Roberto Mejill Tellado is a finance consultant and entrepreneur based in Weeki Wachee, Florida. With deep experience in municipal finance, budgeting, and taxation, he has worked in both government and private sectors. Born and raised in Guánica, Puerto Rico, Roberto developed a passion for public service early in life. After earning a BA in Public Administration and Economics (Cum Laude) in 1988 and an MBA in Finance in 1992 from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San Germán Campus, he dedicated his career to helping municipalities strengthen their financial foundations.
Over the years, Roberto has held positions ranging from Director of Finance for Guayanilla to serving in the Puerto Rico Senate for Municipal Affairs. Since 2001, he has been the President of RWM Consultants Inc., offering expert financial guidance to municipalities. He also leads RWM Real Property Inc., a real estate consulting firm he established in 2015. In this interview, Roberto shares his insights on productivity, business, and leadership, drawing from his personal and professional journey.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Every morning starts with reviewing financial reports and municipal budgets for my clients. I structure my day around meetings with municipal leaders, advising them on tax policies, financial planning, and compliance. Productivity comes from prioritization—I handle the most complex tasks early in the day when my mind is sharpest.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe in a structured, research-driven approach. First, I identify a financial challenge—whether it’s tax inefficiencies or budget shortfalls. Then, I analyze historical data to understand the core issue. Once I have a clear picture, I develop a tailored solution, ensuring it aligns with legal and economic constraints.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The digital transformation of municipal finance excites me. More cities are adopting automated tax collection and financial management systems. This shift reduces inefficiencies and improves transparency, which is crucial for long-term economic stability.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I schedule one hour of uninterrupted deep work every morning. During this time, I avoid calls, emails, and distractions. This is when I handle complex financial forecasting and develop municipal budget recommendations.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush. Every experience, even the tough ones, is a lesson. When I was younger, I wanted quick results, but true success comes from long-term planning, patience, and persistence.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe most municipalities underestimate the power of sales tax revenue optimization. Many government officials focus on property taxes, but sales tax strategies can generate substantial revenue without placing a heavy burden on residents.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I constantly read about economic policies and financial regulations. Staying updated helps me adapt to policy changes quickly. I recommend that anyone in finance or business develop a habit of continuous learning.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a break and go for a short walk. If I’m still feeling stuck, I call someone whose perspective I trust. A fresh viewpoint often brings clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships. Whether it’s with municipal leaders, financial analysts, or property managers, I always foster trust and transparency. A solid reputation leads to new opportunities.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the complexity of tax reform implementation in one of the municipalities I worked with. The initial strategy lacked clear communication with stakeholders, leading to resistance. I revised the approach, engaged local leaders, and educated residents on the benefits. The lesson? Change is only effective if people understand and support it.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that helps small municipalities access pre-built financial models for tax planning and budgeting. Many small towns lack financial expertise, and an easy-to-use tool could bridge that gap.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on Microsoft Excel for financial modeling. With custom formulas and automation, it allows me to analyze trends, create forecasts, and optimize budgets quickly.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham. It’s a classic that teaches long-term financial discipline. Whether you’re handling personal investments or municipal budgets, stability always beats short-term gains.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently rewatched “Moneyball.” It’s not just about baseball—it’s about using data to drive smarter decisions. That concept applies to finance, business, and leadership.
Key learnings
- Prioritization and deep work are crucial for productivity.
- Building trust and transparency is key to career growth and business success.
- Change only works when people understand it—communication matters.