By Armando “BUTZ” Bartolome
In a world driven by stability and success, stepping away from the corporate ladder to embrace uncertainty might seem unthinkable. Yet for Dodong Cacanando, this leap of faith led him to uncover profound life lessons—ones he now shares to inspire others on The Business Mentor Talks with Butz Bartolome.
Dodong’s story begins with a high-flying career at Hewlett-Packard (HP) as Assistant Country Manager. By 1997, life seemed perfect, but a mysterious burden urged him to leave. What followed was a series of divine “miracles” that transformed his life trajectory. Despite not knowing where he would go or what he would do, Dodong and his wife eventually found themselves in Manolo Fortich Bukidnon, a place neither of them had ties to. This move marked the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey into farming.
The Reality of Farming
Dodong entered farming with zero experience, thinking it would be as serene as its reputation. Instead, he encountered a business riddled with complexities—production challenges, unpredictable weather, and demanding customer expectations. Reflecting on those early days, he shared, “I regretted it at first. Farming is all-encompassing—your production, marketing, and customer service are solely on your shoulders.”
Despite these struggles, Dodong and his wife persevered. They started small, supplying high-value crops like lettuce and kale, even becoming the largest supplier of U.S.-grade lettuce for McDonald’s Philippines from 2000 to 2010. While freight costs eventually ended this venture, the lessons learned fueled Dodong’s evolution as an entrepreneur.
Principles for Success
Dodong’s transition from the corporate world to farming illuminated key principles that shaped his success. A disciplined learner, he credits his engineering mindset and relentless pursuit of improvement. He shared, “The habits you form in school—diligence and a thirst for knowledge—are what help you at work. It’s not about the diploma; it’s about building your character and mind.”
Through his journey, Dodong also realized that success isn’t solely about knowledge or money but the ability to apply them wisely. “Knowledge without the right application is useless,” he said. “I’ve learned to invest a little, observe outcomes, and improve gradually. Risk isn’t about recklessness but calculated growth.”
Walking the Talk
For Dodong, authenticity is everything. He believes in leading by example, especially when sharing insights on social media. “People don’t do what you say—they do what you do. If I share principles, they come from my own story, not borrowed ones,” he emphasized.
His experiences also underline the importance of values in life and business. Whether teaching his children or addressing aspiring entrepreneurs, Dodong highlights integrity, faith, and resilience as pillars of a meaningful legacy.
A Legacy Beyond Business
Beyond his ventures, Dodong’s life is a testimony to faith and purpose. He views his journey not as his own but as part of a divine plan to inspire others. “Every step of the way was a miracle. It’s God’s message, not my story. I share it so others may find hope and direction in their lives,” he said.
Dodong’s humility and wisdom resonate deeply, making his episode on The Business Mentor Talks a must-watch. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone at a crossroads, Dodong’s journey proves that even the most challenging paths can lead to unexpected blessings.
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