As a visionary Mexican businessman and industrialist, González Barrera’s net worth offers a glimpse into the remarkable journey of a self-made man who navigated the complexities of the business world to build an empire.
In this blog, Covemarkets will discuss Roberto Gonzalez Barrera net worth, early life, career highlights and much more.
Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Roberto González Barrera |
| Popular Name: | Don Maseco, El Maseco, King of Tortillas |
| Gender: | Male |
| Birth Date: | September 1, 1930 |
| Age: | Died at the age of 81 (August 25, 2012) |
| Parents: | Not known |
| Siblings: | Not known |
| Birth Place: | Cerralvo, Nuevo León, Mexico |
| Nationality: | Mexican |
| Ethnicity: | Not known |
| Education: | Left school at age 11 to work in a grocery warehouse |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Sexual Orientation: | Not known |
| Wife/Spouse: | Graciela Moreno Hernandez |
| Children: | Son – Roberto González Sr., Grandsons – Ricardo González Valdez and Roberto González Valdez |
| Dating: | Not applicable (deceased) |
| Net Worth: | Estimated to be around $1.9 billion – $ 2 billion |
| Source of Wealth: | Founder and chairman of Gruma (world’s largest tortilla maker) and Banorte (largest Mexican-owned private bank) |
| Height: | Not known |
| Weight: | Not known |
What is Roberto Gonzalez Barrera Net Worth and Salary 2023?
According to Forbes, Roberto Gonzalez Barrera is one of the richest people with a net worth of $2 billion dollars before his death. He earned his fortune by leading Gruma, the world’s largest tortilla producer, and Banorte, the largest privately-owned bank in Mexico. His success story is inspiring, considering he started selling eggs, bread, and vegetables at the age of five in his native town of Cerralvo.
Early Life
Barrera was born on September 1, 1930, in Cerralvo, Nuevo León, Mexico. He grew up in poverty and started selling eggs, bread, vegetables, and other food supplies at the age of five. When he was 15, he discovered an opportunity in corn and convinced his family to buy their first corn mill, which later evolved into Maseca.
Career and Awards
Roberto González Barrera, was a renowned Mexican businessman and philanthropist. He was the chairman of Gruma, the world’s largest producer of tortillas and corn flour, and of Banorte, the largest Mexican-owned private bank in Mexico.
His entrepreneurial journey began at a young age when he started selling eggs, bread, vegetables, and other foodstuff in his native town of Cerralvo. His business acumen led him to establish his own business at the age of 15.
At the age of 18, Barrera had his first encounter with corn when he saw his first corn mill. Recognizing the business potential, he bought his first corn mill in 1948 and started what is now known as Maseca. This company manufactures and markets one out of every four corn tortillas in Europe, Asia, and Central America.
In 1949, as a young entrepreneur, Barrera founded Grupo Maseca (GRUMA), a company he turned into a world leader in the production of corn flour and tortillas.
Despite his immense wealth and success, Barrera was known for his humility and generosity. He was a major philanthropist who donated millions to various causes. His net worth was estimated to be around $2 billion dollars. However, most of his wealth came from his stake in Banorte, which returned him to Forbes’ list of billionaires in 2011.
In terms of awards and recognition, Barrera received the “Great Cross of the Honor and Merit Order” and the Benemeritus Medal in 2005. These are the highest awards granted by the Mexican Red Cross, acknowledging his altruistic work.
He was also posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame of Gruma (Azteca Milling and Mission Foods).
Barrera passed away on August 25, 2012, from complications of cancer. His legacy continues through his son, Juan Gonzalez, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Guerrero Tortillas, a brand known for its long tradition of providing products inspired by the diverse tastes of Mexico.
Personal life
Despite his immense wealth and success, Roberto Gonzalez Barrera remained humble and grounded. He attributed his fortune to both God and corn, expressing deep pride in his Mexican heritage. He was a private individual who preferred to keep his personal life out of the public eye. However, it is known that he was married and had several children.
Legacy
Roberto Gonzalez Barrera’s legacy extends beyond his business achievements. He was a major philanthropist who believed in giving back to society. He donated millions of dollars to support education and healthcare initiatives in Mexico.
He established the Roberto Gonzalez Barrera Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to students across the country. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
Roberto Gonzalez Barrera News 2023
Roberto Gonzalez Barrera was a simple man who lived a modest life despite his enormous wealth. He was known for his love of horses and often spent time on his ranch in Nuevo León. In 2023, there is no news regarding Roberto Gonzalez Barrera as he passed away in 2012.
FAQs about Gonzalez Barrera
What was Roberto González Barrera’s business philosophy?
Roberto González Barrera emphasized innovation, strategic vision, and a commitment to the growth of Mexican industries. He believed in fostering economic development and job creation.
Was Roberto González Barrera involved in philanthropic activities?
Yes, Roberto González Barrera was involved in philanthropic efforts. He supported educational, healthcare, and community development initiatives in Mexico.
What are some of Roberto González Barrera’s significant contributions to the Mexican economy?
Roberto González Barrera’s contributions include his role in strengthening Mexico’s agricultural and food sectors, as well as his impact on the banking and industrial industries.
Conclusion
Roberto Gonzalez Barrera was a remarkable entrepreneur who started from humble beginnings and made his way to the top through hard work and determination. His legacy lives on through his family and the companies he established. He proved that anything is possible with passion and perseverance, and his story will continue to inspire generations to come. Thank you for reading.
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