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.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
My vote goes to the brilliant idea of bottling water by Franco and Abby.
Considering the convenience offered by bottled water, not to mention the great need for drinking water, Fountain Cool has the potential of becoming a very successful business venture.
I pray and I hope that Fountain Cool is going to be one of the winners in this contest.
March 26th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I think Franco and Abby are not only enthusiastic and determined but they also do their “homework” and are willing to learn the ins and outs of the kind of business they have chosen. Water is a much needed commodity. Providing clean water systems can alleviate a lot of health problems. I hope that Franco and Abby would continue to engage in business with hearts of servant leaders. We need business people who work with integrity, always thinking of the best way of serving others. God bless you and the work he has entrusted you!
March 26th, 2008 at 4:55 am
Franco is a determined young man. He dreams, he visualize, and he makes it happen, which equates to success. So, Cong, I don’t know who really said this quote, but I will say it to you: Aim for the moon, even if you missed, you’ll still land with the stars. Best of luck.
Auntie & family
March 25th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Franco is a very hard working guy. He has the vision, the drive, and the energy to fulfill his dream. With his friends and families support, and his “go get it” attitude, there’s nothing that he couldn’t do. We’re very proud of you, Cong.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:43 am
These guys have the good stuff. They’ll make. Cocktails and chips on me. Way to go kids.