In the latest episode of the podcast "Negócios com Impacto," a partnership between CATÓLICA-LISBON and Rádio Renascença, we get to know Rodrigo Pessoa Jorge, the founder of OFFCOUSTIC, an innovative company transforming workspaces with the installation of acoustic booths.
Rodrigo is a 29-year-old entrepreneur who has always had an insatiable curiosity and a desire to explore different fields. From a young age, his interests ranged from music to architecture, but it was in management that he found his true passion. A graduate of CATÓLICA-LISBON, Rodrigo highlights the Data Modeling course, taught by Professor Carlos Rondão, as one of the most influential in his career. "I learned the basics, how to structure a database, and I still use it in almost all areas of our company," he says.
In 2020, Rodrigo founded OFFCOUSTIC, a company that stands out for producing acoustic booths for offices, addressing a need he felt while working in a tech startup. The lack of adequate space for calls and meetings led him to develop a practical and affordable solution. "We wanted to find something to solve this problem and didn't even know what. Then we found this category of products, acoustic booths, but the solutions were costly. So, we thought: what if we made a more IKEA-like version made in Portugal?" he explains.
OFFCOUSTIC started with the production of a test unit and, after continuous adjustments, managed to perfect the product. Today, the company has around 130 clients and over 400 booths installed in eight countries, though most are in Portugal. The company, headquartered in Torres Vedras with an office in Lisbon and a factory in Vendas Novas, currently employs about 20 people. "Internationalization is one of our goals, we are focusing more on Spain and other markets," Rodrigo points out.
OFFCOUSTIC's booths are built with materials such as wood, glass, and felt, and include electronic components. Each booth is assembled in about an hour, without the need for construction work, providing a private and comfortable space for meetings and calls. "Our booths are like IKEA furniture, easily assembled and very practical," he highlights.
The reception has been positive, with demand coming from small and medium-sized businesses, co-working spaces, and even universities. "CATÓLICA-LISBON, for example, is one of our clients," Rodrigo shares. The business model includes both the sale and rental of the booths, adapting to the financial and logistical needs of each client.
Despite the successes, Rodrigo does not hide the challenges faced. Internationalization brings additional challenges such as transportation and logistics. However, 100% Portuguese production is not seen as a barrier. "Transportation is just hiring an international carrier. So far, we have managed to solve maintenance problems remotely through instructions and technical support," he explains.
The education at Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics played a crucial role in Rodrigo's journey. "I learned everything from scratch and with a very solid structure. I met many important people, from professors to future bosses. Católica taught me to think and be more ambitious," he acknowledges. Rodrigo Pessoa Jorge is an example of how academic training, combined with innovation and perseverance, can lead to business success. OFFCOUSTIC continues to grow and expand, always with the mission to improve work environments and provide practical and efficient solutions for companies worldwide.