Here comes the son

“Facing challenges along the way has honed my decision-making skills and refined my leadership skills.”

CARLO Aguilar has been handling his company’s heavy equipment operation for nearly two decades.

“Over the years, I have dedicated myself to continuous learning and development through hands-on experience, gaining a deep understanding of our operations,” Aguilar, assistant vice president of Motiontrade Development Corp., told The Manila Times.

“Facing challenges along the way has honed my decision-making skills and refined my leadership skills.

“In 2019, I went back to our corporate office and focused on the development and growth of the company. It has been rewarding to witness the company’s growth as we embrace innovation. I found my purpose in performing meaningful work while aligning this with our shared commitment to social responsibility.”

Venturing on heavy equipment operation was started by Aguilar’s father, Christian Ampaya Aguilar, who took the courage to invest in heavy equipment used in the construction of roads.

“We have been more aggressive in closing projects as we took on substantial loans to make significant investments in our fleet of equipment for our long-term ventures,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar started as his dad’s apprentice.

“I have always taken interest in how machines work,” he declared. “Watching my dad perform mechanical repairs on equipment sparked my fascination with their parts and functions.

“When I assumed the role of assistant vice president, I initiated key measures to strengthen the organization. I also took the lead in integrating technology into our systems to improve efficiency, streamline operations, advance communication channels [and] ensure the quality of work while boosting productivity.

“One of my strategic decisions was to invest in new machinery to increase production and improve overall performance.”

During the pandemic, uncertainty understandably loomed over the business.

“How do we sustain our operations, as government restrictions hindered our activities, became our main concern,” Aguilar shared. “But despite having no income, we made the decision to continue supporting our employees.

“We provided them necessities like groceries and rice supplies. I had to make a critical and timely decision to shift to a work-from-home setup to keep the business running and to protect our team.”

Interestingly, Motiontrade Development Corp. embarked into partnerships with companies.

“We did a partnership with companies that supply heavy equipment machinery and that helped us grow in the business,” Aguilar disclosed. “I had the opportunity to meet their executives to build trust and rapport.

“They invited us to tour their factory in Japan and that experience allowed us to gain deeper insight into their operations and further strengthen our relationship. I admired their integrity and commitment to the company.”

Admittedly, being a part of a family business has its advantages and disadvantages.

Aguilar started at a young age and had to prove himself that he was worthy of the position assigned to him.

“Initially, many saw me as a kid, so I worked hard to earn my place,” Aguilar said. “I spent countless late nights at the construction sites, sharing meals with the workers during breaks.

“I treat them not just as colleagues but as comrades and family, having grown up alongside them. These individuals are the heart of the company, and I deeply value their dedication, loyalty and hard work. And it has been very rewarding to see them grow professionally over the years.”

Aguilar’s dream of being a race car driver fueled his passion to open a car repair shop that helped him build his own network.

“I was not distracted by it because I wanted to contribute to the family business,” he explained. “It was my parents’ perseverance that inspired me to remain committed and disciplined, balancing my passion with my responsibility to continue the family legacy.”

Aguilar graduated from San Beda College Alabang with a degree in Entrepreneurial Management.

“Being introduced to our family business at a young age, I was naturally groomed to learn the trade,” he said.

“While my older brother focused on finance, I took charge of the business operations. I then enrolled in a Management Development Program at Wharton University in Pennsylvania to deepen my expertise in management and business strategy.”

Before the virus totally disrupted everything around us, Aguilar and family went to Japan.

“I spent the Christmas holidays there with my family,” Aguilar shared. “We love the food, the culture and the discipline of the Japanese people. And I remember before the lockdown started in March 2020, I was in Subic to attend an auction for heavy equipment.”

Not surprisingly, Aguilar manages to keep a balance between work and home.

“I wake up early every morning to spend time with my children, help them get ready for school,” he said.

“Although there are numerous events that I need to attend, I make it a point to make a schedule for management meetings to stay updated on project accomplishments and actively contribute to operational decisions.”

Aguilar makes it a point to spend quality time with his family and loved ones. That is his bonding moments with his family and also a way of unwinding for him.

“I find joy in spending quality time with family,” he said. “My wife and I encourage our kids to explore the outdoors. We often walk, bike, play basketball, pickleball and make regular trips to the playground to keep them off the gadgets. And once in a while, I treat myself to an adventure ride on my motorcycle.”

Aguilar’s normal day starts with a prayer. “I embrace a mindset of gratitude for the life we have and preparing myself to face the challenges,” he said. “On weekends, I take my family to church and ensure my children have the opportunity to bond with their grandparents.”

Thankfully, Aguilar’s family has always been very supportive of him. “I seek their guidance on my career and personal life,” he said. “My parents have instilled in me the value of kindness and hard work, reminding me that these qualities can take me far in life. I have applied this principle in everything that I do.”

Aguilar’s father, Christian, is admittedly his role model from whom he learned his virtues of hard work and simplicity. “His dedication and tireless work ethic have instilled in me the importance of perseverance and commitment,” the son said of the senior Aguilar.

“Despite his achievements, he remains humble and grounded. Everything I know today, I owe to his teachings and constant support. He shaped me into the person that I am.”

For that, Aguilar learned the biggest lesson in life that continues to guide him to this day.

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QUICK QUESTIONS

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?

Losing a loved one. I always pray for their health and safety.

WHAT REALLY MAKES YOU ANGRY?

When people are unkind.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK HARD?

Helping others. I work harder so that I can help more.

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

Classic Filipino comedy films.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTO?

Donate

IF YOU COULD SHARE A MEAL WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD THEY BE?

My late grandfather, Filemon Aguilar. I wish I could seek his advice.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

In 10 years, I will be attending the graduation of my son, and I will be so proud of him.

WHICH CELEBRITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET FOR A CUP OF COFFEE?

Elon Musk

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WILL NEVER DO AGAIN?

I would never stop improving myself.