Creativity abounds in Cebu, and the most imaginative hands and minds are often recognized for their talent.

But there is a quieter breed of people who work just as hard, and deserve to be appreciated as well.

These are the “COOs”—children of owners—who take the helm in their family business and must work harder and smarter than their elders to prove they are worthy of the colossal roles they have been given.

We previously sought out and interviewed some of the most imaginative and artistic young minds in the city. This time we thought we’d talk to three young entrepreneurs who have the guts and the brains to turn their already vast family holdings into even larger powerhouses.

Kelly Juno Urbina Viado, 23
Marketing officer for Laguna Group Operations, Ulli’s Streets of Asia

Tell us about your company and what you do.

Laguna Group is our family-run company, which started out as only one restaurant, Café Laguna, in 1991. It has since expanded to include Laguna Catering, Laguna Garden Café, LemonGrass (Thai and Vietnamese cuisine), U-Kitchen (a venue for private functions) and, our newest venture serving Asian cuisine, Ulli’s Streets of Asia, which I oversee and manage.

How did you get into the food industry?

I grew up being influenced by my family’s passion for food. I would help out in the restaurants during my summer breaks, and although I pursued other things like an internship in Ayala Center Cebu and a successful printing business with some college friends, I decided to join and grow with the Laguna Group because I saw myself ending up with the group anyway.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love hearing people say that the food made their day and how the service made their experience memorable.

What is your management philosophy?

I always stress the importance of teamwork to my staff, and I believe in leading by example.

Who are your mentors?

I have a lot of mentors, eight to be exact, and they are the group’s board of directors. And also my family. They always keep me in check and push me to become better. At the same time, they are who I look up to.

Where do you see the Laguna Group 10 years from now?

I see our group being more diverse with new concepts and maybe even going into vertical integration.

Michael Ryan C. Goho, 25
Executive vice president, Gateway Motors Group

Tell us about your company and what you do.

Gateway Motors Group is a Cebu-based automotive company with BMW, Kia and Peugeot dealerships in Cebu City, as well as Kia in Bohol, and Nissan and Suzuki in Palawan. We also sell automotive insurance and oil lubricants. It is a family business, and my role is to look after the overall performance of the company, including company and employee development, profitability and customer satisfaction.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I enjoy dealing with different people and the uncertainty each day brings. The automotive business is very competitive, so there are many exciting challenges. One of the perks of owning such powerful car brands is being able to drive exciting brand-new cars.

What is your work philosophy?

Based on what I have been through, there is no substitute for hard work. Everything is a work in progress.

Who are your mentors?

My mentors have been my family—my mom, my dad and my older brother. All that I am, the way I think, my values and my beliefs, I owe to them.

Shanna Louise Lopez, 30
Chief executive officer, Nexus Real Estate Corp.

Tell us about your company.

Nexus Real Estate Corp. is a real estate development company engaged in both horizontal and vertical developments. We have become the developer of choice for the middle-income market in Cebu.

What’s a typical day like for you?

It is not easy to describe a typical day as my schedule varies. But I am usually up by 5:30 a.m., and I start my morning with a kickboxing session at home with my personal trainer, or I would head straight to project site visits. The rest of my day is devoted to business meetings and occasionally attending events.

How did you get into real estate?

I actually took up a pre-law course back in college since I had dreams of entering the legal profession. That summer before confirming my acceptance in law school, I decided to try my hand at flipping a few houses that were part of my family’s portfolio. I was surprised at how fast I was able to sell them. I realized I had found my calling.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I believe in the adage, “Man’s home, no matter how humble, is his castle.” It may sound like a cliché, but I truly feel that real estate development is both a business and a vocation as it allows me to provide families with one basic need—housing. The business allows me to earn my keep while I also do my little share in nation-building.

What is your work philosophy?

Play hard and work harder. I work 9-12 hours a day, but I also believe in taking time off to relax, recharge and unwind. After I am recharged, I am so inspired to go back to work even more.

Who are your mentors?

My mom—she taught me that nothing is impossible if I stay focused and go into something wholeheartedly.