Furniture exporter deems crisis as test of faith, skills

CEBU, Philippines - The global financial crisis that blew off what was expected to be a boom period for the Philippine export sector did not dampen the willpower of a homegrown furniture manufacturer to withstand all the challenges and bank on other promising markets.

Arden Classic Incorporated, owned and founded by Arden Siarot and his wife Jen,  were among those export companies who took a fall during the onslaught of global financial slowdown in 2008 and 2009.

It could be remembered that the export industry of Central Visayas was among those badly affected by the global economic crisis when it hit the Philippine markets.

The slow growth in the United States and the European Union, which are two of the main export markets of the country, dampen the full recovery of the local furniture industry.

Siarot, however, did not opt to stop operating but rather eyed other potential markets particularly the Asian countries and the local Philippine market.

“There is no other way to go,” he said.

He had the choice to surrender in times of adversity but the 50-year old businessman even considered the trials as a test to his faith and skills as an entrepreneur.

“I started with nothing. It was a test of toughness and I am used to it. What I have done is just the beginning to reap the fruits of my labor. I believe I have become more able,” he continued.

Siarot envisioned his company to become one of the famous brands of high-end quality furniture, furnishings, home accessory and gift products in the Philippines and in the world.

The electrical engineer by profession admitted that he never imagined himself to end up as part of the furniture sector. But born with a passion for excellence and success, he strived to make a name in the industry.

“If you think about it, it is very hard to achieve. But I believe that if you are poor, you do not have any other option left. It is either you remain poor or work hard to get yourself out from poverty,” he said.

Arden Classic started out as a small venture of selling miniature furniture in local department stores and became a furniture subcontractor of the biggest and high-end furniture maker in Cebu in 1994.

Three years after, the company evolved into a diversified manufacturing and export corporation that is committed to produce globally-competitive products that boast of high quality, class, and style.

Siarot learned the world of designs and came up with his own versions that eventually became his competitive edge in the industry.

His hand-crafted home decorations and accessories are made of natural sea shells, coconut shells, fish skins and other indigenous materials accented with silver plated solid bronze.

At present, he considers China as the company’s biggest market. In the first quarter of this year, there will be an exclusive distributor in China that will carry the whole brand of Arden Classic.

He is also currently working out on product development designed for tourists in the Philippines. Arden Classic houses a boutique shop in Makati and a production facility in Cebu.

Moreover, he makes sure that his company joins international trade shows every year to gain potential clients in the global market.

“You should never give up. Dream big and plan your way to success,” Siarot concluded.

Siarot was among the resource speakers during the forum entitled “Rising from the Rubble” at 10th General Assembly of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance program. /JOB (FREEMAN)