It could be said that the true test of successful entrepreneurship is creating a solid foundation upon which other aspiring business people can build and grow their own ventures.
In the case of ARC Refreshments Corporation, this is very much evident in the standards of excellence, discipline, perseverance and hard work that it requires of its would-be dealers and partners in dealership.
Perhaps it is because the company similarly went through small but sure beginnings more than a decade ago—when it brought back the famed RC Cola brand of soft drinks in the Philippine market despite tough competition—that it is attuned to the needs of budding entrepreneurs.
Fifty-year-old Henry Rabillos Sr. of Davao City appreciates this and highlights the strong sense of partnership that ARC extends to RC Cola dealers like him.
“They have been very supportive to us,” he readily states. “Lagi silang nagtatanong na ‘Kamusta na diyan?’ Tinitignan pa rin nila ang aming kalagayan [They always ask, ‘How are you doing?’ They always check on us].”
Rabillos admits that getting into the soft drinks business was not easy at first. Previously based in Midsayap, North Cotabato, he was engaged in appliances and motorcycle dealership. Since he has a degree in agriculture, he also dabbled in farming. When his children started college in Davao, he decided to close shop and move to the city.
He was actually turned down at first when he went to apply as a dealer of RC Cola products. He persisted and talked to one of the truck drivers of RC Cola, who helped him contact the district manager. He expressed commitment and strong desire to do whatever it takes to succeed. To ensure the growth of his business, he likewise invested in an Isuzu Forward truck so that he can directly sell soft drinks to eateries and sari-sari stores in his area.
Since starting his RC Cola dealership in 2010, Rabillos says the business has grown steadily over the years. He was able to invest in a three-story house in Davao City which he shares with his wife and three children.
Rabillos adds that he already has six employees, three trucks and three tricycles that deliver RC Cola products within the 40 barangays of Poblacion District in Davao City—where the City Hall is located—as well as back in his former hometown of Midsayap, North Cotabato.
Apart from being able to provide for his family, Rabillos takes pride in being able to pay success forward through employment of his staff and by supplying goods to retailers. “Madami din ako natutulungan [I’m able to help a lot of other people],” he beams.
With determination and drive having been instilled in him, he continues with his dreams of further achievement and says he plans to expand his business by buying another truck to increase his distribution network.
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