In the landscape of Mexican business, few family names carry the weight and legacy of the Salinas dynasty. Among the younger generation of this influential family stands Guillermo Andrés Salinas Treviño, better known as “Memo” Salinas. As the nephew of billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego and son of businessman Guillermo Salinas Pliego, Memo has carved his own path in the business world while simultaneously building a significant social media presence. This profile examines his journey, business ventures, philanthropic efforts, and growing influence in Mexico’s entrepreneurial scene.
The Guillermo Salinas Dynasty: A Legacy of Business Excellence
Family Roots
The Salinas family’s entrepreneurial legacy dates back to 1906, spanning over a century of business innovation in Mexico. The family gained prominence in the 1950s when they revolutionized the retail economy with their conglomerate business Grupo Elektra, which has since become one of Mexico’s most recognized retail chains.
Memo Salinas is the eldest of four sons born to Guillermo Salinas Pliego and Lilia Mercedes Treviño Ballesteros, who married in 1984. His father is the brother of Ricardo Salinas Pliego, who currently ranks as the third richest person in Mexico with a fortune estimated at over $12 billion, according to Forbes.
Educational Background
Following family tradition, Memo pursued higher education at one of Mexico’s premier institutions. He studied Finance at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), commonly known as Tec de Monterrey, establishing a solid foundation for his future business endeavors.
Building His Own Empire: Memo’s Business Ventures
DECAS: Sustainable Construction
In 2010, Memo founded his first significant business venture, DECAS, a construction company focused on sustainable building practices and infrastructure projects. According to his official website, DECAS specializes in “the vast field of construction,” handling projects ranging from buildings and road works to industrial and commercial construction for both public and private sectors.
What distinguishes DECAS is its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. The company has developed patented Mexican asphalt made from 100% recycled materials, which is used for various works including paving, pothole repairs, and general civil construction, as noted by El CEO.
Grupo Axis: Transportation and Logistics
Expanding his business portfolio, Memo founded Grupo Axis in 2014, a company dedicated to transportation and logistics. He currently serves as president of this organization, which has become a significant player in Mexico’s transportation sector. The creation of Grupo Axis demonstrated Memo’s ability to identify market opportunities and diversify his business interests strategically.
Rapid Wire: Telecommunications
In 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Memo launched Rapid Wire, a company focused on providing high-speed internet through fiber optic cables. According to SDP Noticias, the company handles supply, installation, maintenance, and services for high-speed internet infrastructure. This move into telecommunications showed Memo’s adaptability and foresight in capitalizing on the growing demand for reliable internet connectivity during a time of increased remote work and digital dependency.
Rapid Transit: Eco-friendly Transportation
In 2022, Memo launched Rapid Transit along with two business partners. This company operates eco-friendly buses, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices across multiple sectors, as reported by SDP Noticias.
Beyond Business: Philanthropy and Social Impact
EXISTE ABP: Supporting Underprivileged Children
In 2014, Memo established EXISTE ABP, a foundation dedicated to supporting children with limited opportunities in Monterrey, Mexico. The foundation focuses on being a fundamental part of the growth and development of these children, providing them with necessary life tools to become agents of change and inspiring them to live a fulfilling life built on values, according to Revista Clase.
The inspiration for EXISTE ABP came from a conversation Memo had in his apartment in Mexico City in April 2013, when a friend suggested he should “do things for people.” Reflecting on his fortunate position in life, Memo decided to create a foundation without his name attached to ensure it served an honest purpose and would inspire genuine involvement, as he explained in an interview with Disrupt Magazine.
According to El CEO, EXISTE ABP works primarily with elementary school-aged children in five main areas, organizing activities that include Olympics, museum visits, company visits, storytelling, education on fundamental topics for their growth like nutrition, seasonal activities, and activities that benefit others.
The Influencer Entrepreneur: Social Media Presence
TikTok Fame
While building his business empire, Memo has also established himself as a social media influencer with a particularly strong presence on TikTok. His content, which often showcases his luxurious lifestyle including foreign travel, yacht excursions, exclusive cars, and his mansion, has garnered millions of views and a substantial following.
One of his most viral videos on TikTok shows his daily routine, dubbed the “millionaire’s routine,” where he displays his home, service staff, and Mercedes-Benz vehicle, according to Revista Clase. This combination of business acumen and social media savvy has helped Memo build a personal brand that extends beyond traditional business circles.
Growing Online Influence
According to El CEO, Memo has accumulated over 1.155 million followers across Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Beyond showcasing his lifestyle, he has positioned himself as a personal development guru, offering advice on business growth, savings, and investments.
Notable Partnerships and Connections
Collaboration with Jordan Belfort
In 2020, Memo formed a partnership with Jordan Belfort, famously known as “The Wolf of Wall Street,” to bring Belfort’s “Straight Line Hiring” program to Latin America. This program focuses on recruiting, hiring, and training salespeople across various industries. The collaboration demonstrated Memo’s ability to forge strategic international partnerships and his interest in sales development across Mexico, as reported by California Herald.
Encounter with Elon Musk
In 2023, Memo met Elon Musk at a music festival in Los Cabos, Mexico. During their encounter, they discussed Tesla’s decision to build a plant in Nuevo León, with Musk explaining his choice was based on the work culture and high level of technology in the region, as well as its proximity to the United States and Austin, where Musk spends much of his time, according to Quien.
Business Philosophy and Personal Values
Memo’s approach to business and life reflects a blend of entrepreneurial ambition and social responsibility. According to his website, he lives by the motto “En el Dar está el Recibir” (In Giving is Receiving), viewing money not as an end goal or source of happiness, but as a tool to live his life and help others.
He has also spoken about the importance of hard work and humility, noting in an interview with Influencive that he learned early on that “nothing is for free, things take time,” and that his birthplace comes from “hard work and effort from the legacy of the elders” in his family.
Controversies and Public Statements
Like his uncle Ricardo, Memo has not shied away from making controversial statements. In March 2024, he made headlines when he accused Mexico’s current administration of causing the “venezuelization” of Mexico, arguing that only the movement’s leaders and their families were benefiting from government policies, as reported by SDP Noticias.
In another instance in November 2022, he sparked debate when he criticized cyclists, suggesting they should ride in parks or mountains if they fear vehicles on the road, a comment that many users criticized for its lack of empathy, according to Radio Fórmula.
The Future of Memo Salinas
At present, Memo continues to focus on growing his business ventures while maintaining his active social media presence. His diverse portfolio spanning construction, transportation, telecommunications, and philanthropy positions him as a versatile entrepreneur who has successfully leveraged his family name while establishing his own identity in the business world.
When asked about his future professional aspirations in an interview with Business News Ledger, Memo emphasized his commitment to growth, stating: “I think I have a lot on my table to work with for now. But one thing is for sure: Growth, growth and GROWTH! And to always be the best of the best in what I do, and always give back.”
Conclusion
Guillermo “Memo” Salinas represents a new generation of Mexican entrepreneurs who combine traditional business acumen with digital savvy and social consciousness. While benefiting from his family’s prestigious name and connections, he has forged his own path through diverse business ventures and philanthropic initiatives. His journey illustrates how modern entrepreneurs can leverage their privileges to create economic value while also contributing to social causes, setting an example for future generations of business leaders in Mexico and beyond.
Disclaimer
This article is based on public reporting from multiple news outlets and websites. Some information represents statements from parties involved and may reflect their perspectives rather than independently verified facts. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, details about private individuals and businesses may change over time.