SON BUILDS ON MOTHER’S LEGACY
Karl de Pio takes lessons from his mother, the late Carmel de Pio-Salvador, and uses them to stand on his own
Even before he lost his mother to cancer last year, Karl de Pio knew he was set to take over the 24-year-old Global Carrier Philippines Inc. from her.
Karl recalled that his mother, Carmel de Pio-Salvador, was in her early 20s when she had him, the reason she worked hard to build a better future for their family.
“She grew the business on her own. That time, I was her inspiration,” said Karl, who sits as the director for operations at Global Carriers, which now has 30 employees.
Karl took up business administration with a major in export management in De La Salle College of St. Benilde and graduated in 2011.
Although he was exposed to the business at an early age, Karl’s formal training began when he went to China to learn Mandarin at the Beijing Language and Culture University.
He also pursued postgraduate studies in Stanford University’s Continuing Education Program in the United States.
Prior to working full-time to help his mother grow the business, Karl had his own pursuits.
He went to Canada and worked as an immigration consultant. For two years, he was able to help 400 Filipino families become permanent residents of Canada. He even applied for a permanent residency but later gave it up when he came home for good to Cebu.
Karl feels he has big shoes to fill but said the experiences he went through have helped him understand people from different walks of life and cultures.
“God willing, I can make this business bigger than what my mother imagined it to be,” he said, adding that he plans to expand the company’s network in China, as well as one day build a bigger office.
The 27-year-old entrepreneur also vowed to continue his mother’s legacy, such as being active in business and social organizations like the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Salvador was an active member of the business community, often devoting her time to mentor new entrepreneurs and take part in the business organizations’ activities.
De Pio said his mother inspired him, as he saw how hard she worked to grow her business and provide for him.
“She was a single working mom and I saw at a very young age how she worked so hard just so she can make both ends meet. She knew and believed that with education and hard work, she could realize the dream of having it all- a great career, a family, and a place in the community. She was my hero so I wanted to be just like her,” he said.
De Pio saw how fulfilled his mother was when it came to talking, negotiating and socializing that he, too, wanted to do the same.
He learned that stepping outside of his comfort zone helped him succeed.
“Just be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s just life experience that gets you going and makes you succeed.” He also believes there are lessons in failing.
“Failure is our greatest teacher. You never learn anything by doing it right,” he said.
Global Carriers Philippines is a member of the Freight Network Corp., World Cargo Alliance, and China Logistics Club, among others.