José Alcino, a goldsmith apprentice turned sewing machine mechanic, discovered his true calling through his love for camping. Combining his skills with the expertise of his seamstress wife, he crafted their first customized tent. The response was immediate and overwhelming, leading to the foundation of Movicampo Lda, a company dedicated to producing high-quality camping tents.
By the 1980s, Movicampo was manufacturing tents for civil protection, the military, and international organizations. José's son, Mario Martins, joined the company in 1985, bringing his industrial design expertise. Under Mario's guidance, Movicampo began producing tents and awnings for caravans and motorhomes, securing contracts with renowned European brands.
In 1998, a fortuitous meeting between Mario Martins and Tony Partenio, a French outdoor enthusiast and salesman, set the stage for the creation of James Baroud. Combining Mario's design and production skills with Tony's commercial acumen, they launched the brand in 1999. Their first rooftop tents, tailored for off-road and overland exploration, quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation.