Antoni Pont Amenós, honorary president of Borges, was the protagonist of the last AIJEC Experience Dinner. The meeting brought together fifty young businessmen and women to listen to the story of wisdom of a businessman who was ahead of his time.
At 90 years old, Pont Amenós has been linked to the family business his entire life. It was set up from scratch by his grandparents and in the beginning they sold almonds. He, with his brothers and cousins, was the third generation to run it. During the conversation, the businessman did not fail to recall Borges’ indispensable values, which are ethics, the importance of talent and creativity and that remain faithful to the roots of the land.
The businessman studied in the United States, a fact that, together with his strategic vision, was a turning point for the company. The third generation of the Ponts took the step of diversifying and internationalizing the company, which began with the establishment of Borges in California. Today, the company is present in 105 countries and has a turnover of more than 850 million euros.
Pont Amenós is very clear that innovation is the engine of growth for any company, just as it is clear that human talent must be put at the center. For the entrepreneur, getting a staff that wants to maximize their virtues, turn problems into opportunities and dare to take risks are the indispensable keys to business success.
However, the businessman wanted to emphasize that nothing is easy in the business world and that entrepreneurs must take risks. In this sense, Pont Amenós reminded the young entrepreneurs present when in 1996, during the Hazelnut War, farmers burned down the company’s factory in Reus. It was completely demolished, but far from collapsing, Borges’ management decided to take advantage of the situation to modernize the factory.
Antoni Pont Amenós’ story is full of anecdotes, experiences both inside and outside Borges. The entrepreneur, who was recognized with the award for Best Business Career at the last Young Entrepreneur Award, encouraged attendees to enjoy themselves: “Enjoy what you do, if you don’t enjoy it, change and try to have someone to admire.”
Finally, Pont Amenós revealed the secret of his vitality: attitude. “I’m an action enthusiast,” he confessed. That and having nuts for breakfast five days a week.