Interview with Fernando Pérez Cano, President of Grupo Fox: Reflections on Leadership, Social Responsibility, and the Future of the Corporation

By José Manuel Basave
July, 15, 2024 | GrupoFox

How are you?
Very well, thank you. And you? I’m very happy to be here with you.

That’s great, thank you. Today, the idea is to conduct an interview for the readers of our new magazine, Somos Fox, which will be launched very soon. Could you start by telling us a little about the origins of Grupo Fox? How and when did the company begin?
Shall we go back many years?

– No problem.

We started Grupo Fox in 1992. I invited my late father and one of my brothers to join. We began with Quest, focusing on refractories. From there, we expanded into the metalworking industry in Monclova, Coahuila. I moved to Monclova and lived there for about eight years.

How old were you?
I was quite young, about 35 years old. It was very interesting because we found Monclova to be fertile ground for starting the company. The people there are incredibly hardworking, and there are plenty of business opportunities for those with the vision and drive to seize them. As I mentioned, we began with refractories and later ventured into the metalworking sector. Those were the beginnings of what is now Grupo Fox.

Was there a specific vision or mission that you established for the Group?
Yes, for us, the most important aspect of Grupo Fox is our people. We place a strong emphasis on the human side of things. We aim to create a workplace where people feel happy and harmonious, as we spend much of our lives at work. That’s why we offer benefits that exceed industry standards and strive to make our workplace enjoyable. When you’re connected to your environment and colleagues, work becomes more pleasant.

How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is somewhat different from the norm. I like to delegate a lot and ensure that each business unit leader is responsible for their area. I focus on results, which is what truly matters. This approach has allowed us to grow. At first, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but over time, people understand their responsibilities, and the work becomes more autonomous and productive. I believe it’s essential to give people confidence and freedom to make decisions within their areas. This empowers them and makes them feel like owners of their work. Instead of micromanaging, I provide the tools and support they need to meet their objectives. Ultimately, results speak for themselves.

That’s essential—to ensure everyone feels part of the team and takes ownership of their work. Looking back on your journey with Grupo Fox, what do you consider the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Challenges are always present, and each stage comes with its own. Early on, the biggest challenge was uncertainty—wondering if our efforts would succeed and whether we were making the right decisions. I remember there were times in the early days of Quest when we weren’t sure if we’d make payroll. Later, as we expanded, the challenge was adapting to new industries like construction, steel, and other sectors.
Another significant challenge has been maintaining a strong organizational culture as we’ve grown. It’s crucial to ensure that, despite our size, people still feel like part of a big family.
Financial challenges, especially during Mexico’s economic crises, have also been significant. But adaptability and resilience have been key for us. We constantly seek new opportunities and reinvent ourselves when necessary.

What makes you most proud of Grupo Fox and its achievements?
I’m most proud of our people. Today, we have over 5,000 direct and indirect employees, and each one is a vital part of our success. I’m proud to know we’ve created quality jobs, contributed to the development of the communities where we operate, and ensured our employees feel valued. We’ve built a large family, and that motivates me to keep moving forward.

Looking to the future, where do you see Grupo Fox heading in the coming years?
We’re moving toward diversification and internationalization. We’re exploring new markets and sectors where we can make a difference, always with quality and innovation as the pillars of our work. We want to continue growing sustainably. Grupo Fox’s future lies in ongoing innovation—not just in products and services but also in how we do business. We aim to be a company that grows economically while having a positive impact on society and the environment.

Finally, what advice would you give to future generations of entrepreneurs starting their journey in business?
The most important advice I can give is to never give up. Challenges will always be there, but what matters is how you face them. Have vision, but also discipline and perseverance. Surround yourself with a strong team—you can’t do it all alone.
Another key point: always listen to others, whether they’re your clients or your team. Humility is crucial for growth as a person and as a business leader. Lastly, never stop learning. The business world is constantly changing, and if you don’t adapt, you’ll be left behind.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insights with us.
Thank you. It was a pleasure talking to you, and I hope this interview inspires our readers.

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