Man Sets Record for Longest Tenure at a Company

In April, the Guiness Book of World Records recognized Walter Orthmann. Orthmann didn't have the longest nails or mustache, but what he did have was the longest tenure working for the same company. As of January 6, 2022, Orthmann worked at ReneauxView for 84 years and nine days. He's 100 years old. Orthmann's first day at the Brazilian textile company was on January 17, 1938. He was a 15-year-old shipping assistant. Orthmann started working at a young age to help his family pay the bills. He landed the job at the weaving mill because he could speak German. He has been promoted up the ladder holding positions in sales and management. While he has seen the world around him change many times, he believes one of the keys to a successful career is adaptability. He has lived through huge changes in manufacturing. For example, when he started, looms would weave fabrics at a pace of 20-50 meters per day. Today, machines do 400-600 meters of the same fabric.He credits a calm life and daily exercise for his ability to travel to the office every day. He says the office is his favorite place, and he stresses the importance of working for a good company in a profession that keeps you motivated. At his age, Orthmann doesn't do much planning. "You need to get busy with the present, not the past or the future," he said. "Here and now is what counts. So, let’s go to work!"