The Bigtime Story of Ronald Costales - CHairman and co-founder of COSTALES NATURE FARMS part 2

Summary

Ronald's journey from a successful corporate career to organic farming is a tale of reinvention and impact. After retiring early from his vice president role, he invested his retirement funds into farming, eventually expanding his small venture into a leading supplier of organic produce. His farm not only provides fresh vegetables and livestock to top restaurants but also became the first accredited agritourism destination in the Philippines. Through his business, he has created jobs, supported local families, and built a sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle that goes beyond financial success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ronald started his career as a Junior Computer Programmer at a telecommunications company and quickly advanced to the position of Vice President.
• 😀 At the age of 39, Ronald retired early, having achieved financial success in his corporate career, and chose to focus on his family's future.
• 😀 After retirement, Ronald invested his retirement package into land in Laguna and was introduced to organic farming by a neighbor.
• 😀 Ronald's passion for organic farming led him to cultivate vegetables such as lettuce, which he initially grew on a 1,000 sqm area.
• 😀 The success of his vegetable farming venture caught the attention of a restaurant chain, Italianis, leading to a long-term supply contract.
• 😀 Ronald's farm expanded from half a hectare to five hectares, becoming a leading supplier of organic vegetables to major restaurants and hotels.
• 😀 In addition to vegetables, Ronald also started raising organic livestock, including pigs, chickens, ducks, and rabbits, to diversify his farming business.
• 😀 Ronald developed an integrated farming system, using animal waste to produce organic fertilizers for his crops, contributing to sustainability.
• 😀 Cales Nature Farm, opened by Ronald’s family, became the first agritourism destination accredited by the Department of Tourism in the country.
• 😀 The farm offers a range of tourist attractions, including farm tours, animal feeding, fishing, overnight stays, and meals made from organic produce.
• 😀 Ronald’s success has had a positive impact on the local community, providing jobs for 87 employees and offering scholarships to their children.

Q & A

What was Ronald's career trajectory before he started his own business?

Ronald worked as a junior computer programmer at a telecommunications company right after college. After three years, he was promoted to manager and later became the vice president. Despite reaching a high position in the company, he chose to retire before turning 40 to pursue other ventures.

Why did Ronald decide to retire early?

Ronald felt that he had already achieved financial success and wanted to focus on enriching his family. He also believed that despite his high position in the company, it wasn’t enough to provide the kind of wealth he envisioned for his family. This led him to explore business opportunities.

How did Ronald transition from retirement to starting a business?

In 2004, Ronald used his retirement package to purchase half a hectare of land in Laguna. Initially intending to rest, he was encouraged by a neighbor to attend an organic farming seminar. His interest in farming led him to start an organic farming venture.

What kind of crops did Ronald grow in the beginning of his farming business?

Ronald started with a 1,000 square meter area, growing various vegetables, including those for his favorite dish, pinakbet. He also planted herbs, which became a part of his initial farming venture.

How did Ronald expand his business?

Ronald’s business grew after a visitor, a friend of a friend from an Italian restaurant chain, suggested that he supply organic vegetables. His produce was well-received, leading to a long-term supply relationship with multiple Italian restaurant branches. Eventually, his farm expanded to five hectares.

Which restaurants and hotels does Ronald supply organic vegetables to?

Ronald supplies organic vegetables to prominent restaurants and hotels, such as Yellow Cab Pizza, Makati Shangri-La, and Solaire Resort.

In addition to vegetables, what other products does Ronald sell?

Besides vegetables, Ronald also sells organic livestock, including pigs, wild boar, free-range chickens, ducks, and rabbits. He also produces organic fertilizers for his farm, using the waste from his animals.

What unique aspect does Ronald's farm offer beyond farming?

Ronald’s farm has become an agritourism destination. His family opened Cales Nature Farm in Laguna, accredited by the Department of Tourism. Visitors can enjoy farm tours, participate in activities like fishing, and even stay overnight at the farm while enjoying meals made from organic ingredients grown there.

How has Ronald's transition from employee to businessman impacted his life?

As a businessman, Ronald has found not only financial success but also a sense of fulfillment in helping others. His farm employs around 87 people, providing jobs for families. Additionally, he supports scholars, particularly the children of his employees, creating a positive ripple effect in the community.

Did Ronald foresee his farming business becoming this successful?

No, Ronald did not anticipate the scale of success his farm would achieve. His initial goal was to support his family, but the business grew beyond his expectations, helping others and enriching his life in ways he hadn’t imagined.