Dubai’s bustling streets, a mix of glittering skyscrapers and a myriad of cultures, houses many stories of triumph. One such narrative is that of Joti R. Penabella, a Filipina who chose the path of entrepreneurship after dedicating her years to honing her skills in operations management. Currently the Operations Manager and Owner of Hub Exclusive Valet Parking Services LLC, she is a testament to the strength and resilience of Filipinos who have found their success overseas.
Joti’s journey began in 2003, serving as Medical Staff at the American University in Beirut, Lebanon. This experience laid the foundation for her proficiency in managing a diverse array of personnel, a skill she would later use as a manager in Japkor Trading and as an Administrative Executive at Agrotech Agricultural Products Inc. Despite her success in these positions, Joti’s ambition led her to the valet industry, where she truly found her niche.
In 2015, she began working with Provalet Parking Services, where her innate talent for operations management was quickly recognized. In her words, “I started handling a Valet Parking Company since 2015 and was hired as an Administrative Assistant. The company noticed that I have the potential and capability to handle and run the full office operations which eventually made me the Operations Manager.”
This role challenged Joti to deal with a myriad of personalities and work types, pressure she handled with aplomb. She credits her success to recognizing individual personalities, respecting each staff member, and always being open to feedback. These, coupled with her keen understanding of office systems, sales strategies, and documentation processes, helped her build a top-performing operations team.
Among her accomplishments, Joti points out that learning the culture and language of the Arab countries where she worked sets her apart and has contributed to her success. She stresses the importance of staying updated with laws and procedures while always remaining humble.
When asked about her business, Hub Exclusive Valet Parking Services LLC, she shares how the use of modern communication and technology aids her in balancing her full-time job and business. Although the journey hasn’t been smooth, especially with the challenges posed by the pandemic, Joti has remained resilient, finding ways to reopen and progress her business after a brief closure.
She candidly recounts the challenges she faced during the pandemic, “Businesses were cut down and some eventually led to shutdown. Hub Exclusive ceased for a couple of years, but I kept moving forward and eventually after the pandemic, and me being an optimistic person, I managed to find a way to reopen Hub Exclusive Valet.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Joti’s advice is simple yet profound, “Put God first in everything you do. Educate yourself, don’t be afraid to take a risk, and explore your limitations. If you’ve got the opportunity gain more ideas, learn in detail so you can start your own business, whether it may be small or big. Lastly, if you’re on the top, you should always look back from where you started and never forget the person who was there for you when you were starting.”
Joti’s core values are accountability, perseverance, and discipline, which she believes reflect in her work. She plans to expand her business with more branches in different states, while continuing to ensure the high-quality service for which Hub Exclusive Valet is known.
Her personal life, according to her, is just like anyone else’s. Despite the ups and downs she’s experienced, Joti always ensures to invest in her well-being and help her family back in the Philippines. Her story of strength, resilience, and success serves as a beacon for many Filipinos seeking their fortune overseas, proving that with hard work, perseverance, and a sprinkle of faith , success is indeed within reach.
Joti’s journey speaks volumes about her dedication to excel and continuously grow. Not only has she successfully maneuvered herself into a leadership role in her career, but she has also managed to nurture her entrepreneurial spirit by founding her own company. “Well, Hub Exclusive is a Valet Parking Management which I have established, and I’m grateful that I learned it from my previous work. At first, having your own company is a pressure itself, a huge responsibility. But if you have your mindset into it, slowly and surely you will learn to balance your business as well as managing your personal matters,” Joti shares.
Despite the successes she’s reaped, Joti hasn’t allowed herself to be complacent. She regularly assesses her performance against the plans and targets she sets, and constantly looks for areas to improve and grow, both personally and professionally. Joti believes that such a mindset is vital for the sustainability of her business and her ability to continue creating a positive impact in her industry.
Her dedication to her work is matched only by her commitment to her clients. Through Hub Exclusive Valet, Joti ensures that clients are treated with the utmost respect and assurance that their vehicles are in safe hands. The valet drivers under her supervision are groomed to be courteous and organized, embodying the company’s focus on excellent service.
Though her journey hasn’t been without challenges, Joti’s resilient spirit shines through. She faced one of her toughest trials when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing her to pause operations at Hub Exclusive Valet for some time. But Joti didn’t let this setback keep her down. Instead, she rallied, using her optimism and determination to find ways to reopen and revive her business.
Despite her success abroad, Joti has never forgotten her roots. She continues to work hard, not just for herself, but also for her family back in the Philippines. Her experiences have shaped her into the successful Operations Manager and Entrepreneur she is today, inspiring many Filipinos worldwide to push their boundaries and chase their dreams, no matter where they may be.
Joti R. Penabella’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and success. Her journey proves that with perseverance, humility, and the courage to seize opportunities, one can find success anywhere in the world. As Joti continues to forge ahead in her career and business, she serves as a shining example to all Filipinos striving to achieve their dreams, both at home and abroad.
In her future plans, Joti envisions Hub Exclusive Valet branching out to various states. “I have plans to have more branches in different states, but of course, I have to regularly assess my performance against the plans and target I have set. For me to gain potential investors who will want to invest in my business.” This expansion not only signifies the growth of her business but also her desire to create more job opportunities for people, which resonates with her deeply empathetic character.
But it isn’t just the ambition of a successful entrepreneur that defines Joti. She remains grounded and focused on her personal life as well, cherishing her quiet moments of leisure. Her hobbies, including reading books, listening to music, and sleeping, allow her to balance her busy work schedule and replenish her energy to face new challenges each day.
Looking back, Joti’s journey hasn’t been a straight path. It’s been filled with turns, bumps, and crossroads. Yet, it is in navigating these intricacies that she has found her strength. Each step, each decision, and each risk she took has led her to the place she is now – thriving in a foreign land while proudly carrying her Filipino identity.
Her story reminds us of the value of hard work, the importance of embracing change and challenges, and the strength in staying true to our roots. It teaches us that success is not just about reaching our goals but also about the journey we take to get there.
Finally, as she embarks on her continued journey as an entrepreneur, Joti has one solid piece of advice for those who wish to follow in her footsteps. “Educate yourself, which is important, don’t be afraid to take a risk, explore your limitations. If you’ve got the opportunity gain more ideas, learn in detail so you can start your own business. If you’re on the top, you should always look back from where you started and never forget the person who was there for you when you were starting.”
Through her inspiring journey, Joti R. Penabella is not just writing her success story in the sands of Dubai but is also sketching a blueprint for many aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs across the globe. She has demonstrated that with the right mix of determination, humility, and resilience, one can conquer any field and any region, making a difference in their own unique way.
