Geraldo Rufino

ABOUT GERALDO RUFINO

Brazilian entrepreneur and public speaker mostly known for being the founder of JR Diesel, a vehicle recycling company. Today, he shares the story of his low beginnings, such as working at coal factories and garbage dumps before even reaching the age of 10. His business journey is one with many ups and downs. He claims to have gone completely broke six times before finally being able to live on steady wealth.

He had a difficult childhood, brought up in the Favela do Sapé in São Paulo. When he was seven years old he lost his mother.

When he was younger, he saved enough money to buy a car with his meager earnings. But when the car was totaled in an accident, he salvaged what parts he could sell. This would eventually inspire JR Diesel, the largest vehicle recycler in Brazil.

He has seven siblings on his mother's side, and on his father's side, even though he is unsure. Today, he and his wife Marlene have three children together.

He and Carlos Ghosn are both successful Brazilian entrepreneurs.