Most people think success starts with a big idea. For William Belo, it started with seven years of real-world experience—earned by working during the day and studying at night, long before launching Wilcon Depot, now the Philippines’ biggest home improvement chains.
“Although nasa college ako, nagwowork ako sa araw. And then I study at night,” Belo recalled. His father had a small share in a hardware store in Alonzo, Ongpin, where Belo began helping out while still a student. It was a humble shop—just 60 to 70 square meters—but it became his training ground.
“Initially, yun tutulong-tulong kasi I didn’t know anything about the business, eh.” But he didn’t stay at the sidelines for long. “Eventually, on my 4th and 5th year there, parang ako na nagpapatakbo ng business kasi ako na leader, eh.”
Over time, he wasn’t just stocking shelves—he was learning how to manage inventory, engage customers, and lead operations. That hands-on experience built his confidence, knowledge, and readiness to take a risk.
“So I got easily my seven years of experience before I put up a business,” Belo said. “Usually kasi after college, they would say you need to find a job di ba? And then eventually you will settle down. Na-realize ko, pag nangyari yan, hindi ka na makapagsimula ng negosyo.”
In 1977, with nearly a decade of grassroots experience behind him, he opened the first Wilcon store. It wasn’t luck—it was preparation.
Today, Wilcon Depot is a household name. But it all began with one decision: to learn before leading.
“I wanted to start early, so college pa lang I started working na,” Belo shared. That early hustle didn’t just prepare him for business—it laid the foundation for an empire.
This article includes quotes from an interview originally published by Esquire Philippines, authored by Henry Ong.
