Jose Victor Hernandez, a Chicago entrepreneur and political operative who rose from aldermanic aide to co-founder of multiple consulting and construction firms, died May 9 in Chicago. He was 36.
Hernandez was a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood who built a career moving between public service and private enterprise. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance, with a minor in mathematics, from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, and a master’s degree in business administration in finance from the same institution.
He began his professional career in 2010 as an aide to Chicago Alderman Michael R. Zalewski, eventually rising to aldermanic aide. In 2012, he joined the office of U.S. Congressman Dan Lipinski, first as campaign manager and later as director of special events.
From 2014 to March 2017, Mr. Hernandez served as chief of staff for Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore of the 4th District.
In 2018, he co-founded Hart Solutions with Suzanne Hart, focusing on government and consulting contracts. He also founded Victory Solutions LLC, which provides business development and government consulting services, and co-founded Transportation, Rail, Air, Infrastructure, Networking Ltd., a nonprofit trade association focused on promoting growth among prime contractors through industry participation, education and advocacy.
Hernandez was co-owner, chairman and chief executive of Interstate Construction Corp., a commercial general contractor operating in the Midwest and West Coast specializing in hospitality, retail, early education and private healthcare.
In 2021, he worked as a senior Medicare account executive for GoHealth Inc., achieving Diamond status as a top sales agent. Most recently, he worked at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
In 2018, he received the Businessman of the Year Award from the Illinois State Crime Commission.
He is survived by his fiancée, Golden Elise Smith; his daughter, Eleanore “Ella” Hernandez; his parents, Jose C. and Elena S. Hernandez Jr.; his brothers, Jose C. III and Jose Antonio “Tony” Hernandez; and six nieces and nephews.
A visitation was held May 19 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 20 at St. Daniel the Prophet Church, followed by burial at St. Casimir Cemetery.