A self-made man’s rise to the top

MANILA, Philippines - Perry’s Group of Companies founder, Arthur P. Tugade, shows that when family becomes a man’s battle call, there is simply no stopping what can be accomplished. The company’s diverse holdings grew and spread out from logistics, fuel distribution, trucking, ship agency, travel and fashion industry, to farming. His story is inspirational and like the tales from the wild, full of adventure, heartache, and in the end, the triumph of the spirit.

“The original office compound used to be a dumping ground for a computer company.  I looked for the owner, and after two meetings, we shook hands,” says the self-made man. “That’s one of my secrets. People see garbage where I see gold.”  It’s no surprise he is decisive and quick. Growing up in the poor surroundings of Tatalon Estate, Tugade has a different background and perspective compared to other CEOs and entrepreneurs who inherited their business empire. “I don’t do things by accident,” he smiles.

“My parents squatted in Tatalon after a fire destroyed our home in Sampaloc,” he says. Some stories end in poverty and misery. But a higher power had more in store for him. San Beda College gave him a scholarship from first grade all the way to law school. It opened a world of possibilities. “It’s hypocrisy to say I’m successful because of me alone. It’s a holistic chemistry, a combination of many things,” he says.

Building an empire

“You cannot copy. The big boys are already there,” he says insightfully. Tugade started a new concept – buying from one company and selling the product to another at a cheaper price. “People thought it wouldn’t last. It seemed crazy. But I was convinced it would work,” he says. And it did.

“The first company I put up was Perry’s Realty. At the same time, we formed Transglobal Logistics,” he says. After some setbacks, Tugade put his energies in the logistics side of the enterprise. Trans-Global Consolidator’s, Inc. became the first and only formal air and sea freight consolidator in the Philippines in 2003. “There’s no room for rancor in your heart,” he says, looking back at the growing pains.

His son, Jay-Art, started the land-based logistics arm Transglobal Trucking Inc. soon after with just one truck. They earned a reputation of being reliable and effective in transport, warehousing, and logistics management. In just nine years, Perry’s has a synergy of companies: Trans-Global Consolidations, APT Travels, Trans-Global Trucking, Trans-Global Equipment Leasing, Perry’s Fuel, Fizzfashion Mercantile & Trading Inc., Perry’s Farm, Perryome, Perry’s Technologies, and Perry’s Foundation.

“You cannot succeed alone. You succeed with partners,” he says, when asked about his formula to success. Which is why Tugade “fell in love” with Plantersbank. “The first time I met with Ambassador Tambunting of Plantersbank, we hit it off right away.  In business, you have to surround yourself with people who share the same ideals and advocacies. I saw in Ambassador Tambunting the same passion and malasakit in running a business,” he elaborates.

Stories for the brave

Tugade’s life experiences give good material for a book that’s both epic and inspirational. The birth of the company was very emotional for the founder and his family. It was, literally, born from blood and tears.

During a dinner for one of their major accounts, his colon imploded and he was rushed to the hospital. He stayed there for more than a month in critical condition. “I lost a lot of blood that I was given blood transfusion. I used more than ten bags,” he says, without flinching. 

His strength was put to the test when his son, Marc Perry, passed away at the age of 12 from an asthma attack. It was devastating for a father who adores his children. Perry’s Group of Companies was named after Marc Perry. “No amount of money or achievement can bring back my son. He must remain as a memory. And it must be a good and lasting memory. The children know that they can change any name in the company – except Perry’s. He is our unifying force. He is our family’s battle cry,” he says with finality. “That’s why we succeed.”

A pride of Tugades

All of Tugade’s children have a hand in the company. Although different in personalities, the siblings are extremely competitive – especially in golf. But loyalty outshines any other emotion. Pilar Luz, the eldest, manages the company’s clothing business and is based in New Jersey; Paul Louie is president and CEO of the logistics division; Jay-Art followed his father’s footsteps in law and is president of products and services; and Finina, the youngest, is a successful businesswoman in her own right, and the apple of her father’s eye. “When someone has a birthday, the whole family will surprise the celebrant at five in the morning with cake and songs,” she laughs. 

Asked how their mom contributes to the business, Tugade’s children answered in unison, “She takes care of our spirituality and community relations.”  Tugade’s wife, Marisol, is very active in church and in the barangay. She volunteers her services to various NGOs like the Soroptimist International of the Philippines, an international organization for businesswomen who help improve the lives of women in local communities. 

A kingly legacy

Tugade sees the grand scheme of things and connects with the Universal laws. “May sarili akong paniniwala at paninindigan. I am a unique human person with my own unique mind. If I pattern my life after another’s philosophy, I’ll have a difficult time. But if I am just myself, I can do it my way,” he says. 

Known as the management with heart, Perry’s employee benefits includes free lunches, monthly grocery allowance, quarterly bonuses, medical and dental benefits, non-contributory retirement program, and personal development training. “I sent an employee to Dale Carnegie for training. He wanted to quit the program because he was not fluent in English, but I urged him on. He graduated valedictorian,” he says proudly. The same employee had to resign five years later to care for his son with special needs. Tugade gave his blessings, a truck to start his own venture, P1 million separation pay, and a scholarship for the child. “There must be sincere caring. I was a product of someone who cared. Now that I have something, I must care. I have to give back,” he says.

Patriotism in the office compound is evident. The Philippine flag flies high in the air and is given utmost respect. The family is also active with the Tuloy Foundation. “I have children who have passion, who have common sense, and who care for their people. They have no formal training in business, but they have character,” he says, proudly. A lion is king of his domain. Arthur Tugade created an empire that cares for each member of its pride. But it’s his heart and courage to go for what he believes in and fight for his cubs that puts this lion in the number one spot.

Tugade (center) together with his sons Paul Louie (left) and Jay-Art (right) as well as daughter Finina