It Starts at Home
Continuing the vision of his elders, Dexter Go options for fine Filipino homes, writes Paolo Vergara
he local market for design has steadily evolved over the decades. Before, clients were more focused on function and conservative in their choices of style. But as the economy grew, so did the ability of people to express themselves through their living spaces.
About two decades after World War II’s period of reconstruction, the luxe housing sector in the Philippines began to boom. Seeing this as an opportunity, the family-owned Dexterton Corporation Philippines sought to establish its roots as an importer of upscale building materials. As more houses were built, the brand decided to shift its focus to interior design, offering premium home solutions, accessories, and furniture.
In the mid-’90s and meet Dexter Go, of the family’s second generation, graduated from De La Salle University with a double major in economics and management. He would work in hardware stores and similar retail outlets in North America, where he learnt the ropes of the trade from the ground up. This hands-on work ethic and gradual risethrough-the-ranks experience would eventually influence his leadership style. Returning to the Philippines at age 24 to help out at Dexterton, Go found himself taking additional responsibilities in the family business.
This year, his parents have officially stepped down, turning over the company’s reins to Go, his sister Audrey, and wife Linnea Backman. Even today, he continues to learn about the intricacies of the operations side of a business—from human resource management to warehouse technologies. The pressure is on, particularly because the company prides itself as being the most trusted local distributor for some of the finest bespoke and luxe brands from around the world.
Despite the responsibilities he now bears, Go admits that success is a shared thing. “I believe that my key employees should be given a more active role in the decision-making processes,” he says, adding that he enjoys being at the problem-solving centre of the action, as colleagues and partners trust him to get the job done.
As the company modernises its internal operations amidst setting up new showrooms, it also aims to expand its service offerings in the realm of hospitality by developing spa and pool amenities, and even office spaces and a mid-range furniture line. All these dreams are rooted in hard work and humble beginnings exemplified by Go. With such a strong DNA, Dexterton Corporation Philippines may just be in for another spectular decade in interior design.