'Were not just a donut specialty brand; we're an experience-driven company. Our tagline is 'You deserve a donut done no less than 12 brand collaborations.''FATHERHOOD at 18 became a pivotal moment in Ramon Pedro 'RP' Argonza's life.It ignited a sense of responsibility within him, driving him to pursue various jobs, from bartender to porter, to ensure he could provide for his family.Eventually, he found his footing in the BPO industry as a customer service representative.Argonza's entrepreneurial spirit, however, was always bubbling beneath the surface.His dynamic personality and business acumen led him to establish Argonza International Trading, a business consultancy, alongside his partner, Christopher Estacion.'Before the pandemic, we had a coffee shop called Founders Café. When the pandemic hit, my partner and I decided to simplify our menu, seeing it as an opportunity to rebrand,' Argonza recalls.'I remembered always bragging about how, back in the day, I would make donuts as a side hustle with my wife, Wenie Garupa Argonza.''So, I challenged myself to recreate those donuts and had people try them. We went viral, and the rest is history,' he continues.At Founders Donuts, Argonza holds the title of 'President' and has the final say on the oven.However, internally, they maintain a more relaxed structure. Argonza jokingly refers to himself as the 'Donut Maker,' while his partner, Chris, is the 'Donut Seller.'Argonza is deeply involved in every aspect of Founders Donuts, from designing the dough and crafting unique flavors to developing the beverage menu.The result is a distinctive donut with a super-rich brioche dough, pillowy soft with each bite and boasting a wide array of flavors.'We take pride in having a donut lineup where all flavors are strong,' Argonza emphasizes.'We're not just a donut specialty brand; we're an experience-driven company. Our tagline is 'You deserve a donut done no less than 12 brand collaborations.''Juggling fatherhood and his business, Argonza's typical day starts early. He wakes up at 6 a.m. to see his children — Gene, 20; Raze, 18; and Maric, 16 — off to school before diving into morning meetings.He then visits Founders branches in the afternoon, interspersed with consultancy meetings and coaching sessions.Argonza attributes his entrepreneurial journey at 25 to the business maturity he gained from his early experiences.He credits his mother, Mrs. Victoria Argonza, a restaurateur for over 40 years, for his passion for baking.'I fondly remember her teaching me the old pandesal way — no use of a weighing scale like we do now. We lined up the dough into strings and used the length of our three fingers to create the dough,' he reminisces.'It's how I basically learned to make a donut.'QUICK QUESTIONSWhat is your greatest fear?My greatest fear is to become inadequate for my family.To be counted on but unable to provide, especially during a crisis.What really makes you angry?I do not like getting angry.What motivates you to work hard?My family.What makes you laugh the most?Funny memories that I have with my family.What do you want to be when you were small?When I was little, I dreamed of playing in the NBA.What would you do if you won the lotto?Use my winnings to bankroll other small businesses that I see potential in.If you could share a meal with an individual, living or dead, who would they be?I heard in an interview that Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant used to have dinners. I would really love to be a part of that dinner.I do not even have to talk. I can just listen in on their conversation.I am OK.What is the most daring thing you have ever done?The most daring thing I have ever done is quit my managerial position to start a business that I have absolutely no idea about.What is the last book you read?The last book I read was 'Harry Potter.'Who is the celebrity you would like to meet for coffee?Michael Jordan or Larry Bird.What is the one thing that you will never do again?I cannot think of anything. Knowing myself, if I did it and failed,I am probably thinking of doing it again sometime in the future.Ha ha.Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?In 10 years, hopefully, I have fully established my 'Group of Companies,' and I am the owner of a small building in Makati, which I am in the process of buying right now.
