For every responsible parent, the goal is nothing less than creating a bright future for the children. For lawyer Reynato Alvero Estrellado, he began this by wisely investing in various business opportunities—including a string of 7-Eleven c-store franchises that successfully let him reap the many rewards of a well-deserved retirement and provide inspiration and financial security for his loved ones.
Estrellado, a former litigation lawyer for more than 20 years, is regarded as a smart businessman. His entrepreneurial interests include running a trucking business and being a hotel owner.
This passion to explore investment opportunities coupled with his accumulated experience in managing diverse businesses sparked his decision to venture into franchising.
“He wanted to expand his horizons in the business field in San Pablo City and wanted to pioneer a business that will cater to the San Pablenos, in the most affordable, effective yet good investment returns. His store in San Pablo, Laguna, was the lone branch in the city and he wanted to extend the services to the rest of the area,” said 34-year-old Raymond Estrellado, eldest son of Reynato who is in charge of overall management and operations of all stores.
Estrellado’s first 7-Eleven store opened at M. Leonor Street corner Maharlika Highway San Pablo City in July 2004. “We chose 7-Eleven over the others because we wanted to expand convenience in our province. It serves as a proof of innovation and modernization in the locality. We wanted to be the front-bearer in the business here in San Pablo with an effective investment,” said Raymond.
Reynato’s nine c-stores in Laguna are assumed by Estrellado’s children: Raymond, Antonette, M.D. and Robert.
Keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive is Raymond. Himself a savvy businessman, Raymond was an operations manager in an export business before he started managing their 7-Eleven store in 2006. He also has a small business in print ad and marketing supplies.
Managing the c-store for more than 10 years, according to Raymond, prepared him for even bigger challenges and trained him to become comprehensively ready to any predicaments the store has to face in the future.
“The business taught me to have a quick mind in decision making but developed me most to have an open mind and better understanding of my colleagues and staff. They also became part of my family, which I gave my trust and full confidence,” he said.
“The dedication that we witnessed from our parents serves as dedication and motivation to continue what they’ve started. Also the tenets of giving value and importance to our employees. They are the heart of the business that keep the operations running and providing excellent customer service and convenience,” he said.
Raymond said the family is pleased and secured with their c-store investment. “Yes, there is a rapid return of investment and we did not expect it to be that quick at first. The business became stable sooner than we expected,” he said.
“Our parents’ story of success taught us to dream high, and work our way to reach the top. The possibilities are endless. We were brought up to grab every opportunity that comes our way. We try to epitomize every word of wisdom and continue to apply it in our everyday work. I also extend these to our employees to motivate and inspire them in their everyday lives,” Raymond said.
Looking back, Raymond said his parents’ decision to invest in 7-Eleven was indeed a right decision as the business grew in less than five years. “It did not only help us financially, but it helped the city of San Pablo and its population into modern convenience and customer service,” he said.