Millennials and Generation Z are interested to go into business to secure their future and help the society. Studies reveal that 66 percent of millennials and 54 percent of Gen Z aim to start their own business. While new business models continue to emerge in the midst of the changing times, there exists a long-standing, future-ready opportunity for the younger generations—the energy industry.
Investing in the energy industry can be the young generations’ springboard to reach the future they envision. Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), provides this opportunity for young and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Take a journey around these young Caltex retailers’ stories.
Blazing new trails as Caltex retailers
At 21, Joyce Villanueva is seizing the art and science of running her family’s Caltex station in San Ildefonso, Bulacan. The idea of managing a big business at a young age seemed daunting at first, but willingly embracing the process enabled her to work her way up. She is now taking on their business’ operations, human resource, finance, and safety management roles.
Villanueva underscored how Caltex provides retailers valuable assistance through its business development fund program, supportive business consultants, and the Caltex Academy, a platform where retailers are provided training materials and get upskilled for effective station management. Witnessing how Caltex is a worthwhile investment for young retailers, she shared, “We chose Caltex because they communicate very well to us and assist us, from the construction to operations phase.”
Jose Allen Cantos, 39, also operates his first Caltex site in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. He has opened a fuel retail business as he sees that it provides an essential commodity to the public. He also added that “the feeling of security and business continuity” amid the pandemic is present. Cantos believes that Caltex quality products and prestige are his competitive edge in the market. He also emphasized that the brand provides holistic, flexible, and readily available support for both young and experienced retailers.
Antonio Mari Villarin, 25, together with his siblings Luisa and Paula, who are both 29, currently manage their newly opened Caltex station in Cabuyao, Laguna. Being new to the business, the three had to study more about the industry. With Caltex’s help, they are already learning the ropes. For them, being a Caltex retailer is challenging yet fulfilling as they get to work and learn together, while providing clean fuels for motorists.
Caltex provides end-to-end support for new entrepreneurs to help them run their business effectively. This includes construction and building assistance, and access to Chevron Business Point – retailers’ day-to-day online transactional interface.
Advancing in the energy industry with Caltex
Caltex also helps its retailers strategize and grow their businesses through continuous trainings and dedicated business consultants.
“Caltex has industry-leading retailer support from our business consultants who guide us through the whole gamut of pricing, wet stock management of fuel, and safe operations of stations. This enables us to have that distinct Caltex advantage,” said Don Dexter Agujo, 38, who currently operates three Caltex stations in San Pascual and Lemery, Batangas, and one along SLEX Northbound, Laguna.
For Agujo, the most rewarding part of his Caltex journey is seeing himself become an “active agent” in fueling change by providing excellent customer service even amid a pandemic and giving back to the communities where they operate.
Currently handling two Caltex stations in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Sherlyn Dela Cruz also aims to pay it forward by providing employment opportunities. “My goal is not to hire people to sell fuel, but to sell fuel to hire more people,” she said. This drive helped her persevere to get a grip on the complexities of business management at the age of 27.
Trust has been the thrust of Dela Cruz’s partnership with Caltex. “Caltex gives the assurance that it would always be there to support its retailers through thick and thin. It also provides effective general marketing strategies for existing and potential customers,” she said.
Dylan Jon Ferrer, 37, currently runs two stations in Fairview and EDSA, Quezon City under his team’s company, TripleF Ventures Corporation. Caltex has been his family’s go-to station since then and he had always been curious about how a fuel station work, adding that his parents used to call him “certified Batang Caltex.’” From this sprang his interest to partner with Caltex.
Ferrer noted Caltex’s overwhelming support throughout his retailing journey. “They also offered us to undergo the New Retailers Onboarding Program where we learned a lot about the five-star quality brand of Caltex,” he said. Ferrer advises young entrepreneurs to trust and believe in their brand, invest in their people by setting an employee-centric culture, and analyze their competition.
These young retailers share the same fuel to success—their grit and the right partner. Success is more rewarding with Caltex as it means achieving one’s business goals while helping communities progress. With Caltex’s strong portfolio, seasoned or budding entrepreneurs can get ahead of the competition.
