From foodie dreams to CEO schemes: Discover key ingredients to success from this young Filipino entrepreneur!

Monday: MicroBusiness and Marketing Marvels FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Hi there! How's your day shaping up? We hope things are going smoothly so far. Let's begin the week positively and inspired by our “Marketing Marvels.” Each Monday, we delve into the achievements, life stories, and wisdom of accomplished individuals in business and marketing. Today, we’ll focus on one of the emerging CEOs in the Philippine business landscape. Keep reading to learn more about this “Marvel,” his humble beginnings, and some crucial tactics that helped him succeed in his business endeavors. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

From foodie dreams to CEO schemes: Discover key ingredients to success from this young Filipino entrepreneur! Avin Ong: Owner of multi-billion dollar businesses in the Philippines Have you ever had those light-bulb moments when inspiration hits you out of nowhere, and suddenly you realize something you hadn't before? Allow us to tell you about this guy's incredible light-bulb moment that turned his life around. Starting from scratch, this go-getter has climbed to the very top of his field, proving that success is limitless when you've got the right mindset. The person we’re talking about? Avin Ong! Ong describes himself as a risk-taker. This was shown in his bold choice to kick off a business endeavor by suggesting the idea of opening his own restaurant during a family dinner in 2014. Five years after that entrepreneurial light-bulb moment, he is now in charge of running multi-million dollar businesses providing unique services to customers. Some of these businesses? Macao Imperial Tea Nabe Japanese Izakaya and Hot Pot Mitasu Yakiniku New York Fries & Dips Liang Crispy Rolls Café Kitsuné … and many more. The Foodie-turned-CEO As a foodie himself, Ong lives by the motto, "Love what you do," and he's shown how amazing the results of this mantra can be. His passion for food is one of the main reasons he’s the CEO of the Fredley Group of Companies (FGC). With ongoing achievements and a continually growing network of business franchises and establishments, the FGC persistently forges its reputation within the industry. Under Ong's leadership, the company oversees 260 restaurant and cafe branches across the Philippines, and operates nine unique food and restaurant brands with a dedicated team of more than 3,000 employees. In fact, the FGC is one of the most rapidly expanding enterprises in the country! Building an Empire from Scratch Ong earned his dual MBAs from De La Salle University. This became a distinctive advantage that positioned him to garner valuable experience at Deutsche Bank and marked the beginning of his journey to becoming adept at executing his business ideas. His dedication to his craft earned him multiple business opportunities, making all his hard work and effort worth it. Ong's business success also comes from understanding what today's generation wants. He created dining places with delicious food, unique decorations, and atmosphere, giving customers a complete dining experience. His brand's popularity among Gen Z and millennials keeps the company in tune with current trends, thanks to the influence of digital platforms. Having achieved all of these milestones by age 30, it's evident that Ong is setting the stage for a fresh wave of entrepreneurs. So, what valuable insights can marketers glean from this youthful CEO? Unleashing creativity through innovation. One thing stands out at Ong's success story: His incredible dedication to innovation. He wasn't just a follower of trends; he was also a trendsetter. As he stepped into the business world, he had a remarkable ability to spot opportunities and wholeheartedly embrace new technologies and market shifts. This adaptability was his secret sauce that helped him stay ahead of the competition and constantly shape his business ventures. Putting value to human connection. Ong is an excellent example of how human connection and personal initiatives still matter in business amid an era of automation and digital advancements. His dedication to forming meaningful connections hasn't just earned him loyal customers but has also created a positive and supportive atmosphere in his companies. His sincerity shines through in this statement: “Because of my humble beginnings, I learned to be a cashier, a dishwasher, a dispatcher, a server, and then a restaurant manager. Not only have these experiences made me a leader who always leads by example, I also got to understand every role within the organization and see the whole picture.” Considering the virtue of social responsibility. Ong's success is not only about what he gains personally but also about the good he does for the community. His experiences and activities show that one can be successful in business and also give back to society. This is one of the reasons why people look up to him and respect him for his accomplishments, values, and commitment to positively impacting the world around him. — To put it briefly, Ong's journey is a beacon of hope not only for someone looking to make it big in the business world but also for those trying their best to make it big in life. As we get to know his entrepreneurial background, we discover valuable insights that transcend usual norms and practices in the industry. These significant takeaways are what make him a role model for people to look up to. So, take a moment to reflect on your own aspirations and dreams too. Finding inspiration in stories like this can be a game-changer in your path as a business owner, leader, manager, or marketer. Remember: Success is not solely about the destination but also the route you take to get there. By learning from those who have achieved their dreams, such as Ong, you can navigate your career with greater confidence and purpose. Hope you’ve found this week’s topic interesting and helpful.     Helping women in the community and filling the gap of gender equality is a challenging road to tread, especially in the past years. Learn more about Chaitra Vedullapalli in next week’s article!