Entrepreneurship gives new challenges to this executive

MANILA, Philippines - There is fruitfulness outside the four corners of an employee’s life, especially when aspiring entrepreneurs are matched with a supportive franchiser and an effective franchise system.

Long-time business executive Tino Calimon discovered the power and benefits of being an entrepreneur through franchising.

As an outstanding franchisee of independent oil player Seaoil Philippines Inc., Calimon shared his climb to the top by starting his career all over again and facing new risks.

“I have been an employee for the past 32 years and I thought I had enough of corporate life, and would want to explore the field of entrepreneurship,” Calimon said.

“I got tired of doing things to please my boss and/or trying to second guess how my boss thinks so my work output will be approved and eventually merit a salary increase now and then,” Calimon said.

In the latter half of his career, he gained the desire to be an entrepreneur.

Calimon was formerly employed in a multinational company, working as a logistics operations manager handling warehousing and distribution of food products nationwide.

Convinced it is an answered prayer, Calimon availed of an early retirement package in 2009.

“I was very sure that my retirement from work is just a temporary vacation for me and would want to explore another area of interest: entrepreneurship,” Calimon said.

The first three to four months of retirement opened opportunities to catch up and bond with family, relatives and friends.

While Calimon already gained knowledge in putting up a business through his previous work, the risks seemed too big given the requirement to invest his hard-earned money.

After months of research and assessment, Calimon said he decided to secure a franchise.

The choice was narrow: either food-related like a convenience store given his former work or a gasoline dealer due to his fascination with the growth of the oil industry.

“I saw how gasoline stations transformed from being small to having tenants like food stalls,” Calimon said. But with the notion that fuel outlets demand large investments, he had to tone down his plans.

In June 2010, Calimon and his wife were exploring options for a food or convenience store business at an expo when they chanced upon a Seaoil franchise booth.

“What really struck my attention to Seaoil after a short discussion with one of the Seaoil booth associates was the reasonableness of investment and that Seaoil is offering existing and/or soon-to-open facilities to prospective franchisees,” Calimon said.

Seaoil, which was established in 1996 in anticipation of the oil market deregulation, offers investment opportunities in company-owned, dealer-operated (CODO) and dealer-operated, dealer-owned outlets.

What made him more excited is that one of the stations being offered for franchise is located in Muntinlupa where he resides, Calimon said.

The Tunasan station, Calimon believed, was a strategic area. “Location is very important especially for this part of the business,” he said.

Furthermore, Calimon said the vision of him and his wife in putting up a small business is not just about profit generation but also partnering with a socially responsible company that complies with rules while encouraging an environmentally-friendly operation.

Partnering with Seaoil proved to be attractive and effective in starting a business.

“I believe Seaoil franchise proposition is attractive enough to get the attention of new entrepreneur/dealer,” Calimon said.

Particularly, Calimon said Seaoil’s provides free pre-operating and post-opening training for dealer and crew; and continuing market and sales programs throughout the year to attract and maintain product patronage while requiring reasonable franchise fee and cash bonds.

For instance, Seaoil promotes the Value Incentive Privilege and the Loyal Biyahero discounted lane to encourage customers.

Calimon added that under the CODO scheme, a dealer is freed from the complexity of facility construction and securing government-related permits.

But the trek to the top was not smooth.

“Being a neophyte in the entrepreneurship field is my biggest challenge,” Calimon said, adding that pitting his money on the line required more wisdom and courage from the Lord.

“Another challenge is to really think as a businessman looking on every aspect of the operation that will result in overall soundness of the business,” he said.

Calimon was prompted to jump out of his comfort zone.

Hitting the sales quota in six to eight months was a tough nut to crack.

Initial sales performance was below par, coming mostly from walk-in customers.

Calimon said he was initially uncomfortable in sales given no experience in that field during his corporate life. “However, my personal stake in this business is quite great that I finally mustered enough guts to start making sales call to business institutions,” Calimon said.

After one year in operations, his outlet has established 14 key accounts.

All the efforts paid off, with Calimon being pleased as his business creates jobs.

“You are able to help and even help contribute to have an activity in your area. That is something you do not get when you are employed,” Calimon said.

Not to mention the freedom to spend more time with his family.

Moving forward, Calimon plans to put up Seaoil gas stations in Bulacan and Tarlac City.

“This is part of our intention of giving back to the community where we came from,” Calimon said.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Calimon said it is important for employees to develop discipline and good working relationship with colleagues.

Calimon added that employees should save money for their future investments.

Since starting commercial operations in 1997, Seaoil has expanded its stations to 252 as of the first half.