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The story of Oriol Specht Anaya is a living testament to what Cubans can achieve when they free themselves from the constraints of the oppressive system. From delivering pizzas on the streets of Berlin, Germany, to founding his own company for veterinary dental equipment — the only one in Europe — his journey is defined by perseverance, creativity, and talent.
"Cubans can indeed be successful," Specht asserted in an exclusive interview with Cubanet. The speaker leads Oriena Dental Hamburg GmbH, a company that designs and manufactures mobile veterinary dental units used in Germany, Poland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
It is worth noting that their innovative equipment allows for multiple procedures to be performed simultaneously, reducing anesthesia time in animals, something he considers crucial for the health of pets.
From Cuba to Berlin: starting from scratch
During the conversation, Oriol humorously and proudly recalled his beginnings in Germany: “When I started studying at the Free University of West Berlin, I had no scholarship, so I delivered pizzas, cleaned buildings, and worked at a crepe company to pay for my studies.”
Revisiting university in Germany was not an easy task: “I had to retake almost everything, except for physiology and anatomy. My room was filled with papers containing translations from Spanish to German until I mastered the language.”
After graduating, he worked as a manager at Bayer, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to the Netherlands, where he started as a mobile veterinarian. Later, he founded his first clinic and specialized in veterinary dentistry in Sweden before establishing his company in Hamburg.
A born inventor
“ I have always been an inventor. Since I was a child, I made chivichanas. When I requested equipment to work in mobile dental medicine and was told it didn’t exist, I decided to create it myself,” Specht told Cubanet. Thus, Oriena Dental was born, with equipment named after his daughters.
Now, their goal is to expand in the United States, where they already have a new office in Miami. “What I couldn't do in Cuba, I achieved here, in freedom. That is the most valuable thing,” they stated.
Cuban pride, German soul
Although he has been in Germany for 35 years, Specht acknowledges that earning respect was not easy: "Germans are tough, and I will always be seen as a foreigner. But when you show that you know what you're doing, things change."
Message to the Youth
"Every challenge outside of Cuba, no matter how difficult it may seem, is easier than what is faced there. If we have learned to survive without light, without water, and without freedom, then abroad anything can be achieved with discipline," he advised.
Today, thanks to their teams, thousands of dogs and cats receive quality dental care in Europe. “I feel free. I have achieved things I never imagined in Cuba. That fills me with pride,” concluded this native of the island that shines on its own and deserves full recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oriol Specht's Success in Europe
Who is Oriol Specht and what is his most notable achievement?
Oriol Specht Anaya is a Cuban who went from delivering pizzas in Berlin to founding Oriena Dental Hamburg GmbH, a leading company in mobile veterinary dental equipment in Europe. Its innovative devices are used in various countries and enable simultaneous procedures, enhancing veterinary care.
How did Oriol Specht manage to settle in Germany?
Oriol Specht settled in Germany initially as a student at the Free University of West Berlin, funding his studies by working as a pizza delivery driver and cleaning buildings. After graduating, he worked as a manager at Bayer and then specialized in veterinary dentistry in Sweden, which eventually allowed him to establish his own company in Hamburg.
What message does Oriol Specht have for young Cubans who wish to emigrate?
Oriol Specht advises young Cubans that every challenge outside of Cuba, no matter how difficult it may seem, is more manageable. He asserts that, with discipline, it is possible to achieve great things abroad, especially if they have already learned to survive in the tough conditions of the island.
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