Hugo IV Beras-Goico’s friends and family couldn’t get enough of his famous chicharrón. Now, with Hugo Pork, he’s sharing his crispy and craveworthy pork belly with people everywhere.
Precooked and impeccably seasoned, Hugo’s pork belly makes a perfect standalone snack. It’s also versatile enough to star in your next ramen, noodle dish, kimchi fried rice, or breakfast sandwich. The possibilities are endless, but the prep couldn’t be easier — Hugo's Pork Belly and Pork Belly Bites are ready to go after a quick turn in the oven, air fryer, or sauté pan.
Recently, we caught up with Hugo to learn more about his journey and hear his advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start Hugo Pork?
I have always had a passion for cooking. Ever since I was a child, I would spend my days in the kitchen with my parents.
I used to cook pork belly every week for my family, from scratch. My friends loved it too. We had pork belly for dinner, parties, gatherings, you name it. My friends always asked me to make it for them, so I gladly did.
My wife and I were struggling economically at one time and I knew that I had to do something to change our situation and make extra money. So, I decided to reinvent pork belly and create something different and innovative that didn’t exist in the culinary world. That’s how we arrived at precooked pork belly. I gave the product to my closest friends and had them finish it at home, in the oven. The rest is history!
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
Well, there were definitely some obstacles, no doubt about it! For starters, I had no money to begin the business. I went to one of my brothers and he agreed to invest a very small amount to help me get started.
When I finally got to making this dream a reality, we were able to get in the door with one of the biggest supermarket chains in the Dominican Republic, Supermercados Nacional. Slowly, but surely, things were going well for us.
Then, we were faced with a pork belly shortage. That impacted our sales, obviously, but we were still able to continue, thank God.
Other companies and supermarket chains in the Dominican Republic saw that our product was gaining popularity and they tried to copy it. Our labels, instructions, and brand were plagiarized. Ultimately, none of the imitators prevailed, but it still brought lots of stress upon our business.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
The main lesson I’ve learned along the way is: The road to success is bumpy, hard, filled with obstacles and struggles. People will try to get in the way, but you have to persevere in order to achieve your goals.
In my case, I’ve put my trust in God. I’ve worked very hard to build my business and I’ve still got a very long way to go.
Dreams are never unreachable. Goals are to be set and pursued. Give it all you’ve got and never back down. In the end, you will have a life filled with knowledge, faith, satisfaction, and bliss. Work hard, and then some. It takes a lot of work and a lot of strength to reach what you want to achieve. As they say, no pain, no gain! It’s all worth it in the end.
4. What’s on the horizon for Hugo Pork?
We are planning on expanding to other countries, God willing. We are already in Central America and the USA, but we don’t want to stop there. We also want to bring all of our other products to the US market.
Someday, we want to have Hugo Pork restaurants all around the world. That’s one of our biggest dreams. Let’s hope we can make this happen!
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
I work every day of the week, whether I’m traveling or in the Dominican Republic. I do it all for my family to give my children a better future.
Since I travel a lot, I try to make the best out of the time I’m home. I try to pick up my children from school, take my wife to dinner, and cook for my family. No matter what, I try to be there for them. It makes all the difference and it keeps our family life enjoyable.
My family is my inspiration. I am blessed to have them as my main support system. My kids and my wife tell me they're proud of me every day. As God gives me breath and strength, I will always work for them and with them.
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