“I still don’t understand whether governments think entrepreneurs are a necessary good or evil”

What marked you most as an entrepreneur?

There were many difficulties and challenges. Entering as the CEO’s son-in-law is a first challenge. The company was going through a period of certain recession and it was necessary to create a new dynamic and consolidate a motivated team prepared for the growth that was imperative for us to obtain. On the other hand, the various crises we have had, such as the subprime or covid. Despite this, we managed to keep the company working well and with positive results at the end of the year! As the main challenge, I highlight the creation of Endutex Brasil, an industrial company in a distant country and from scratch, with land, construction, personnel and machines, all new. It was a “complicated” project and required a lot of work and sacrifice from the entire Endutex team. In personal terms, I would list two aspects. The death of my father-in-law and the feeling of loneliness in leading the group, with all the burden and added responsibility that comes with it. Despite being at Endutex for 44 years, I am still marked every day by the dedication, competence and capacity for sacrifice of many of my employees. To them my admiration and infinite gratitude.

And what led you to follow this path?

Chances of fate. I’m a mechanical engineer, I wanted to pursue a career linked to the automotive sector but then I accepted a challenge from my future father-in-law and I’ve been here since 1981. In terms of influences, I highlight my father-in-law and also my father, who advised me to accept this challenge. Without forgetting my own decision, because I thought it would be a good challenge to start in a relatively small company and where the result of our work could have results and visibility more quickly!

Do you feel fulfilled being in this batch of finalists?

Obviously it is a pride to be among the finalists and in such prestigious company. It is certainly always good to see that our daily work is positively appreciated outside the scope of our group.

Does Portugal recognize and support entrepreneurship?

I unfortunately don’t think so. I often vent that I still don’t understand whether Portugal or governments think that companies/entrepreneurs are a good to promote or a necessary evil to tolerate. I think that successive governments believe that companies can handle everything and sometimes it is a huge frustration to see the additional and unnecessary difficulties we face. At least we have these awards like the one from EY to have some recognition and encouragement in this daily struggle!

What do the coming times hold?

In professional terms, our strategy continues to be the reinforcement of distribution channels abroad and the development of technical products with a strong component of know how and research and development into differentiated products for differentiated customers and sectors. In personal terms, my project is to continue dedicating my heart and soul to this beautiful and ambitious project and group of people that I am proud and privileged to lead.