Here’s the thing we don’t often talk about: success doesn’t come in shiny packages. It’s not always about the perfect product or the perfect timing. Sometimes, it’s about seeing an opportunity where others don’t, and more importantly, sticking with it long enough to make it work.
Meet Ronaldo, the mastermind behind Ermm’s Dimsum, a guy who took an unassuming street food—chicken feet—and transformed it into a booming, six-figure business. But let’s take a step back. It all began with just a Php800 investment.
Start Small, Dream Big
In 2008, Ronaldo wasn’t thinking about becoming a food mogul. He was working at a Chinese restaurant in Manila, trying to make ends meet. But what if, just what if, he could sell something different? Something people weren’t offering on the streets. Something like… chicken feet.
Sounds odd, doesn’t it? Who’s going to buy chicken feet? But that’s the point. Ronaldo recognized a gap—a niche in the market where no one was serving this delicacy. In a world of fast food and common snacks, he saw a window where others saw only closed doors.
It wasn’t easy. Ronaldo didn’t start with a giant food truck or a fancy restaurant. He started with a simple cart. Php800 in hand, he bought his first batch of ingredients and set out. The first few days were rough. Sales were low. But that’s what separates the ones who stick it out from the ones who quit: persistence.
The Power of Difference
Let’s face it: fried chicken is everywhere in Manila. But Ronaldo took a different approach. He didn’t just offer chicken feet—he turned them into an experience. Rather than rushing, he prioritized quality. Each piece was carefully cleaned, nails removed, and cooked under pressure to perfection.
But there was more to it. He created a sauce—his “secret sauce”—that made these feet irresistible. Oyster sauce, garlic, sugar, chicken broth. He fried the feet first, then pressure-cooked them to make sure they were melt-in-your-mouth tender. It wasn’t just food; it was a product people couldn’t find anywhere else.
And here’s the key: Ronaldo wasn’t just selling chicken feet. He was selling an experience. He was introducing people to something new, something they hadn’t seen on the streets before. Something different. That’s the heart of innovation. It’s about showing up with something that catches people’s attention.
Growth is the Product of Reinvestment
But it wasn’t just the chicken feet. It was the hustle behind it. It was the decision to reinvest every bit of profit back into the business. Ronaldo didn’t spend the money he made on luxuries. No, he used it to buy more ingredients, upgrade his cart, hire help, and keep pushing forward.
The first few months were rocky. Rain ruined sales. Authorities came around to shut him down. But Ronaldo didn’t let that stop him. When he hit a roadblock, he found a way around it. He even started delivering orders, making sure that bad weather didn’t mean bad sales.
And as sales grew, Ronaldo did something important: he scaled. Not overnight. But over time. His one cart became two. Then three. By now, he’s running nine carts all over the city. All because he took small, calculated steps—and never stopped moving forward.
The Secret to Scaling: Patience and Consistency
Let’s not sugarcoat it: scaling a business isn’t glamorous. It’s messy. It’s exhausting. There are no shortcuts, no guarantees. But Ronaldo kept going. He didn’t get distracted by overnight success stories. Instead, he focused on building a consistent operation—one that his customers trusted and his team could rely on.
He expanded his team, too. He brought in his family—his dad, his cousins, his siblings. They weren’t just employees; they were part of his journey. This wasn’t just business. It was a family affair.
Now, Ronaldo’s not just a guy selling chicken feet. He’s building an empire. His food cart business has grown into a six-figure monthly venture. That’s a result of focus, patience, and reinvestment. And here’s the lesson: when you scale, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You just need to keep doing what works—better, faster, and smarter.
Franchising: The Next Frontier
What’s next for Ronaldo? He’s thinking bigger. Much bigger. He’s looking at franchising as the next step. He’s building a system that can be replicated and expanded. And here’s the thing: he’s offering choice. Cart or kiosk. That flexibility is a huge part of scaling in a way that works for everyone.
At this point, Ronaldo has a team of 15 people. Most of them are family and close friends. He’s helping others by creating job opportunities and expanding his business. His story isn’t just one of financial success—it’s one of building a community, providing for loved ones, and making a difference.
The Takeaway: Embrace the Hustle, Embrace the Grind
So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s simple: small ideas can lead to big results. Success doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect moment—it comes from showing up, doing the work, and being willing to adapt.
If you’re sitting on an idea, don’t wait for the stars to align. Start with what you have, and keep moving forward. Don’t overcomplicate it. Focus on doing one thing really well, and make it your obsession. If Ronaldo can turn chicken feet into a six-figure business, what’s stopping you from doing the same with your own idea?
The road might not always be smooth, but with patience and persistence, you’ll get where you want to go. Keep hustling. Keep pushing. The world is full of opportunities—find yours.
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