Blog | Prodensa

Behind the Scenes: a day in the life of a Shelter Operations Manager

Written by Brenda Borrego | May 6, 2025 1:00:00 PM
Behind every successful manufacturing startup in Mexico, there’s a strong operational backbone. At Prodensa, that engine is powered by leaders like Brenda Borrego Medrano. With a background in architecture and deep experience in plant construction and launch, Brenda brings a unique, hands-on perspective to managing shelter operations. Her story isn’t just about managing checklists—it’s about solving problems, empowering teams, and continuously improving the way things work.

 

 

From Plants to People: A Career Built on Construction and Collaboration

Brenda started her career constructing thermoelectric and manufacturing plants, later transitioning to launching some of Mexico’s most recognized industrial operations, including LEGO, Constellation Brands and Caterpillar. Over time, her passion shifted from physical construction to operational execution.

“I fell in love with startups. Once I got a taste of plant launches, I never looked back.”

 

Shelter Services: a Place to Thrive

Shelter services in Mexico offer a platform where experts like Brenda handle the daily complexities of launching and managing operations for international clients. From compliance to HR and logistics, the model lets companies focus on production while the shelter manages the rest. 

For professionals, it’s the ideal blend of technical work and strategic leadership—a place to solve problems, grow, and improve processes every day.

 

 

 

A Day in Brenda’s World  

Brenda’s days are anything but routine—but they follow a structure that blends operations, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Here's a closer look at how she navigates her role as the heartbeat of shelter services.

 

Morning Kickoff: Operational Alignment

Brenda begins each day by clearing her inbox, reviewing project statuses, aligning with project teams, checking in on client needs and urgent tasks. These often include:

  • Verifying deliverables for ongoing client operations

  • Checking in on payroll and HR issues that may require escalation

  • Scanning for roadblocks related to procurement, logistics, or compliance

“Operational issues are a priority, and should be resolved quickly--it's everyone's time at stake.”

 

Meetings That Matter: Connecting Across Teams

Each day involves collaboration with multiple teams and clients. Her most frequent touchpoints include:

  • Finance – From acute cash flow issues to strategic VAT recovery strategies

  • HR – From staffing updates to production forecasts, everything has a plan

  • Project Management – Helping managers anticipate, optimize, and deliver

  • Clients – Acting as their voice inside Prodensa and helping them navigate local challenges

Brenda nurtures a lot of relationships, often 6-8 people per client--and up to 60+ clients within her region. That means she is constantly building trust.

"Transparency is key. Solving problems starts with clear, honest communication.

 

 Thinking Bigger: From Cash Flow Fixes to Client-First Solutions

The shelter turnkey model is built on shared risk between the client and the shelter partner. Brenda thrives in this environment by stepping into the shoes of her plant manager clients.

Recognizing their cash flow constraints, she led the creation of a specialized team within Prodensa focused on unlocking critical savings through faster VAT recovery. This initiative directly supports day-to-day decisions—like purchasing essential tools or covering urgent expenses. True partnership means not only sharing risk, but also finding solutions and creating value together.

“When you see a client delay buying a basic tool because of an accounting process--you want to solve that. That's what motivates me."

 

 

 

Why Her Work Matters

Shelter operations aren't just about managing tasks—they’re about solving the right problems, before they slow you down. For Brenda, every challenge is a chance to do things better—not just for the sake of efficiency, but for the people behind the process.

Her approach reminds us that the real power of shelter services lies in partnership: showing up when it’s hard, thinking beyond the checklist, and driving change that truly supports the client.

“Everyone has a job description, but the real value comes when you go beyond it—when you understand the business, the people, and connect the dots.”

 

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Brenda Borrego Medrano is a seasoned operations and project management professional based in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. With over a decade of experience, she has led startup and expansion initiatives across various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and construction. Currently, she serves at PRODENSA, a prominent consultancy specializing in supply chain integration and foreign direct investment in Mexico.

Brenda holds a degree from Universidad La Salle México and has pursued continuous professional development through certifications such as Primavera P6 and a digital transformation credential from BCG and the University of Virginia. Her skill set encompasses program management, risk analysis, and agile methodologies, making her adept at steering complex projects from inception to completion.

Actively engaged in the project management community, Brenda frequently shares insights and resources related to leadership, certification programs, and industry best practices. Her contributions reflect a commitment to fostering professional growth and operational excellence within her field.