Entrepreneur 3: LES REYES

LES REYES - Hitting the Right Track at Age 40

Business: Reyes Haircutters

Category: From Rags-to-Riches

At the early age of 4 years old his parents got separated and Les was the youngest of the 10 broods. They were only renting a 15 square meter room near the San Juan Market. he went to school everyday wearing the same shorts and shirt. His brother Ricky Reyes (one of the known stylist now a days) would always wash it every night so he's got something to wear. One night they even have to sleep in a parking area because they failed to pay for the rent. His mom sold everything that can be sold just to earn money even the soft drinks can that she picked up everywhere. At the age of 10, Les was already a businessman selling newspaper, ice candy, cigarettes and even hang out in the market to sell vegetables. And if there's nothing to sell he followed women who are carrying "bayong" and said "carry?" and if they would let him they're going to give him 5 - 10 centavos.

When he was in high school his brother Ricky was already getting known in the salon business and was able to finance his schooling. Then a brother petitioned his mother then later on they were petitioned too. He stayed in the U.S. for 10 years and worked there as a gasoline boy, waiter, salesman, insurance and real estate and even joined the Navy. But he was not satisfied and happy.

"O realized then that you need not go to another country to be happy. You could stay where you are and work hard. There's no substitute for hard work."

So he returned to the Philippines and work as a school director, runs a music lounge, a restaurant, and a salon called Christian Reyes. Everything earns but only for a start.

When he turned 40 he converted the Christian Reyes into Reyes Haircutters and got into franchising. The change of name was because he wanted to create a brand that cannot be lost. And he wanted to be the Jollibee in the salon industry.

From his savings of P10,000.00 he built his first Reyes Haircutters with 20 employees and a lot invested by franchising. It now has 205 branches all over the country and 1 abroad. 

"Don't be afraid to dream, I am a dreamer myself. I want to reach the unreachable .."

"The key to success is not luck but hard work. There's no substitute for that. Be professional.Your customer is there for professional salon service-not to see salon icons. They should all be treated like kings. Pagpasok sa parlor, pantay-pantay. Walang mahirap, walang mayaman."

GOLDEN RULE:

"Stay focused. If your business booms, don't look for another, entirely different business to start. You'll be sorry. Parang nanghuhuli ka ng rabbit: kapag dalawa yung hinuhuli mo parehong makakawala yan, If you want to expand, choose a connected field. If you have a restaurant, start supplying stocks or create a placement agency for waiters."