We’re excited to spotlight Bristol Associate Dercio Zunguza, a member of our Finance team since 2019, for his thoughtful approach to solving problems and improving the experience of those around him.
After noticing an opportunity to streamline the way Bristol’s supplier-partner invoices are processed, Dercio built a tool from the ground up. It introduces a new intake and management model for the Finance team and extends to supplier-partners.
Dercio saw an opportunity to make something work better and took the initiative to act, dedicating his time and skills to creating a solution that improves the experience for many.
What first made you notice there was an opportunity to improve the supplier invoice process?
About three years ago, when asked to sit alongside the Expense team, I realized a process needed improvement, not just for the team, but for the entire company. While I didn’t yet know exactly how to improve it, I was certain that to make it scalable and sustainable, we would need to build something from scratch based on a well-designed process.
What motivated you to take action on something outside your role?
My motivation was simple: I wanted to help. I started by asking questions. When you ask questions, you get answers, and when you use those answers effectively, there’s really no limit to what you can build.
Over your seven years at Bristol, how has your experience shaped the way you approach challenges or problem-solving?
I started at Bristol as a temporary employee, and before joining, I had never even heard of the relocation industry. I came in with an accounting and finance background.
Over the years, I’ve learned about real estate, sales, technology, and much more. This exposure has allowed me to see challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve processes.
Where does your interest in building tools and working with technology come from?
I’ve always liked technology, but for a long time I only saw it from a user’s perspective. That changed a few years ago when I started asking deeper questions like, “What happens behind these buttons?”
As I kept asking questions, I kept learning. I took classes, watched YouTube videos, and read books on programming and system architecture. It wasn’t easy; it took time and persistence.
I also realized that many people who build financial tools don’t necessarily have a finance background, but they still create great products. That made me wonder what could be possible if someone combined strong financial knowledge with technology. That curiosity pushed me even further.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of Bristol?
Collaboration. We work well together, support each other, and share a common goal.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey?
I was born in Mozambique, a small country in Southern Africa. Growing up, I enjoyed playing soccer and swimming in the Indian Ocean, which was close to my home.
When I was 13, I started working with my dad. Although he only had a 6th-grade education, he understood business and persistence very well. Over the years, he taught me valuable lessons about customers and money, such as “The customer is always right,” and “Money is like blood; you use some, but you must save some for tomorrow.”
Moving to the U.S. was a big personal challenge. As with many new beginnings, it was tough at first. During that time, I started listening to motivational speakers like Jim Rohn and spent a lot of time learning about personal development.
It took time, but I eventually became a U.S. citizen. Today, my wife and I have two lovely boys. While I may not have as much life experience as others, I strongly believe that with patience and persistence, you will always achieve something meaningful.
Stories like this show how much impact one person can make by simply choosing to lean in and act.
We are grateful for Dercio’s curiosity, care, and drive to make things better. The time and thought he invested in building a solution that supports others speaks to the kind of initiative that moves us all forward.