■ HOW HE STARTED: FILMON HARDWARE’S CLEMENS GO ON DISCIPLINE AND PERSEVERANCE
At 17, Clemente “Clemens” Go was sent to Davao to work in a hardware outlet that his uncle managed. That helped him earn his allowance and, more importantly, gain a good look at how the family business could grow. “Discipline was well inculcated in us,” said Go, now president of Filmon Hardware Inc., which sells not only hardware but also highend bathroom and kitchen furnishings. “For me, that was the key that unlocked the family’s business success.” While the fact that Cebu is in the midst of a construction boom certainly helps, Go is thankful that construction will probably endure through difficult times. Read on to share and benefit from this successful entrepreneur’s insights.
Not all companies survive during an economic meltdown. Others crumble and are left behind, while some flourish and outperform their rivals.
Filmon Hardware Inc. is one of those that has weathered recessions. Thanks to the influence of founders Filmon and Shirley on their children, the business has survived many trying times.
“Discipline was well inculcated in us. For me, it was the key that unlocked the family’s business success,” said Clemente “Clemens” Go, president of Filmon Hardware Inc.
Filmon Hardware was established in 1977 along Legaspi St., Cebu City. From a mere hardware company, the business has evolved and diversified into one that supplies top-tier bathroom and kitchen furnishings.
One of its brand partners is Kohler, a US-based manufacturer of bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
Clemens finished business administration at De La Salle University and grew up helping his parents run the hardware business.
“We were the typical Filipino-Chinese family. If there was no school, we went and helped in the store. I was trained to help out in business early on and discipline was one of those strongly inculcated in me,” said Clemens.
At 17 years old, Clemens was sent to Davao where his entrepreneurial skill was polished. He worked all-around in the family’s hardware branch managed by his uncle.
“I got my allowance by helping out in the business,” he said.
When he moved back to Cebu, Clemens poured his heart into helping the family business grow and stand out among the competition.
“We concentrated on what we do best. We chose to look at opportunities, especially during the trying times,” he said, adding that this perspective has helped them navigate the changing seasons in business.
What was your first job?
I immediately joined the business after college. Besides taking care of the family business, my brother and I also ventured into export, creating fashion accessories and furniture pieces for other markets. The furniture industry at that time was booming. However, when it got hit by the economic meltdown, sales were affected and we decided to halt operations.
Who inspired you to get into business?
We are a close-knit family. The hardware business, which was a general merchandise before, was the family’s main business. We were brought up by our parents to value the things we have and we receive. While we have diversified our business, we remain committed to still take care of what has our parents have started and entrusted us.
When did you realize this was what you were meant to do?
When the recession hit Asia and the US, I saw an opportunity to grow the business. While many have stopped or slowed down, we chose to take advantage of the difficult times, knowing that this (crisis) would eventually recover. We continued importing tiles and other construction materials so we could still deliver to our clients.
Why did you pick this type of business or industry?
Cebu’s enjoying a construction boom. I believe even during difficult times, construction will continue. People will continue to build houses and companies will expand.
Our move to diversify into the distribution of high-end kitchen and bathroom fixtures is a step in the right direction as we intend to complete the products we provide to our clients.
Kohler, for instance, features the latest innovative and intelligent products which are apt in this digital-driven economy. Besides our showroom here in Cebu City, we plan to open more Kohler showrooms in key cities in Visayas and Mindanao.
Where did you get the training you needed to succeed?
My exposure in the hardware business shaped me to become the entrepreneur I am today. I got a good training from my parents. They in-
stilled in us the value of hard work and self-discipline.
How many times did you fail
before you succeeded?
Failures in business are necessary for someone’s growth. I’ve experienced it. In business, you need to take risks. You just have to be brave enough and face these challenges and learn from every mistake.