Photo by: Oly Ruiz

JCI Manila President Richard Lim on creating a prosperous family business, his father’s best lessons, and a socio-civic-minded approach to sustainable growth.

 

Richard Lim Jr. learned business the way his father did: from the ground up

“My family’s mother company is Artemis Salt, we’ve been at it for 40 years,” says the Business Management graduate from Ateneo, “our clients include NutriAsia, Silver Swan, San Miguel…lahat ng may alat, basically (anything salty).” Richard, along with his brothers Ralph, Redmond, and Rex, watched their father expand Artemis from Mindoro to Leyte, Bohol, Romblon, and Camiguin, all the way to Luzon and learning first hand, what it was like to grow from virtually nothing. Indeed, for someone like Richard, who has been in his family’s business as an executive all his life— business is personal.

“He (our father) really exposed us to the business early on,” says Richard, “there was no real delineation between work and family. We talked about buying and selling and running companies over meals.”

“My father is also a very self-made man,” Richard says of his dad’s early life as a port worker, “he instilled in us values of better opportunities through hard work.” He elaborates that growing up from a lowkey position means that when one advances in life, there is that feeling that anything can be taken away from you, at any time. “That’s why we (my brothers and I), never take anything for granted. We’re always continuously growing.” He relates it to playing at a casino. “At what point do you say, ‘pwede na to,’ (this will do), and cashout?”

And being the son of Bohol’s “Salt King” – Richard had a lot to prove to his namesake. Luckily, he would have his chance.

Cementing Business Lessons

“We started Starport 15 years ago,” Richard says of his key business responsibility, “several cement companies wanted us to provide logistics for their construction needs. And with Artemis already being capable of transporting vast amounts of material across borders— it wasn’t difficult for the Lims to build bridges in the cement industry. “I believe the critical factor was that (our parents) allowed us to learn the business from the ground up. They allowed us to make mistakes.” He recalls his father in effect telling them to manage Starport on their own and “if you have questions, ask us. If you make a mistake, we’ll help and as long as you learn from it, it’s ok.”

This extremely rare quality is what Richard feels makes executives not just managers, but entrepreneurs as well.

“It is so difficult to cede control, but our father did it. Because when you know you can do better, but still allow your sons to make decisions and make mistakes— that’s a hard thing to do…” And yet the results are priceless.

To this day, one of the most treasured anecdotes he keeps is on commitment. “In trading, honor is important honor. Your word of honor, and commitment.” He was taught that once for example they commit to 200php to a customer, even if the price increases, it is better to lose profits than trust in one’s word.

Not that it is bad to disagree.

“A difference with me and my father though, is that while he has a trader’s mindset, with attention on supply, demand, profits and loss, I tend to think in terms of growing brands, distribution, and expansion.”

Richard for his part strikes out by thinking in terms of growing markets, developing marques, and expanding networks. He is forever grateful that his father allowed the vision of youth to do its thing. “Actually I’m impressed because my dad, in his 60s, still asks questions. He accepts questions, and take the time to develop an affinity with new technology.”

In another regard, while business is a family affair, the younger Richard Lim has also realized that business isn’t just personal but also social.

Socio-Civic Organisation

JCI Manila is a business group with esteemed founders. It counts among its past presidents and directors, Alfonso Yuchengco of RCBC, Henry Sy of SM, and Washington SyCip, and Jaime Zobel de Ayala. For 2022, Richard Lim Jr. of Starport Construction Corp has this title— both a duty and a privilege. Though while used to filling in big shoes, Richard admits he was at first hesitant.

“At the time my father was critically ill with Covid, so it was just my brothers and me running the business.” But being a member for 9 years, and seeing first hand how the organization helps young, active, aggressive entrepreneurs reach their dreams— he thought “this might be the best time to become president— when there is a chance to make a difference.” And with the majority voting for confidence in his leadership, he accepted the mantle of responsibility.

“We’re one of the first to donate a quarantine facility in Manila, and opened sports-related projects for several communities,” he states early on, “we’ve also been involved heavily with vaccination programs.” He recounts one incident when several batches of vaccines were about to expire, and how the organization through its members, let the jabs land into the willing arms of people looking for them. “The whole ethos of org is for young leaders to learn how to grow be a better person and business leader. I felt like it was the best time help – in a once-in-a-generation crisis.” He surmises the strength of the organization (and brotherhood) is their fluency in the language of finance, their ability to cut through red tape, viability of connections, and efficiency.

“It’s ironic, maybe even fate, but JCI was built on the heels of a crisis— World War II,” narrates Richard, “the group’s first project was ‘Clean Up Week’ – essentially clearing streets of rubble and shrapnel from bombs.”

And while his time is currently invested in JCI and its socio-civic dream of a progressive Philippines, Richard also makes time for his family. “I unwind on Sunday mornings with my wife and kids,” Richard confides, “but the grind never ends.” He says though that he works better in a crisis than in peacetime. And by definition, crisis don’t last forever.

“After my service in JCI I plan to focus on business, growth – there are exciting things happening in logistics, construction, technology…” He continues being optimistic for the country as an archipelago— one characterized by divided land masses and beliefs, values and traditions— but united towards a common goal of prosperity. “But right now, where I am, I want to learn by helping.” A phrase that very much reminds us, he is his father’s son.

Get in touch with the gentlemen of JCI Manila through http://www.jcimanila.org

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