In the thriving world of Mallorca’s digital business, few stories are as compelling as that of Xavi, the entrepreneurial force behind Refineria. His journey, shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a drive for innovation, serves as a powerful example of how passion and adaptability can transform youthful interests into a business success story.

Early Inspiration and the Birth of Refineria

Xavi’s entrepreneurial journey began remarkably early. At just 14, he discovered a love for programming, despite the lack of formal web design education in Mallorca at the time. His academic path led him to train as a physical education teacher, simply because the digital options he craved were not available. Yet, his passion for technology persisted, and by the age of 18, he took the bold step of founding Refineria.

Initially, Xavi had no grand ambitions for his fledgling company. Growth came organically, with the first few employees joining, and soon, a management team came together. His early start in programming, combined with his ability to adapt and self-learn, laid the foundation for what would become one of Mallorca’s most innovative digital firms.

From Startup to Business Group

As Refineria grew, so did Xavi’s understanding of the challenges of running a business. Recognising the need for broader skills, he pursued an Executive MBA in Barcelona to sharpen his business acumen. This proved essential as the company expanded from a handful of employees to a team of over 30, and later diversified into areas such as marketing, audiovisual production, and IT consulting. The name “Refineria Web” eventually gave way to simply “Refineria”, reflecting a broadened scope, today, web development accounts for just 35% of the business.

Crucial to this growth was Xavi’s decision to introduce director-partners for each business line, giving autonomy to talented leaders and enabling a more strategic, group-wide vision. This structure allowed Xavi to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on guiding the company’s direction.

Putting People First—Team and Culture

Central to Refineria’s ethos is a commitment to people, both clients and staff. Xavi believes that the right people in the right positions are vital for a company’s success. He has cultivated a culture of open communication, mutual support, and continuous learning. Recruitment processes include personality profiling to ensure team chemistry, and considerable effort is placed on team-building activities and professional development.

Refineria’s team is truly international, with members hailing from more than eight countries. Flexible working arrangements, including remote work, are standard—an approach that not only attracts top talent but also fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty.

Passion for Digital—A Guiding Principle

The company’s motto, “passion for digital”, is more than a slogan, it’s embedded in Refineria’s DNA. Xavi and his team pride themselves on translating complex technical language into clear, human communication, making digital concepts accessible to clients. This educational, client-centric approach sets Refineria apart and ensures long-term partnerships.

Embracing Change and Innovation

Xavi’s role has evolved over the years from hands-on founder to strategic leader. He credits his ability to adapt and to delegate as key to the company’s ongoing success. Recognising that innovation is essential, he established an innovation committee that brings together the most creative minds from each department. Regular brainstorming sessions keep the business ahead of the curve, especially as trends like artificial intelligence and digital transformation reshape the landscape.

Personal Growth and Resilience

Xavi’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without sacrifice. He speaks candidly about the personal costs, years of intense work, and the impact of family bereavement. Yet, these experiences have deepened his perspective, teaching him the value of resilience, the importance of a strong team, and the need to focus on what really matters.

His commitment to personal well-being is reflected in his love of fast chess (he was once Spanish junior champion) and more recently, golf—both pastimes that help him disconnect and recharge.

Advice for the Next Generation

For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those in Mallorca, Xavi’s advice is clear: master not only your technical craft, but also the fundamentals of business—finance, marketing, administration and people management. He emphasises the importance of continuous learning, openness to government support programmes and the willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone.

Xavi’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, the necessity of adaptability and the impact of putting people first. Under his leadership, Refineria continues to grow, innovate and inspire, remaining, at its heart, a company driven by a true passion for digital.