Javier Loya is Chairman and Co-CEO of commodities broker OTC Global Holdings (OTCGH), a company he co-founded in 2007 and has led to become the largest independent interdealer brokerage in the world. Javier is also the founder and Chairman of GETCHOICE, a national energy software company founded in 2002, and which empowers clients to become smarter and greener by providing technology-based energy, telecom, and utility management services.
Javier was recognized by the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2002, and in 2007 was honored by the Greater Houston Partnership as an “Emerging Leader.” In 2004, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named Javier its “Hispanic Businessman of the Year” and in the same year he received the John Jay Award for distinguished professional achievement from Columbia University. In 2010, Javier received the prestigious Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, one of the business world’s highest honors. Additionally, Javier served on the Board of Regents for Texas Southern University from 2007-2009 and on the Board of Directors for several charitable organizations across Houston.
OTCGH has been named to the Houston Chronicle’s “Chron 100” list of the top privately-held companies multiple times, in addition to being named the “fastest growing company in Houston” by the Houston Business Journal in 2008. The company has been selected five times “Broker of the Year” by Energy Risk in 2011, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022, recognizing its excellence among peers across the globe.
Javier’s passion for sports has led him to be a founding partner of the NFL Houston Texans and the Major League Rugby Houston SaberCats. The lessons learned from coaches and teammates remain a significant part of his life and impact the way he runs his business, cares for his family, and supports those in need. Javier is actively involved in the Greater Houston Football Senior Showcase, which has generated over $160 million in scholastic aid for more than 4,000 participants since its inception in 2008. Its success was so great that Javier decided to form the Greater El Paso Football Showcase Combine, which allows him to give back to the student athletes in his hometown. Since 2011, over 150 high school seniors from the El Paso area have earned over $16 million in scholarships. Many of these deserving but underserved students are the first in their families to attend college, bringing them opportunities otherwise undiscovered. By reinforcing academic and athletic success, drive, diligence and hard work, Javier has helped the next generation realize the unlimited possibilities that stem from a commitment to both school and sports.
Javier is married to Lucinda Vincent-Loya and is the devoted father of two teenage girls, Ana Luca and Elena who currently attend University of Southern California. He graduated from Columbia University in New York City in 1991 and currently lives in Houston, Texas.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me starts early, often before the sun is up. I find that the quiet hours of the morning are the best time to set the tone for the day ahead — whether that’s through a workout, reviewing key priorities, or just spending some time in reflection. Physical activity is critical for me, not just for my health but also for my focus and productivity. It clears my mind and ensures that I’m ready for the challenges ahead.
Once I’m in the office or on the move, my day is a combination of meetings with our teams at OTC Global Holdings, catching up with partners, and staying connected with what’s happening in the commodity markets. I also make sure to carve out time for strategy — both short-term and long-term. I try to maintain an open-door policy as much as possible, encouraging my colleagues to bring their ideas and concerns directly to me. That connection with the team keeps me grounded and ensures I’m aware of what’s happening on all levels of the business.
To make my day productive, I focus heavily on delegation. I have built a strong team around me, and I trust them to handle the details so that I can focus on big-picture thinking. I’m also very intentional about time management, making sure to block out time for creative thinking and important tasks instead of just reacting to what’s urgent. Every decision I make revolves around impact — how I can most effectively move the needle, whether in business or the community.
At the end of the day, I take time to disconnect and spend time with my family. It’s important to me to be present at home, just as much as I am in my professional life. Balancing these roles is what ultimately keeps me energized and productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life starts with having the right mindset, one that’s open to possibilities, grounded in creativity, and driven by a desire to solve problems. I’ve learned that the key to successful execution is to marry big ideas with the ability to break them down into actionable steps. It’s about turning visions into practical, tangible outcomes.
The first step is identifying the core problem we’re trying to solve or the opportunity we want to seize. I always try to ensure that every idea, no matter how grand or abstract, has a clear and measurable purpose. From there, I take a collaborative approach. I bring in our team and the people whose diverse perspectives will help refine the concept. I’m a firm believer that the best ideas flourish when they’re challenged, debated, and examined from different angles.
Once we’re aligned on the concept, I focus on building a roadmap — defining key milestones, assigning responsibilities, and setting deadlines. The execution stage is where discipline is critical. It’s easy for an idea to get lost in excitement, but real value comes from staying committed to the process.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that really excites me is the growing focus on sustainability within the commodities market. For years, the industry operated with a “business as usual” mindset, where efficiency and profitability were the primary focus. However, there has been a significant shift towards integrating sustainable practices, and I find this both necessary and incredibly promising.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is what I call “strategic reflection.” Every day, I carve out dedicated time to step back from the noise—whether it’s early in the morning or at the end of the day — and reflect on what I’m working towards, why it matters, and how effectively I’m moving in that direction.
