In more than 160 countries around the world, May 1st is celebrated as International Labor Day. Statistically speaking, it is a public holiday in over 82% of the countries on our planet. Additionally, for those of us who are practicing Catholic believers, since 1955, this day also honors Saint Joseph the Worker (husband of the Virgin Mary, foster father of Jesus, and Guardian of the Holy Family of Nazareth) as the patron saint of workers. He stands as a model of dignity, effort, and spirituality in daily manual and spiritual labor.

In this regard, as some of you know, twelve years ago I joined the company founded by my older brother, which is about to celebrate 24 years in the market. We specialize in the import, representation, and commercialization of construction finishes (floor, wall, window, ceiling, and facade coverings). Recently, at a trade fair in the USA, we secured a new flooring partner to represent a business line consisting of three products. Following a significant investment, we now have the products available, offering a new option to the market and especially to our potential B2B clients.

However, 17 days ago, we received an email informing us that they had unilaterally decided to grant another company in the industry exclusive representation for one of those three products in the Peruvian market, and that this decision was irreversible. Initially, our reaction was one of indignation and frustration, among other emotions. But in light of these established facts, and looking to Saint Joseph the Worker as an example of industriousness, I would like to share some of his virtues—virtues that should serve as a compass for all of us, regardless of our role as employees, executives, or business owners:

• Walking the Path: We are travelers on a single path; like Saint Joseph, let us think and reflect on where our decisions might lead us.

• The Honest Worker: Demonstrates through actions that there is consistency between what they say and what they do.

• The Worker of Integrity: Their thoughts and their essence are not merely taught, but transmitted; being a person of integrity is priceless.

• The Responsible Worker: Convinced that by using their intelligence and will, they offer industriousness, honesty, and integrity to society and to God.

Undoubtedly, we will all face problems and difficulties—whether personal, family, professional, or, as in this case, entrepreneurial. Nonetheless, I am convinced that this too shall pass. We will move forward once again with the strength of our ancestry from the Brave and Wise Naylamp (the mythical leader who arrived from the sea to the northern coast to found the Lambayeque culture in my beloved Chiclayo).

In that sense, you might be thinking many things—perhaps that “all is fair” in commercial warfare, or as Atahualpa said to Pizarro after his capture in Cajamarca: “Such are the ways of war: to conquer or be conquered.” In our case, we prefer to do what my father taught us. He used to say: “I leave you the family name; live it through your behavior, attitudes, and values in your personal, social, family, and professional life, and now in business as well.” Because of this, I am convinced we are honoring his memory, exactly 13 years since his passing.

To reflect on the “why” behind the problems or difficulties we face, and to find “inner peace,” I share these two quotes:

“Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things…” — Saint Teresa of Ávila.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” — Psalm 23.

Take heart. Always practice behaviors and actions that reflect your values in every environment you inhabit. Always win fairly; businesses come and go, but never lose sight of your most precious asset: your inner peace.

And always, always: Row hard against the current and into the deep!