Lolo knows best

to get work experience abroad first before joining the family business,” he said.

“A big challenge for me was not being able to see each other, face-to-face. It’s difficult to judge emotions and during meetings, I cannot feel the room. We’re don’t always connect properly. It was difficult to adjust to online work.”

Tantoco earlier wanted to work in another company outside his family business. But his grandfather wanted him to work for the family business. Hence, with Joel’s Place, he expects to continue the company growth.

“Growth comes from consistency, trust and staying attuned to the ever changing needs of our customers and the communities which we serve,” Tantoco attested.

“We will roll out this concept in the communities in which there is a fit between what we offer and the needs and aspirations of our target customers.”

The Tantocos started Rustan’s and then Shopwise. After several decades, they are introducing Joel’s Place, a different concept inspired by European establishments.

“Rustan’s has always been a pioneer since 1952,” Tantoco informed.

“My grandparents introduced the first luxury department store in the country — the first supermarket and department store complex that was the precursor of the malls, partnered exclusively with many international brands to roll out

specialty stores and many more products, services and experiences.

“We have done the same on the food side by pioneering the first hypermarket in the country through the Shopwise format in 1998. The third generation is simply continuing the legacy that was begun by my grandparents, built-up by the second generation, and now, continued by the third generation.”

Without a doubt, Tantoco still wishes to achieve and accomplish things professionally and personally now that he is helping steer Joel’s Place to a new high.

“I am very excited to learn, grow and contribute positively to my family, to the business, to the communities that surround us and to whatever sphere of influence in which I find myself,” he said.

He knows his job as COO of Joel’s Place is difficult and at the same time challenging in the new

concept and the new company.

“What is most challenging is that this is a new venture and concept. So, there’s no data, no past experiences, no local industry examples. Innovating entails having to unlearn and re-learn new things, new discoveries.”

He undoubtedly enjoys working in teams with his family members and that brings out his expertise in his job. “I like working with people and achieving goals together,” Tantoco said. “I got to where I am because of good mentors.

“Since I was small, I’ve always liked working in teams while playing sports. I’ve always wanted to be in a good team. I get a significant fulfillment when I play, win or lose, with a team. Now, I’m not playing sports, but still working in a team in trying to achieve a common goal.”

During the pandemic, Tantoco also tied the knot and the couple

now have a son, Andres, who’s almost one year old. His grandfather, the senior Tantoco, also passed on two years ago.

His wife’s name is Rebecca. “She’s very supportive of Joel’s Place and even agreed to appear in our video reels,” Tantoco said.

“She’s knowledgeable about food and when we go on store visits together, she shares with me invaluable inputs that I then share with the team to operationalize.

“The Tantoco family is pretty big. Everyone supports each other, helps each other out. The family members have been visiting our store since we opened until today. They’ve shared their observations and things to improve on.”

Before the virus totally disrupted everything around us, Tantoco went to Mexico to attend a friend’s wedding. One week later, the lockdown started. More recently, he and his wife hied off to El Nido

for a much-needed R&R (rest and recreation).

“He certainly knows how to keep a balance between work and home. “I believe that it is important to remain flexible and adjust to work or home, depending on what aspect of my life needs more focus at any given time,” Tantoco said.

“When my son was born, I made sure I spent ample time with him and my wife. When Joel’s Place opened, I’m in the store as much as I possible. I always try to find ways to balance my priorities. When I’m not at work or at home, I live to travel and experience new things.

“As a new father, I go to different places with my family as much as I can. I try to detach by watching movies, documentaries, nature, etc. I also do activities where I can involve my son, like swimming, travelling, walking and visiting Joel’s Place.”