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Personal best, day by day

Rigo Duran’s grows his business by fearing no risk

Rigo Duran (right)

Rigo Duran’s entrepreneurial approach to business mirrors his philosophy of life – he gives the best of himself every day.

As president of Phoenix-based Gruptech International (GTI), the exclusive United States distributor of ROSHFRANS motor oil and lubricants manufactured in Mexico, Duran has spent most of the summer preparing for an early September rollout of two grades of motor oil at Basha’s and Food City stores in Arizona.

“My passion for business is the same I use in every other aspect in my life,” Duran says. “I wake up every morning with a positive mind and attitude always thinking ‘success is waiting.’ Any trouble I face is only a new opportunity and a challenge to be better. There are always reasons to be mediocre or successful in life. What really determines the outcome is your attitude.”

The decision to sell ROSHFRANS products in the United States was made based on the large Hispanic population in the U.S. market. and Mexican immigrants who are familiar with the brand and its products, as well as U.S. native born Hispanics who can learn about it. This gives GTI an edge in a very tight U.S. market, Duran says.

“Obviously, this is not the best time to get into the market because of price instability,” says Sergio Castillo, commercial director for ROSHFRANS in Mexico, “but you can’t wait for the perfect time because it may never come.”

Duran and GTI are taking somewhat of a big risk by introducing a product into a very competitive American market.“We plan a massive introduction, with ads aimed at the Mexican audience in the U.S. that have come to the United States in the last 30 years,” says Duran, who adds that negotiations are already underway to start distribution in California, Texas, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. “This is a great opportunity and a great challenge.”
After its late-summer introduction of 10W-30 and SAE 40 motor oil, GTI hopes to market additional ROSHFRANS products such as lubricants and coolant before the end of the year. And if there’s anyone with knowledge of the products, it’s Duran.

Four years ago, he participated with ROSHFRANS in the study and design of a new package for motor oil. Along with the engineering departments of some U.S. companies, he provided support on putting together a production line capable of packaging oil in pouches at a high rate of speed.
The pouch is now being used to package motor oil, battery fluids and coolant in what is called a ROSHPACK. Duran also notes it is the first eco-friendly package in the industry that uses 70 percent less plastic than regular bottles and is much easier to recycle.

How has his culture aided him in his success?
 

“As a Latino, I was raised with very high values,” says Duran, a father of four and a native of Venezuela who is now an American citizen.
 “Since I was little I learned that every person I know deserves my respect and everybody has something I can learn from.

“Also, I learned that you can’t just sit and wait for things to happen. You need to go and make them happen. Go after the things you really want and believe in. Make any sacrifice necessary to take you where you want to be.”

His advice to other entrepreneurs, small or big:
“Believe,” Duran says emphatically. “If you believe you can do it you will be able to. No matter how many times you feel without motivation to continue, don’t give up. Never give up.”