In an exclusive interview with Emprendedor.com, Víctor González Herrera, the current CEO of Farmacias Similares, shared a profound piece of wisdom from his father, Víctor González Torres—the man who built one of Mexico’s most recognizable pharmaceutical chains into a household name.
The core message was clear: leadership is not a birthright. For González Herrera, the transition from being the son of a founder to leading a massive corporate entity required more than just a shared last name; it required earning the trust of the thousands of employees and millions of customers who make the brand a daily reality.
González Herrera’s upbringing was a masterclass in observation. From a young age, he accompanied his father to meetings, events, and daily operations, watching firsthand how the company was constructed. However, his education wasn’t just passive. At 18, he began working on the front lines as a salesperson in a branch, gaining a grassroots understanding of the challenges faced by staff and the needs of the patients they serve.
The lesson was clear: authority doesn’t just come from holding a title; it comes from the ability to inspire trust and demonstrate values through daily actions. This- -was one of the primary lessons that marked his path toward leading the company.
A Legacy Built on Service
The relationship between Víctor González Herrera and his father was also a form of corporate learning. By being close to his father, the current director observed how a company was built and how an idea of service was transmitted. When it came time to assume greater responsibilities within the family business, that experience gave him a particular perspective on the operation.
For a company built around an identity as recognizable as that of the Dr. Simi, preserving that connection with the people is also part of the challenge. González Herrera emphasizes that the brand seeks to expand its social mission, incorporating initiatives related to animal health and environmental protection, while also bringing the character to new markets.
From Culture to Global Reach
One of the most striking examples of the brand’s cultural impact is its presence in the entertainment world. The “Dr. Simi” plushies, which first gained viral popularity in Mexican streets and concert venues, have become a cultural phenomenon. For González Herrera, one of the most surprising examples of this expansion has been in Japan, where the character managed to connect with audiences that were not part of his traditional markets.
The challenge now is to convert that popularity into a sustained expansion strategy, capable of preserving the identity of the character while connecting with new audiences. The next chapter will depend on how the organization manages to articulate that legacy of service with the goals of a global brand.
The Future of the Brand
Under his leadership, Farmacias Similares is evolving. The company seeks to expand its social mission, strengthening projects related to environmental conservation and animal well-being. This vision seeks to associate the identity of the Dr. Simi with initiatives of social impact and generate links with communities in different countries.
While the character is a household name, the CEO highlights that the true value lies in the commitment to service. As the brand looks toward the future, it aims to take the character to the world, ensuring that the “Dr. Simi” remains a symbol of trust and accessibility, no matter where in the world it is found.
