He welcomes us into his home, a designer house on the shores of Mar Menor. He opens the door in shorts and a T-shirt, and for a moment, I think our photo session will take place in the gym. But no, Simón had prepared for one of his favorite walks through the Salinas and Arenales Park of San Pedro del Pinatar
Beforehand, he offers us coffee, and we move to the kitchen, an area with a view of the sea, just like the rest of the house.
Beneath his calm demeanor lies a whirlwind of ideas, many of which, he confesses, have been generated during his walks through the salt flats.
The word “impossible” does not exist in his vocabulary. He is not a man of half-measures, nor does he leave anything to chance, and he is extremely meticulous.
Is seeing the sea so essential to you?
Yes, it’s a part of my life; it gives me tranquility and peace, renews me every day, and makes me feel happy.
Even when I lived in San Cayetano, I used to come here to walk by the shore. When I drive, I choose routes that take me near the sea. That’s why I knew from the start that I wanted a house where I could see the sea from every corner. I need it to think and relax.
What do you do to see the sea when you’re not here?
Haha! I propose vacations that take me to it. I frequently visit the Balearic Islands and am a fan of cruises. It’s an opportunity to gather my entire family and travel together.
Where have you traveled?
Mostly cruises. The most spectacular one was to Alaska, where we saw icebergs and whales up close. We also did another through the Norwegian fjords, full of nature, and one from New York to Nassau in the Bahamas. I greatly enjoy the calmness of the sea at night and the journeys during the day. That said, the minimum I require when I travel is to be as comfortable as in my own home, or I’d rather stay here.
Do you exercise regularly?
Yes, we have a personal trainer who comes to the house three times a week, and my wife and I work out together. On my own, sometimes with my youngest son, we play basketball on the mini court we have.
What memories do you have of your childhood and adolescence?
I had a very happy childhood. As kids, we lived in the streets. San Cayetano was a village of 300 to 400 inhabitants. The doors of houses were always open, and there was a lot of interaction between neighbors.
What did your parents do?
My father, like my grandfather, was a farmer but also a transporter. My siblings and I started helping him very young, in the garage at home, with small-scale sales. We built everything from nothing, with great effort. We worked six and a half days a week for many hours. My grandfather only had six hectares of land spread across seven small plots, a true patchwork.
You’ve done quite well for yourself.
I can’t complain, but you learn as you go in business. I’ve also experienced ventures that weren’t as successful as the current ones. I’ve always firmly believed in what I was doing and kept moving forward. My time at Agromediterránea was very enriching professionally.
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You seem like a perfectionist. Am I wrong?
You’re somewhat right. I have a clear vision of how everything should be managed, and if it’s not that way, it feels off to me. I have a very clear idea of things.
What hobby makes you happy today?
I enjoy taking trips with my wife, including gastronomic routes, as the experience of good food is part of the journey.
I like seizing the opportunities life offers. A few months ago, we escaped to Vienna to see Coldplay, and we also made a short trip to Paris to watch the Roland Garros final, where we were lucky enough to see Alcaraz win.
What are your favorite restaurants?
I have many, both in Spain and in the places I’ve traveled to. In the south, my favorite is Antonio’s Restaurant in Zahara de los Atunes (Cádiz). In the north, as we travel to San Sebastián every year, we always stop at De Galo Restaurant in Covarrubias to try the lamb or the traditional Burgos stew. Once in the Basque Country, I often return to Asador Portuetxe or Akelarre, on the slopes of Mount Igueldo, with unbeatable views.
You mentioned Coldplay. What other music do you listen to?
I enjoy all kinds of music. A classic for me is Simon & Garfunkel or Italian romantic songs. I also like Raphael and more contemporary artists like Shakira or Rosalía.
How about reading?
I usually read news digitally, such as El Mundo, La Razón, and La Verdad to stay informed. As for books, when time allows, I lean towards historical novels. La Catedral del Mar impacted me deeply. Ana and I toured Barcelona’s old quarter following the book’s storyline. It was fascinating. My most recent read was In Love and War by Ildefonso Falcones.
I noticed a crucifix in your car. Are you religious?
Yes, in my own way. But I must say that since my son Álvaro took his First Communion, I’ve felt more inclined to attend Mass, and it makes me feel much better.
You always dress impeccably.
I think I dress very normally. I like comfortable clothes that are appropriate for each occasion.
Do you plan to retire?
Not at all. I’m passionate about my work.
