From an in-house marketing network of Sta. Lucia Realty and Development, Inc. (SLRDI), Orchard Property Marketing Corporation (OPMC) gradually established itself and became an independent marketing firm that sells exclusively SLDRI projects. After the sell-out success of Alta Vista Golf and Country Club, OPMC took off and was awarded more projects from SLDRI, which prompted the former to put up a head office in Manila and branch out in Bulacan, Calamba, Lucena, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Bacolod. At present, OPMC markets over 35 quality real estate projects of SLDRI and is continuously growing and expanding with 9 branches nationwide and with new projects line up for 2011.
As a dependable marketing network, Orchard Property Marketing Corporation (OPMC) has been around for 17 years and still counting. It’s celebrating its 17th year anniversary this October 2012 with its highly trained and talented work force and more than 10,000 hardworking sales force.
THE MAN BEHIND THE HISTORY OF OPMC
All employees know when he arrives--they say it’s the voice.
Employees greet him as he struts into his office. They are always rewarded with a timid smile and a soft yet dignified voice that only he possesses. Then with a cup of coffee and a newspaper, he is ready to start his day at work.
Eduardo U. Tirona, the President and Founder of Orchard Property Marketing Corporation, established the company in 1995 to answer the marketing needs of the real estate giant, Sta. Lucia Realty and Development, Inc . (SLRDI).
“We started as an in-house marketing network of Sta. Lucia,” says Tirona. “And as Sta.Lucia grew, so did its projects. They needed bigger marketing efforts, hence, the birth of Orchard Property Marketing Corporation.”
The company was born because of the growing projects of Sta. Lucia. OPMC handled Alta Vista Golf and Country Club at the start. Due to its success, the company was rewarded by a few more projects by Sta. Lucia, which contributed to the success of the company at the present. The company gradually established itself in the field of real estate marketing.
THE PROJECTS
OPMC has a total of 35 projects nationwide. With its head office in Ortigas, OPMC has 9 other branches, which are located in Bulacan, Laguna, Quezon, Cavite, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, and General Santos.
The projects vary; OPMC offers residential lots, commercial lots, leisure farm, condominiums, and golf and residential estates.
“There are still more projects to come,” says Tirona proudly. For him, OPMC will stay for as long as people need homes to live in.
THE WORK FORCE
The company started with only three people in 1995: a general manager, a sales person, and a marketing person. As of today, the company has more than 80 employees. With its 9 branches nationwide, the company continues to serve people with quality real estate products.
When asked what his vision is for the people of his company, Tirona has spoken like a true leader.
“Our company will continue to give career opportunities for people,” he says. “I want my people to be empowered and for them to maximize their skills.”
Tirona’s words gave justice to John Maxwell’s famous quote-- “A great leader's courage to fulfil his vision comes from passion, not position”. It is a quote fitting to him, as the president of his company. Because apart from being known as “the man with the big voice”, Tirona actually has the passion to match the huge timbre of his voice. A passion for his work and for his people.
THE SALES FORCE
The company’s sales agents started the birth of their successful careers when they joined OPMC—the very reason why these sales people remain dedicated and loyal.
“We pride ourselves by giving the best to our sales people”, added Tirona. “They are important for the company and we make sure they know that. We do not only release their commissions on time, but we also reward them with above-industry standard incentives when they exceed their targets. Our pro-active marketing group makes sure that they are supported with year-round activities such as open houses and project launches. They are given ample quantity of brochures and flyers, which we feel are vital sales tools for them.”
“We have very hardworking sales people nationwide,” Tirona continues. “They’re one of the reasons why the company is going strong and because of that we are thankful to them.”
“The company has more than 10,000 sales people nationwide and still growing. They do not only work for themselves; they also work for the company. A lot of our sales force has been around almost for as long as the company has been around,” says Tirona.
The company has been providing jobs for people since it started; jobs that give opportunities for people to improve their way of life. Majority of the sales force admitted that joining OPMC was the turning point in their lives—the main reason why they are striving hard to attain the goals of the company. They earn and at the same time are happy with their work.
“Because when you join OPMC, you are part of the family,” Tirona said proudly.
Mary Ann C. Estacio, National Sales Manager of OPMC, has something to say about the attitude of the sales force when it comes to their job.
“They bank on their projects; that’s why they become successful sales people,” she says. “They know their projects very well so they are able to present competently to their clients. Our sales people take their jobs seriously. It is the reason why they are able to close deals easily.”
THE SECRET TO THE SELLING GAME
“I believe it’s the people”, Ma. Irma C. Topacio, Vice President for Finance and Administration, says. “As long as the people know how to do their job, the company will continue to climb its way to the top. And I am not just talking about the sales force. I am also talking about the regular employees of this company.”
The President attested to Topacio’s comment.
“The people.” Tirona answered simply. “It is always the people. If you find the RIGHT people for the job and then there’s nothing to worry about. No, it is not really a secret, but HOW to FIND the RIGHT ONES is the secret. OUR secret.”
And that is a story he will never reveal.
To join the OPMC family, call (632) 635.4946 or visit www.opmc.ph.
