Exequiel Robles, co-founder and CEO of Sta. Lucia Land, has an unconventional approach to success. While many entrepreneurs fixate on becoming number one, Robles prefers the benefits of steady, sustainable growth over aggressive expansion.
“Success should extend beyond your business,” Robles says. For him, success isn’t just about profits. It’s also about ensuring his family’s well-being. “If your relationship with your family is not good, then you may not be really successful.”
He knows that family stability plays a vital role in business success. “It’s difficult when your business is thriving, but your family members aren’t financially secure,” he explains. As a leader, he takes it personally to make sure that his relatives, who are stockholders in his company, are financially stable. True success, for him, is ensuring that everyone in the family benefits from the business.
Robles isn’t focused on being number one. In fact, he believes it’s better to be number 10 than to chase top rankings at all costs. “Sometimes, it’s better to be number 10 if you’ll have fewer headaches,” he says. “Steady earnings with fewer problems will give you more peace of mind than aggressive growth that keeps you up at night.”
This approach shapes how Robles runs Sta. Lucia Land. Instead of pushing for fast-paced growth, he focuses on sustainable, long-term progress. This mindset allows the company to build consistent value without jeopardizing its stability.
The takeaway:
For Robles, success isn’t just about numbers. It’s about balance — making steady progress, keeping family relationships strong, and prioritizing peace of mind over rapid growth. This balanced approach has allowed Sta. Lucia Land to grow sustainably and stay on track for long-term success.
This article includes quotes from an interview originally published by Esquire Philippines, authored by Henry Ong.
