At Father Gabriel Richard High School, we take pride in the lasting impact our alumni make in their communities and beyond. In this interview, we are honored to connect with Roberto Icaza, a proud member of the Class of 2008 and co-founder and COO of Rapido Solutions Group.
Roberto’s journey from FGR to the co-founding of a successful logistics company is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. After earning a degree in political science from the University of Michigan, Roberto’s career took him from Coyote Logistics, where he helped expand their operations in Mexico, to founding Rapido Solutions Group. In this conversation, Roberto shares how his time at FGR shaped his values and work ethic, the lessons learned throughout his career, and the exciting future he sees for the intersection of technology, business, and Latin America.
Roberto’s story is an inspiring reminder of the foundation FGR provides and the global impact our alumni can have.
As an alum of FGR, what do you remember or value most about your high school experience at FGR?
One of the things I value most about my time at FGR is the discipline it instilled in me. Learning the importance of structure and consistency at an early age shaped my work ethic and how I approach challenges today. Those lessons in discipline—whether through academics, sports, or faith—became the foundation for the habits that drive me personally and professionally.
Beyond that, the friendships I made at FGR remain some of the most important relationships in my life. No matter how much success you achieve, the people who stand by you—your family and closest friends—are what truly matter. The bonds I built at FGR are lifelong, and I cherish the friendships that have lasted through the years.
After FGR, you attended the University of Michigan and earned a degree in Political Science. Why did that field interest you? Are there things you learned in college that you are applying to your current work?
I entered Michigan with a lot of different ideas about what I wanted to do. At first, I was passionate about sports and thought about pursuing sports management to become an agent. Then I shifted toward political science, thinking law school might be the right path. Over time, I changed my mind multiple times, but that’s one of the most valuable aspects of the college experience—being open to new possibilities, exploring different interests, and figuring out what truly excites you.
While I didn’t end up in law or politics, I took business and accounting classes that helped lay the groundwork for my entrepreneurial journey. But most of what I use today wasn’t learned in a classroom—it came from hands-on experience, internships, and diving headfirst into the professional world.
After college, you were promoted through multiple roles at Coyote Logistics. How did you first become interested in that industry, and what drove your success at Coyote? What lessons did you learn?
I found logistics by accident. A fraternity brother’s father founded Coyote Logistics, and I landed an internship there during college. At the time, most of my peers were going the traditional route—finance, consulting, law—but I saw something different. The logistics industry was behind in innovation and technology, and I saw an opportunity to be part of something disruptive and fast-growing.
Coyote was in a hyper-growth phase when I joined full-time, and I knew that if I worked hard, built strong internal relationships, and stayed adaptable, I could grow with the company. My passion for working at the intersection of LATAM (Latin America) and the U.S. led me to spearhead Coyote’s expansion into Mexico. I helped grow that department, led the opening of our first international office in Guadalajara, and gained invaluable experience working in different cultures and scaling a business internationally.
The biggest lessons I took from Coyote? Always say yes to new opportunities, embrace change, and bet on yourself. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, and those who step up when things are uncertain position themselves for the most growth.
Five years ago, you founded Rapido Solutions Group. What motivated you to take that big step? What was your vision and expectations for the company at that time, and how have they evolved?
I’ve always had the entrepreneurial itch—I knew at some point, I wanted to build something of my own. While living in Mexico for Coyote, my now-business partner approached me with an idea, and we immediately aligned on a vision: to build an incredible culture for our employees and to solve one of the logistics industry’s biggest pain points—finding and retaining top talent.
Our vision from day one was to be a people-first company, create one of the best workplaces in Mexico, and change how logistics companies scale their businesses. Today, with 700+ employees, we’re proud of the impact we’ve made, not just in business but in the lives of the people we employ.
That vision hasn’t changed, but we’re evolving. The world is shifting rapidly with AI, and our next phase of growth involves blending technology with human expertise to offer cutting-edge solutions. The future is exciting, and we’re just getting started.
Are there any FGR classes or extracurriculars that taught you lessons you draw on in your current work? Or any teachers or coaches who helped shape your path?
My track coach, Scott McCloud, played a huge role in shaping me as a person and a leader. He cared more about my growth as an individual than my success as an athlete, and that perspective has influenced how I mentor and lead others today. The lessons he taught me about resilience, accountability, and leadership stick with me to this day.
Academically, I had several classes with Mr. Miekstyn. Early on, I didn’t make the best impression with my work ethic, but over time, he saw my potential and helped push me to a higher standard. He played a big role in my personal and academic maturity, and I still appreciate the lessons he instilled in me.
Reading a letter I wrote to myself in his class years later was a surreal moment—it reminded me how much I had grown since high school, but also how foundational those experiences were.
Tell us a bit about yourself today—your interests, hobbies, family, and life.
I’m living out a dream by calling Latin America home. I’ve been in Guadalajara for the past six years and recently celebrated my first wedding anniversary. My wife and I are excited about starting a family soon. I’m fortunate to travel back to the U.S. frequently for work, as well as to see family and friends.
Health and fitness are important to me—I work out 5-6 times a week and stay active with golf, padel, and other sports. I’m also a die-hard sports fan (Go Blue!).
Outside of work, I’m a huge foodie—I love trying new restaurants and exploring different cuisines. Travel is another major passion. I’ve been fortunate to visit incredible places worldwide, and I believe experiencing new cultures is one of the best ways to grow as a person.
Lately, AI has been a big focus for me. I’m constantly learning about new AI trends and tools, as I believe we’re living through one of the most transformative periods in history. AI will shape every industry, and I’m excited to be at the forefront of that change.
Is there anything else you’d like to share? What advice would you give to current FGR students?
Fail Fast, Learn Faster. Fair early, fail often, fail fast. Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s a necessary step toward it. Every setback is a lesson, and the sooner you embrace that, the faster you’ll grow.
Stay Curious. Never stop learning. The most successful people are lifelong learners who challenge the status quo and constantly seek new knowledge. Instead of mindlessly scrolling on your phone, invest in yourself—read, listen, and explore.
Embrace AI. We’re living in the most transformative time in history. The next decade will redefine how we work and live, and those who understand how to use AI as a thought partner will have an edge in any industry.
Whatever path you take, bet on yourself, work hard, and stay true to your values. Success isn’t just about achievements—it’s about the impact you leave on the people around you.
Go Irish!