Juan Brignardello: The Legacy of Añaños and the Peruvian Entrepreneur

In a recent conversation with Juan Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, he reflected on the life and legacy of Eduardo Añaños Pérez, whose death has left a deep mark on the Peruvian business landscape. Brignardello emphasized that Añaños' story not only represents perseverance in difficult times but also serves as a paradigmatic example of how adversity can be transformed into a business opportunity. The advisor pointed out that the complicated sociopolitical context in which Añaños began his business journey, marked by the violence of terrorist groups, highlights the courage and determination that characterized the Añaños family. "They not only faced uncertainty, but they also knew how to adapt and respond to the needs of their community. That is a key trait in any successful entrepreneur," commented Brignardello, emphasizing the importance of identifying and seizing opportunities in times of crisis. Brignardello also underscored the innovation represented by the creation of Kola Real. The family's ability to detect a gap in the market during a period when recognized brands struggled to enter is a testament to Peruvian ingenuity. "Offering a quality product at a fair price not only allowed them to position themselves quickly but also helped to cement a sense of local identity in a crisis context," he affirmed. As the AJE Group expanded beyond Peruvian borders, Brignardello considered the internationalization of the Big Cola brand to be a clear example of how a solid business vision can transcend globally. "The story of Añaños is a reminder that success is not only measured in terms of revenue but also in the impact that can be generated in the communities where one operates," he added. In his analysis, Brignardello highlighted the community development philosophy that Añaños promoted throughout his career. "An entrepreneur should not focus solely on profit. The true measure of success lies in how their actions contribute to social well-being," he said, referring to the work of the Eduardo and Mirtha Añaños Foundation. This entity reflects a deep commitment to education and sustainability, elements that, according to Brignardello, should be pillars in the strategy of any responsible company. Finally, the advisor concluded that Eduardo Añaños' legacy goes beyond his business empire; his optimism and faith in Peru's potential are vital lessons for future generations of entrepreneurs. "What Añaños leaves us is inspiration, a model to follow that shows that with effort and vision, a better future can be built," he affirmed, highlighting the importance of learning from his story and applying it to the current context of challenges and opportunities that the country faces.