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100 years, 100 stories worth telling.
As part of the celebrations for Riopele’s centenary in 2027, we are launching the series “Stories Worth Telling” — a tribute to the People who are the soul and strength of our legacy.
In the second episode, discover the story of Custódio Castro, Manager of the Sampling Studio, who has been working at Riopele for 39 years.
What memories do you have of your arrival at Riopele?
My first memories of Riopele go back to my childhood. I was 8 or 9 years old when I started coming here with my father, who held — for 42 years — the same position I now occupy.
It was also here that my parents met. My mother worked in the same department, and later, they ended up getting married.
At 17, I began my professional journey in this company, where I still work today. I’m incredibly proud to now see my own son joining the company too. That makes three generations connected to Riopele.
At the time I joined the company, almost everyone knew me. I truly felt at home. I fondly remember several people who left a mark on me, like Mrs. Olinda Dias de Oliveira, the wife of Riopele’s founder, and Mr. José Oliveira, father of the company’s current President. They were key figures in my professional growth.
Do you recall any particularly significant moment you experienced at Riopele?
Yes, without a doubt. When I was 27 years old, I was invited to manage the Sampling Studio. It’s a moment I will never forget.
At the time, I was working directly with my father, but when it was time for him to retire, I was invited to carry on his legacy.
What friendships or relationships did you build here that left a mark on you?
Over the course of nearly 39 years of my career, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with many special people. I’ve built lifelong friendships.
I would like to highlight Mr. Aníbal Fazendeiro and Engineer Ana Maria Amorim, two individuals who played a key role in my growth at Riopele.
I must also mention Dr. José Alexandre Oliveira, President of Riopele, a true visionary in the textile industry.
And more recently, I had the opportunity to work with Francisca Oliveira, a representative of the 4th generation of the Oliveira family in the company. Although our time working together has been more recent, Francisca left a lasting impression on me with her contagious energy, innovative thinking, and ability to bring a fresh perspective to Riopele—always with a strategic and forward-looking mindset.
On a personal level, which achievement or project are you most proud of?
I feel incredibly proud to have been part of a project led by Niki Bosch, someone who brought a truly innovative vision to Riopele and helped usher in a period of transformation for the company.
But there’s also a very personal project: the creation of Riopele’s first internal newsletter, “Info-Riopele", in 2002.
It was launched in print format and was designed to be an open communication channel, made by and for employees.
We made a point of including real testimonials from Riopele workers. I remember one interview with a woman who was employee number two at the company. She had even worked at the mill where Riopele was originally founded.
In your opinion, what sets Riopele apart from other companies?
Without a doubt, its organizational culture. Riopele is strongly committed to innovation, strategic differentiation, customer closeness, and the diversity of its teams. That’s what makes us unique.
If you had to describe Riopele in one word, what would it be?
Resilience. Riopele has always known how to face challenges, adapt to change, and overcome even the toughest situations — growing and evolving from them.
