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 18th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Good Luck Cong, we’ll see you on the top!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Success in business depends on getting superb advice - and that’s what Willy Arcilla delivers! Franco might have the dreams and determination but he definitely need the innovative ideas and practical advice from a great mind. Franco’s success means opportunities - not only for him but for the rest of the Filipino people. Let us help this dynamic and hardworking Franco put his great business mind to work!
Good luck to you and Abby!
March 17th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
We wish you the best in your endeavor.
March 17th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I know Franco, or simply “Cong” to his friends, through Ka-entrep, a fledgling organization supporting the needs and concerns of Small and Microentrepreneurs in the Philippines. Through the character formation program of Ka-entrep, I have found Cong to be of exceptional character. I am certain this resourceful, creative and determined young entrepreneur will reach his goals sooner rather then later, and I’m proud to be a friend. All the best to you and Abby, Cong!
March 17th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Franco and Abby,
More power to you guys! I know this project of yours will be a big hit in the Philippine market. Your dream of being a CEO in the near future will be a dream come true. keep the faith.