On May 23, 1925, Ariovaldo Botter was born — an engineer, entrepreneur, and man of principles who, with determination and vision, founded Telar Engenharia.
Throughout his journey, Dr. Ariovaldo built more than structures: he left behind a human and professional legacy that still resonates in every decision, every process, and every relationship within the company he envisioned. His teachings transcended generations and shaped a culture grounded in ethics, responsibility, and excellence.
On the centenary of his birth, we recognize the significance of his presence at the foundation of Telar and in the shaping of the values that guide our work. Celebrating our founder is reaffirming our commitment to everything he believed in — and that we continue to carry forward.
Telar takes great pride in having a remarkable team of collaborators; this was another important legacy my father left behind.
Dr. Ariovaldo began his education at the Luiz de Queiróz College of Agriculture in Piracicaba (SP), where he completed what is now equivalent to high school, then known as Pre-University. In 1949, he graduated as a civil engineer from the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo (USP), one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country.
His first professional experience was as Chief Engineer of the Bus and Tram Workshop at the Municipal Public Transport Company (CMTC) in the city of São Paulo. There, Dr. Ariovaldo began a career defined by technical excellence and strong leadership.
Before founding Telar, he was hired as a field engineer at Soares de Mattos Engenharia e Comércio S/A, where he rose through the ranks to become a director. He was responsible for major projects, including the execution of special engineering structures on the Via Dutra highway, in the section from Bonsucesso to Jacareí, and also worked on the Via Anchieta. It was during the construction of the Via Dutra that he met Telma Jannuzzi, a native of Jacareí, whom he later married.
Left photo: Telma and Ariovaldo | Top right photo: Via Dutra | Bottom right photo: Via Anchieta
Twenty years after his graduation, in 1969, Dr. Ariovaldo made a bold decision: to found his own engineering company. The initiative was taken together with his wife Telma, in a moment defined by courage, pioneering spirit, and a clear vision for the future. Thus, Telar was born, with him as the sole engineer on the team and only a few collaborators, marking the beginning of a journey that would combine technical expertise, innovation, and integrity.
From the very beginning, Dr. Ariovaldo maintained an unwavering commitment to technical excellence and the pursuit of the best engineering solutions. Telar quickly gained recognition for developing the “Tunnel Liner” method, a pioneering system for underground construction using non-destructive techniques. Dr. Ariovaldo transformed a simple construction material (Liner Plate) into a comprehensive execution process by designing devices, procedures, and equipment himself. This innovation positioned the company at the forefront of national engineering.
Dr. Ariovaldo always believed in consistency and seriousness as the foundations for lasting relationships. With this mindset, Telar grew in the public works market and earned the trust of major private sector clients. The company also stood out in concession projects and public-private partnerships, especially in the sanitation sector, leading the creation of the first association of private concessionaires, ABCON. This pioneering vision directly contributed to the expansion and improvement of Brazil’s urban infrastructure.
Dr. Ariovaldo’s relationship with his team was always grounded in respect and care. More than simply expressing his leadership vision, he lived it daily, with a keen awareness of people and the importance of human relationships in the workplace. This attitude shaped Telar’s organizational culture, which continues to value strong connections between the company, its team, society, and the environment.
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Dr. Ariovaldo’s birth, we honor not only the founder of Telar, but the man whose conduct inspired generations and whose memory remains alive in the company’s culture. His journey stands as an example of how ethics, determination, and vision for the future can transcend time and continue to build meaning.
I learned a lot from my grandfather — not only from the lessons he shared in words, but from his actions: actions marked by great responsibility and seriousness. That is exactly what all of us here at Telar strive to uphold every day.