internal and customer conversations. Whether it’s mapping schedules or navigating tough discussions, Agustin thrives on the challenge—and credits the book Crucial Conversations for shaping how he approaches any dialogue, especially the hard ones. He approaches every conversation to ensure his team feels supported and heard.
Shaped by Experience, Grounded in Lessons Learned
Before moving to Gray, Agustin navigated industries that didn’t always value relationships the way he did. Joining Gray and seeing how the company approaches teams and projects validated his belief that you can do great work and succeed while caring for the people you work with. One of his most impactful experiences was with his first pet food project, where he jumped into a complex project that had been running for two years. Agustin jumped on the opportunity to add a new industry to his resume and dove in headfirst, leaning into the learning curve and tackling every challenge with determination and positivity.
What stood out to him wasn’t just the technical milestones—it was the people. Agustin’s belief in the power of relationships is constantly reinforced with each project he works on—whether it is through seeing cohesive teams guide projects from start to finish, owners showing up to safety meetings, or Stephen Gray, Gray, Inc.’s CEO, at groundbreaking events. He even authored a critical report that defended the team’s approach when the customer pushed back on quality standards, further solidifying his role as a steady advocate for doing things the right way.
Looking back, the greatest lessons Agustin’s carried with him are simple but profound: never break the spirit of the team and always treat others the way you want to be treated. These core values fuel his work every day—respect, compassion, and a deep care for people and partnerships. They mirror Gray’s own commitment to being customer and relationship-driven and treating others the way we want to be treated. In every interaction, Agustin shows that lasting success starts with how we treat one another.
A Connector and Explorer at Heart
Agustin’s story starts in Mexico, where he grew up before emigrating to Canada in 2006—a move that shaped his sense of adventure and appreciation for new perspectives. He brings that same spirit of curiosity into all aspects of his life. Whether he’s at work or home, he loves connecting with people, learning about them, and building relationships that stretch across borders.
At home, his four sons keep him on his toes, especially during basketball season, with the family crisscrossing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey for tournaments. When he’s not courtside, he’s often on the lake near his Toronto home, paddleboarding with his family—or sometimes alone, dreaming of the day he’ll have his own sailboat.
He approaches each day like a tourist, always exploring and seeking out new experiences—whether it’s a corner of Toronto he hasn’t seen yet or a challenging project that pushes him to grow. For Agustin, it’s all about the people, the journey, and the joy of figuring things out together.
Looking ahead, Agustin is excited to continue growing and connecting with people across Gray and beyond. His experience is a good example of how success comes not just from delivering results, but from building trust, learning through challenges, and working with people who share a common purpose.