This reflection isn’t just about reviewing tasks or crossing items off my to-do list; it’s about aligning my daily actions with my long-term goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be to embrace risk more confidently and trust the process. When I started out, there were times when I hesitated, doubted my instincts, or felt that I needed everything to be perfectly aligned before taking the next step. Looking back, I’ve realized that growth often happens in those moments of uncertainty when you push past fear and take calculated risks.
I’d also remind my younger self that setbacks are part of the journey. There’s a tendency when you’re young to view failures as defining moments, but I’ve come to see them as valuable lessons and stepping stones. Every setback taught me something I needed to know — whether about myself, about business, or about the market — and ultimately set me up for greater success in the long run. Resilience is key, and the earlier you build that mindset, the more adaptable and successful you’ll be.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
Something I believe that not everyone agrees with is that failure should be celebrated, not just accepted. I don’t mean just paying lip service to learning from mistakes, but truly recognizing failure as an essential and valuable part of success, especially in business.
This belief isn’t always popular. We live in a results-driven world where there’s pressure to constantly deliver, and failure can feel like a setback that needs to be hidden or minimized. But I see it differently: failure is a teacher, and the lessons it provides are what pave the path to sustainable success.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Set aside time for deep, uninterrupted thinking. We live in an incredibly fast-paced world, filled with distractions, constant connectivity, and an endless flow of information. Amid all of that, it’s easy to fall into the trap of simply reacting to what’s happening around us instead of thoughtfully planning or strategizing.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Physical movement helps me clear my head, reduce stress, and often brings me a fresh perspective on whatever challenge I’m facing. It’s surprising how a change of environment and some physical activity can make problems that seemed daunting suddenly more manageable.
I also make a point to revisit my priorities. When things get overwhelming, it’s usually because I’m trying to juggle too much at once, and everything starts feeling equally urgent. In those moments, I pause and take stock of what’s on my plate, asking myself what really matters and what’s driving the most impact. I then re-focus on the most critical tasks — the things that will move the needle for OTC Global Holdings, the Houston Texans, or any of my other ventures.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has been instrumental in both growing my business and advancing my career is fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within my organizations.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I’ve had several failed ideas over the years. The key takeaway from this experience was that not every idea will succeed, and that’s okay. What matters is how you respond to challenges and use them as opportunities for growth. This has instilled in me the value of resilience and the necessity of maintaining a flexible approach in an ever-changing business landscape.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’d be willing to share is creating a platform that pairs AI-powered productivity tools with human coaching in a seamless and personalized way. The idea is to leverage technology for productivity and scale — automating routine tasks, optimizing schedules, and offering data-driven insights — but never fully replace the involvement and power of human drive. The platform would focus on enhancing the productivity of small business owners and freelancers, allowing them to use cutting-edge technology while having access to human experts who can provide strategic guidance and motivation.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
OTC Global Holding’s proprietary platform, EOXLive. It’s definitely a game-changer for not just myself but also for our brokers, traders, and clients. It provides the transparency, pre-trade intelligence, and unmatched liquidity that we need to make informed decisions in the commodities markets. By offering unique and comprehensive market data, the platform allows us to stay ahead of trends, identify opportunities, and maintain a competitive edge.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a high-quality, noise-canceling headset. As someone who frequently navigates a fast-paced environment filled with meetings and collaborative discussions, having a reliable headset has made a significant difference in my productivity and focus.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
One of my favorite books is Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book has provided me with valuable insights into the power of small changes and how they can lead to significant improvements over time. Clear’s practical approach to habit formation and his emphasis on systems rather than just goals resonate deeply with me. He offers actionable strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones, which I’ve applied not just in my personal life but also in leading teams at OTC Global Holdings.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed Ted Lasso, and I found it to be a refreshing take on leadership and team dynamics. The series beautifully blends humor with heartfelt moments, showcasing the importance of empathy, communication, and resilience in a leadership role.
Key learnings:
- Failure can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation, user feedback, and accountability in the development process.
- Small, consistent improvements can lead to significant changes over time, reinforcing the idea that success is often about incremental progress rather than immediate perfection.
- Building strong relationships and fostering a supportive team environment are essential components of effective leadership, illustrating that empathy and communication are as important as strategy.