Antonio Juan Farias Arbelo is a farmer and export business owner whose career reflects persistence, balance, and a deep respect for tradition.
Born on 16 September 1981, he grew up between Spain and the Dominican Republic, spending time in La Romana and Santo Domingo. These early experiences gave him resilience, identity, and an appreciation for both community and culture.
His education began at Sagrado Corazón de María in La Romana, where he developed discipline and focus. Later, he studied at the Instituto Marítimo Pesquero Andrés González Lines in Mariel, Cuba. These studies provided both structure and practical skills, preparing him to navigate the demands of business and farming.
Antonio began his career as a farmer, working the land and learning patience through each harvest. Farming connected him to the earth and reminded him of the importance of nurturing growth. His work later expanded into the export business, where he combined strategy with relationship-building to create lasting partnerships across borders. “Exporting is not just about goods. It’s about people,” he often says, reflecting his belief that trust and human connection are the real drivers of success.
Beyond his career, Antonio values balance. He enjoys water sports, fishing, tennis, swimming, and cycling, activities that keep him connected to nature. His philanthropy also reflects his values, including support for racing kart driver Erick Cuesto. By investing in others, he ensures his achievements extend beyond his own success. Antonio’s story shows how resilience, vision, and generosity can shape both industry and community.
Q&A with Antonio Juan Farias Arbelo
Can you tell us about your early life and how it shaped you?
I was born in Spain but spent much of my childhood in the Dominican Republic, especially in La Romana and Santo Domingo. Growing up between two cultures gave me a strong sense of resilience. Spain gave me structure, while the Dominican Republic taught me strength and community. Those experiences built the foundation for everything I’ve done since.
What role did education play in your development?
Education was very important to me. I studied at Sagrado Corazón de María in La Romana, which gave me discipline and focus. Later, in Cuba, at the Instituto Marítimo Pesquero Andrés González Lines, I learned to see things in a broader way. The mix of structure and practical training helped me prepare for both farming and business.
How did you begin your career in farming?
Farming was my first true connection to work. It taught me patience. Every harvest is a lesson—you work hard, and you wait. Farming reminded me that growth comes slowly, but the results are worth it. It also connected me deeply to the land.
What led you into the export business?
Farming grounded me, but I wanted to look further. The export business allowed me to build relationships across borders. It’s not only about logistics or goods; it’s about trust. Every shipment carries a relationship. That mindset helped me succeed in exports and build a sustainable business model.
What lessons have you taken from balancing farming with exports?
Balance is the key. Farming is about tradition and patience. Exports are about vision and connection. Putting them together gave me stability. I could honour tradition while embracing modern enterprise.
What do you enjoy outside of your work?
I love the outdoors. Fishing, swimming, cycling, tennis, and water sports keep me grounded. Fishing is special to me—it gives me peace and space to think. Some of my best ideas have come when I’ve been on the water.
Philanthropy seems important to you. Can you share more?
Yes, giving back is a value I hold deeply. For example, I supported racing kart driver Erick Cuesto. When I see young talent and dedication, I want to help. Success shouldn’t only be personal—it should lift others too.
What do you see as the biggest challenges in your industry today?
In farming, sustainability is a big challenge. We need to protect the land for future generations. In exports, trust and transparency matter more than ever. People want reliability, and relationships must be built carefully.
What advice would you give to others entering farming or business?
I don’t like to give advice, but I can share what worked for me. Patience, persistence, and values are everything. Don’t rush success. Stay true to your roots and keep building relationships.
What keeps you motivated for the future?
I think of balance. Work should never take away from life. For me, it’s about leaving a positive impact—through farming, through business, and through the people I support. That is what motivates me every day.