Thanksgiving is heaven on earth for foodies. That is why I chose to highlight Paul Reyes and his successful Filipino food chain, Rufo’s Famous Tapa. This franchise is experiencing a boom and has established several branches in the Philippines. Not to mention that their food is extremely delicious! Here are the highlights of my conversation with “Famous Papa Paul” – a nickname and a title that fits him to a T (Tapa! Get it??)

1. “How did you become a businessman? What inspired you to pursue it?"

Paul: “My parents were business people. Growing up, I saw and experienced that my parents were the “bosses” in our household. At that young age, the idea of being my own boss and not having to answer to anyone had a lasting appeal and impact on me. It also dawned on me that once you get the taste of earning money for yourself, you will never want to be employed in a company or work for others again”

2. “What was your educational background?"

Paul: “My educational background was communication arts (Directing documentaries and getting into advertising). You see, my family is very creative. My grandfather Izon was a well-known editorial cartoonist, portrait painter, and photographer."

"I wanted to do something creative, but the hours are long and pay is low in the Philippines. So, I worked for my family business and learned the ropes!"

"In 2003, I decided to buy Rufo's, which was a small corner side eatery. Business is about seeing opportunities. I saw this opportunity to get a small business and focused on expanding it. Rufo’s had a following in Makati City, so the strategy was to franchise it.”

3. “What are your future plans for Rufo's?"

Paul: “We will first expand domestically by opening provincial branches. After expanding it nation wide, we will go global and target Filipino communities. It hurts that Filipino food is not known. My legacy will be to expand Filipino food to other countries and make it a famous cuisine.”

4. “How is having a food restaurant different from other businesses?"

Paul: “It is much harder because it is food. Unlike a piece of merchandise like a phone, you can return it if it is defective, plus and there are no side effects to worry about when selling an item."

"On the other hand, you put food into your body. If a person gets sick or poisoned, they will sue you right away. So, you must maintain a high quality of the product and you need excellent customer service. People go to restaurants to be treated well and be served.”

5. “How is it like being a CEO?"

Paul: “It is not easy because you have a big responsibility. You make the decisions, and you do not know if you are making a right choices sometimes. So, you have to use your conscience, your experience, and the law to know you are doing it correctly. If you are a person with integrity, you have to follow your moral compass."

"It is difficult but also very fulfilling. I have 288 employees. Their lives are in my hands, but it is very fulfilling. It is nice to know I am touching the lives of people. The best thing is that I am making a difference and providing jobs. My employees have been promoted and are doing well. Rufo’s provides opportunities for people without a college education. My goal is to leave a legacy that outlasts me. Leave a business and it will continue to thrive in the world when you are long gone.”

6. “What advice can you give to teenagers like me about life?"

Paul: “Do what you love. If you choose something you do not love for the wrong reasons, you will not enjoy it.

"Also adapt to the times. If you want to be an artist, chances are you will not make a lot of money. Put your paintings on Instagram and promote it."

"The good thing about this day and age is social media. You can get your work out there. Then, you can continue doing it. Because of the age and times, you can do what you love and live a comfortable life. So, do what you love and follow your dreams.”