In an extraordinary testament to loyalty and a lifelong passion for his profession, Brazilian centenarian Walter Orthmann has officially set the Guinness World Record for the longest career at the same company, logging an astonishing 84 years and nine days of service.
The incredible milestone was verified by Guinness World Records in early 2022, shortly before Mr. Orthmann celebrated his 100th birthday in April of that year.
Mr. Orthmann’s career began on January 17, 1938, when he was just 15 years old. He was hired as a shipping assistant at a textile company in Santa Catarina, Brazil, then known as Industrias Renaux S.A. (now called RenauxView).
- First Role: Shipping Assistant
- Current Role: Sales Manager
His tenure with the company is so long that he has witnessed countless historical and economic changes, having collected his pay in nine different currency denominations over the years.
When asked about the key to his record-breaking longevity and professional endurance, Mr. Orthmann, known for his excellent health and mental clarity, offered a piece of simple, yet profound, advice:
“I don’t do much planning, nor care much about tomorrow. All I care about is that tomorrow will be another day in which I will wake up, get up, exercise and go to work; you need to get busy with the present, not the past or the future. Here and now is what counts. So, let’s go to work!”
He also emphasized the importance of finding a good company and working in an area that makes you feel motivated. Even at 100, Mr. Orthmann maintained the routine of exercising daily and driving himself to the office, a place he calls his favorite.
Walter Orthmann’s remarkable career stands as a rare example of steadfast commitment in a modern world characterized by rapid job changes, cementing his legacy in the history books.
