Meet the man behind Kitchen Magic
After the release of Bilang on audio streaming sites under Star Music with concept and lyrics from yours truly, a new opportunity to write a song came.
The requirement: To come up with a jingle that gets stuck in your head and keeps playing, or, as soon as you hear it, you can’t stop but sing or hum along. The jingle is intended for Kitchen Magic spaghetti sauce, for which I am also the brand ambassador.
“We wanted something that’s ‘Tiktokable’ and at the same time the public can have this LSS (Last Song Syndrome) so there will be a brand recall,” said Kitchen Magic Distribution, Inc. (KMDI) CEO Ronwald John “Ron” Ferrer in a meeting with Kitchen Magic president Jhong Placeros and members of the board regarding the brand’s official jingle.
I presented the lyrics, which were musically composed and arranged by Miguel Gabriel Umali and Jehu Aquino. After a few revisions, my composition became the official Kitchen Magic jingle.
It’s admirable how Ron leads the sales and distribution team in charge of introducing Kitchen Magic spaghetti sauce to the market.
“The struggle is double because you’re a new player,” admitted Ron who finished Industrial Engineering at Mapua. He was invited to join KMDI in August 2023 and officially became part of the team three months later.
“Pag-pasok ko, ramdam ko agad ‘yung pagiging pamilya namin sa isat’-isa. Discussions were held and everyone’s opinions and suggestions were heard. Once the decision is made, solid na doon na ‘yung pupuntahan.”
His expertise in sales and marketing was put to good use when Ron presented the product to stores and supermarkets. It was a real challenge to introduce a new brand in the market with the presence of popular and trusted brands.
“I had my sales and marketing background for the first two years of my career, and then I worked in the logistics and supply industry for 25 years. So, when Sir Jhong shared the program with me, I told him I wanted to return to where I started. Introducing a new brand is a great way to use my skills again. He told me the product would be a condiment. We will compete with big brands. Maganda ‘yung challenge.
“We initially had a taste test and I was impressed with the spaghetti sauce because it’s tastier and creamier and the price is competitive.”
Ron began going around the city to meet with store owners and talk with merchandising teams of supermarkets. Some approved the product while others turned it down. Despite rejections, Ron didn’t stop presenting Kitchen Magic spaghetti sauce to supermarkets until AllDay Supermarket agreed to make it available in all its branches.
“The rest is history, we’re now rolling for distribution. Aside from AllDay, Robinsons Supermarket is already in line and we’re also in talks with SM, Waltermart, Puregold, LCC, Metro Gaisano. Also, Unimart, Super 8, Landers and S&R nasa listahan na rin namin.”
The formal launch of Kitchen Magic spaghetti sauce held at All Day Supermarket some weeks ago was a success and Ron couldn’t be any prouder. “Ramdam na namin ‘yung resulta ng pagtya-tyaga namin. ‘Yung mga dating nag-reject, tumatawag na,” Ron happily announced.
“One must have the determination to succeed in business. Of course, a business model development plan is a must, and most importantly, one must place everything in God’s hand for guidance,” said Ron of his Top Three tips to those who wish to start a business.
“Right now, I also have my own sporting events management services called R1 Sports PH which covers all sporting events. As a sports enthusiast, this gives balance (to life),” said Ron, a loving husband to Pola and their two daughters, Asherie, 20, and Matilda, seven.
Get to know more about Ron through our exclusive interview. Below are excerpts.
Apart from being a sports enthusiast, are you also a movie fan?
“I watch movies and teleseryes but I’m not so much into them. But I was fond of watching FPJ movies and Robin Padilla’s action films in my younger years.”
What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up each morning?
“I usually pray when I wake up in the morning. Giving praise to our Almighty God is No. 1 and then I fix our bed before thinking of the day’s plan. Magkakaiba ang gising ko, kapag medyo puyat most likely 7 or 8 a.m. but if I sleep at 10 p.m., I am up by 6 a.m. If there’s a practice, 5 a.m. because I also coach basketball in Laguna — Sta. Rosa and Cabuyao areas.”
What have been your leadership priorities as KMDI CEO?
“I lead by example. I walk the talk in terms of my principles, especially I handle ground operations personnel since I’m not only inside the office. I am transparent as a leader. I criticize in private and I praise in public.”
What are you doing when you’re alone?
“I listen to music, mostly old songs. The Bread is on my playlist. And then, I give thanks to God after a busy day. Also, nag-iisip na ako ng gagawin for the next day.”
What means to you the most?
“My family. In every aspect, sila talaga ‘yun and what I am doing right now is for them.”
What is your family like?
“We’re just simple. We enjoy going out on weekends and eating out. If there’s extra funds, we travel out of the country.”
What’s the best thing about you?
“I’m fond of mentoring people and developing a team — whether in business or sports. Second, I am comfortable talking to all types of people.”
What’s your greatest fear?
“To leave this world knowing my family is not stable yet.”
What has been the most important lesson you learned in life?
“Don’t be afraid of committing mistakes because you will learn from them.”
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