October 12, 2022 marks the 90th birthday of businessman and former Senator Enrique Loyola. Today, Loyola is the authority of the state and even the country for its entrepreneurial and political streak. This is one of the names that are part of the growth story of Joinville in north Santa Catarina.

His contribution, which began with his predecessors, is undeniable. His father, Lauro Carneiro de Loyola, was a federal deputy and helped create the infrastructure in Joinville in the 1950s that allowed the city to grow and become the state’s largest economy.

At 90, Loyola is passionate about driving and piloting boats. – Photo: André Kopsch

His grandfather, Enrique Dua, was a local industrialist who worked in various fields, and his great-grandfather, Étienne Dua, was responsible for the Don Francisca road project, which provided a link to the Northern Plateau and stimulated the region’s economy in the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century.

Today, Enrique Loyola controls large companies such as Cia Fabril Lepper in Joinville and Fiação São Bento in São Bento do Sul. He was also president of the Joinville Business Association, where his daughter Maria Regina Loyola Alves is president today.

On a voluntary basis, he is one of the most important figures in the structure of the Joinville Volunteer Fire Department, being the founder of the Association of Santa Catarina Volunteer Firefighters, of which he is the honorary president.

There are more highlights in politics. He served as Secretary of State for Industry, Commerce and Tourism of Santa Catarina in the government of Pedro Ivo Campos, where he implemented the Santa Catarina Industrial Development Program, which has been an important source of industrial development and job creation for over 30 years. in state.

Enrique Loyola said that “the coffin has no boxes” and defended the social role of the entrepreneur. This is how the Fundação 12 de Outubro was created, which over the past 30 years has been involved in works such as the construction of Lar Betania, the Residencial Ventura and the renovation of Lar Abdon Batista, meeting the assistance needs of about 60 private and public institutions. .

At 90, Loyola is pure life force. He even attributed one of his passions, which had improved so much at that age: the sea. His first boat was a boat he got from his father when he was 10 years old and which he converted into a bamboo and sheet sailboat from his mother.

Even today, Loyola does not miss the opportunity to sail and swim, driving her own boat in detail. Another hobby is driving on different roads. Even when traveling abroad, he always takes a car to discover new places.

Whether by land or sea, in his adventures he has a true companion for life. Helga Loyola accompanies him on various trips. Married for 66 years, love is the foundation of a legacy that serves as a source of inspiration and admiration.