With a technological specialization in Management, João Marques represents the second generation at the helm of Marqsol, a footwear components company.
Was working in the industry a natural choice?
Entering the footwear industry was more an opportunity than a planned decision. I was in the process of transitioning into a degree in Management when the possibility of joining this sector arose. I decided to put my studies on hold to seize an opportunity that was unlikely to come around again — and it was, without a doubt, the best decision I made, given the experience I have gained since then.
That said, I do recognize that the lack of an academic background created certain barriers, forcing me to work harder to acquire the necessary knowledge and keep pace with the realities of today’s industry.
How would you define Marqsol and what sets it apart in the market?
I am certain that Marqsol stands out for its internal dynamism. All employees understand the speed and level of demand that the market currently imposes, and this energy has been embedded from the very beginning by our CEO, Paulo Marques, who remains the company’s main driving force.
In terms of product, we operate on two fronts: a private label segment, where we present new collections each season, and a bespoke projects segment, developed in partnership with international brands operating in Portugal.
What have been the biggest challenges so far?
Marqsol was founded in the midst of the pandemic, and from the outset we faced major obstacles — from sharp price fluctuations to the surge in orders in the post-pandemic period, which at times exceeded the response capacity of the entire industry.
Added to this is the current international context, marked by conflict and uncertainty, which creates instability and makes it difficult to plan ahead. That is perhaps the greatest challenge: managing a company without being able to anticipate scenarios, while responsibilities and fixed costs remain regardless of workload.
What advice would you give to a young person starting out in the industry?
I would give two pieces of advice. First: for those with ambition, in any sector, eight hours of work a day are not enough to reach levels of excellence. This does not mean living for the company, but rather making the most of the resources we have available today — smartphones, computers, accessible information — to always go further.
Second: do not limit yourselves to knowing only your own sector. It is essential to understand the entire ecosystem — from brands and retailers to design teams. The more we understand this circuit, the easier it is to align with what the market is looking for. Our industry is driven by clients’ decisions, and only by understanding them can we be prepared to respond.