There’s something about listening to a 20-something dream about becoming a CEO by age 30 that brings out extremes in people.
Franco Mesina is a classic example, and he is probably used to getting the full range of reactions from admiration to rejection. The far right side of the spectrum — pessimism from other people or even outright rejection of his dreams — don’t seem to have any effect on him.
Even before he graduated from college, Franco has already set up a water-refilling station business with his dad. But while the business flourished, he had no plans of stopping there. With his girlfriend Abby, he stumbled on a business opportunity when they met an importer/exporter of equipment for water refilling stations. They convinced the businessman to take a chance on them, thus the birth of a new company with a business to business (B2B) strategy, aiming to be a major supplier of good-quality equipment for water stations and institutional clients all over the country.
The way Franco declared his goals of becoming a CEO of a nationwide water company by age 30 – that’s less than 10 years from now – makes one think that meeting the big businessman who gave him and his girlfriend a break was not a happy coincidence. He looked like someone who make things happen with sheer determination.
Franco and Abby are now busy with three fledgling companies – a supplier of water refilling station equipment, Icylicious (snow cones from clean water) and a packaging company. If you want to vote for Franco and Abby to be one of eight groups of business owners who will get advice from Willy Arcilla for one year, just comment on this article ☺
Read about contender number one, No Slipping Inc.’s Wilson Sy, here.
Read about the first plenary session in my two blog previous posts here and here.
Click here to watch a video of Franco and Abby.
March 12th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
It’s good to know that you’re pursuing the dream you were discussing with us all the way back in college, Franco!
I hope that you would also branch out to other areas and eventually create your own product that we will see in the market. Remember that innovation is good
But for now, I wish you the very best in your endeavors and more success!
March 12th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I think franco will do great in his endeavors. He has that business mindset since college. I think he has the characteristics of a great CEO.
Good Luck kong!!
March 12th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Being able to provide clean and affordable water for everybody is a very good business. Clean water makes one healthy, thus increases the performance and productivity of the institution he/she is in.
Good Luck in your endeavor.
March 12th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I personally know Franco from way back in college. And even then, he has always been passionate on being a great entrepreneur.
We always believed he would go far. And I can say that I am very proud of what he has achieved so far.
I wish him more strength, more opportunities. ^_^
March 12th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
A man with a clear vision and pure determination. Mr. Franco I vote for you.