René Torres: Streamlining A Digital Transformation For SMEs With Quality-Based Leadership

A revolutionary leader, René Torres is the Founder and Co-creator of CONTPAQi®, the software that revolutionized accounting in Mexico. Currently, René leads the team responsible for developing solutions that provide information to improve the decision-making procedures and streamline the sales and collection tasks for SMEs nationwide.
In 2020, René became the CEO of the organization second time in a row to lead the strategies that strengthen the brand presence in cloud apps/software while reinforcing the leadership in the SMEs and entrepreneurs segment to drive digital transformation.
He graduated in Communications and Electronics from the University of Guadalajara (UDG). He has an Honoris Causa Ph.D. degree from the International University (UNINTER) of Cuernavaca, Morelos, for his contribution to education and the development of MSMEs within the nation. In addition, during the last three years, he has served as President of the Board of Directors of CONTPAQi®.
He is also a graduate of the Executive Business Management AD2 Program by IPADE Business School and certified as Ontological Coach with Honorable Mention by the Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM).
About CONTPAQi®
Since 1982, CONTPAQi® has been the pioneer in the software industry. René and his partner, José Luis de Alba democratized the technology by introducing a programming language that allowed to express a big idea in a few code lines.
After almost 40 years in the market and with double-digit growth in sales from 2006, the company has thousands of users in several states of Mexico. In addition, the channel force is based on business partners that serve as advisors for all SMEs nationwide.
CONTPAQi® believes in maintaining leadership in innovation. The offer is diversified in specialized products for accounting, billing, training, and expense control, serving companies of a variety of sizes in different industries.
Leader’s Insights on the Changing Dynamics
One of the greatest lessons from the pandemic is “with less, you can do more”. Currently, with the progressive disappearance of most worksites, MSMEs will have resources to invest in their digitalization. Furthermore, within this period of economic recovery, with new challenges, a major challenge lies in positioning the organization; in an increasingly competitive market. Hence, CONTPAQi® focuses on innovation, which allows it to develop better accounting, administrative, and marketing solutions.
As a business leader, Rene’s journey of learning, effort, and sacrifice; has led him to be satisfied by promoting his trench in a technology company, the Digital Transformation for more SMEs in the country.
Innovation is the Need of the Hour
Digitalization is necessary than ever before for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The use of technology has allowed SMEs to increase their competitiveness and permanence in the marketplace. And this is because during the pandemics, and afterward, the reduction in their sales has led them to make a change in their operational budgets and processes.
CONTPAQi® being the prime technology firm from the last three decades is familiar with this scenario. The company has understood that businesses are living an unprecedented transformation, leading them to a new era of modernity and growth but, at the same time, with huge challenges, it remains by their side.
In addition to being a customer-focused company, it reckons SMEs as businesses led and operated by individuals; who seek their growth and support. Our innovation resides in giving technology a more human face, understanding and meeting their needs through each solution we launch into the market.
Cherishing a Healthy and Happy Work Atmosphere
CONTPAQi® keeps track of the professional and human development of its employees and distributors. It constantly supports them with training, in addition, to providing them with bonuses and implementing actions such as “Flex Friday” to spend more time with their families.
Moreover, during the pandemic, the company has implemented the home office model, providing financial support to pay for the Internet service. It has also applied the survey required by the NOM 035 standard and, where necessary providing psychological support through specialists in the field.
Currently, CONTPAQi® is one of the best companies qualified by its labor policies and recognized by The Great Place To Work Institute. It shows that we are a company valued by its employees, who thus show that they are happy to be part of the “Blue Heart” family.
The organization is convinced that happiness is the key to improving productivity and creating a positive impact in the lives of all those who are part of the community. We understand that we are not living within a universe, but rather a universe is living within us.
A Client-Centric Approach
Personally, René sees the clients as human beings, not as businesses. “By understanding their problems and being able to offer them solutions, I feel deeply satisfied, because I know I am doing something for the economic activity of our country.” 
He finds his success in “Happytalism”, making others happy. The company supports SMEs with technology, its employees by helping them develop their gifts and talents, its excellent sales force, and business partners. When everyone comes together as one strong team, it becomes the formula of growth and success.
The Grand Victory
An achievement for CONTPAQi® has been to position itself as the leader in the development of business software in Mexico. The journey from five programmers to having hundreds of employees and a community of more than 45 hundred distributors served by 12 offices along with the domestic territory. Additionally, it has a presence in more than one thousand universities and a base of over one million SMEs.
Words of Wisdom for Budding Entrepreneurs
René advises young leaders to do good for others. “No matter what is idea or project you are leading; you must keep in mind the great responsibility you have by incorporating yourselves as an essential part of the domestic economic system.”
With technology and constant preparation, in addition to dedication and passion for work, aspiring minds should contribute to finding a much clearer path to lead their business to success.
An Overview of the Existing Picture
At this moment, more and more SMEs are convinced about the benefits of making their processes digital, adopting technology as an enabler to survive the new market conditions.
The businesses that have shut down have emerged as other businesses with a new vision, young entrepreneurs, and the opportunity to gain a space in the preference of consumers.
Under this context, CONTPAQi® has maintained a firm position as a company providing and know-how of the importance of SMEs for domestic economic activity.
A Promising Future
René foresees a bright future for the whole ecosystem. In the following months, in addition to consolidating new solutions, the organization aims to work in a software transition to the cloud.
CONTPAQi® plans on delivering a business model with specialized training – to train more advisors beyond the system implementation. Furthermore, it also incorporates ad hoc services to the clients’ business with state-of-the-art processes and tools.
“Likewise, we see ourselves expanding our business to different countries in Latin America, finding common points with other technology companies, so that we reach a greater value by working together, instead of being apart”, concludes René.