Companies

New Generation: meet Rafael Henriques, Lidarco

May 19, 2026 Portugal

With experience in Management and Banking, Rafael Henriques represents the third generation leading Lidarco, a cutting and stitching company based in Oliveira de Azeméis

Was working in the footwear industry a natural choice for you?

In this particular company, I represent the third generation, but in the footwear business overall, I am at least the fourth. Joining the industry was an early and natural decision.

Since my teenage years, I have supported the company during school holidays, and from the moment I began my studies at the Faculty of Economics in Porto, I sought to apply as much knowledge as possible to the family business, becoming increasingly involved.

How would you define your company, and what sets it apart in the market?

This company was born from the need to respond to a specific market segment that, even in the 1990s, demanded quality standards far above the national average. Today, we work for clients whose private-label production requires the precision and rigor associated with the luxury market. We are the only Portuguese cutting and stitching company with more than 90% of our production assembled outside the country.

What have been the greatest challenges so far?

Our company has built long-standing partnerships with clients, who seek us out for our versatility and guaranteed quality. As a result, our greatest challenge lies in attracting and training younger human resources. Generational renewal has been successful, but it has required considerable effort.

What advice would you give to a young person starting in the industry?

To any young person, in any industry, I always give the same advice: start from the ground up, ask plenty of questions, experiment while you can, and learn from everything you see and every opportunity you have. Focus on becoming excellent at what you do – the best you can be – and the future will reward you.

Source and Image Credits: portugueseshoes.pt

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