At LaPorte, our employees are more than just part of the team—they’re the heart of everything we do. Each individual brings unique skills, experiences, and passions that drive our success and enrich our workplace culture. In our “Faces of LaPorte” series, we’re shining a spotlight on the talented individuals who make LaPorte an exceptional place to work and grow. Through their stories, we aim to celebrate the diverse backgrounds, achievements, and contributions of our team members, giving you a closer look at the people who power our company every day.
Ider Arias’s journey with LaPorte began not with a new job, but with a merger. As a staff accountant at Gomez & Co., she was first introduced to LaPorte through a visit from the firm’s CEO—a moment that left a lasting impression. Now part of the Houston office for one year, Ider reflects on that introduction as the start of a meaningful new chapter, defined by a strong sense of community and a workplace culture that feels like home.
“When LaPorte merged with Gomez and Co., I was already working there,” Ider recalls. “Just before the merger, our CEO, Eric Bosch, came to Gomez and Co. to talk to all the employees. He was a very cheerful, very warm and friendly person, and I thought that if he was that way, maybe the other employees were going to be like that too.”
This first impression shaped her decision to stay with LaPorte after the merger. “What most motivates me to work in a place is the people I work with,” she explains. For Ider, LaPorte’s culture and community makes it more than a workplace.
Growing up, Ider’s passion for accounting was inspired by her father, who worked as a bookkeeper in a coffee cooperative. “He used to take me to his office, and I was learning the way that he was doing his job. I grew up with knowledge in that field,” she shares. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future career.
Since joining LaPorte, Ider has found more than professional growth—she’s found a sense of belonging. “For me, it is important to be in a place where I like to work. I like to have people who really make me feel like I’m a part of a family, and for me, that’s what LaPorte is,” Ider says.
Ider’s LaPorte family brings excitement and fulfillment to her work. “It’s exciting every single day when I’m going to my job because they are really polite people, very humble people, and very knowledgeable people,” she explains. “They’re like family.”
Ider also takes pride in the relationships she’s developed with clients, viewing them as essential to her professional growth. “Having a relationship with my clients makes me more capable and confident to keep growing my knowledge and expertise to help people, to help clients, and to grow the company,” she says.
When asked about her superpower, Ider feels that her interpersonal skills are what set her apart. “I think my superpower is taking care of people, understanding people, and trying to relate with people and clients,” she shares.
Ider’s passion for helping others is a quality that aligns perfectly with LaPorte’s values. “I think that LaPorte is very good at taking care of people,” Ider says, reflecting on the supportive culture she’s found.