WEEKLY BLOG 5-6: Business Interview
We’re excited to share our third batch of interviews with business owners and managers in Cagayan de Oro, providing a closer look at their journeys and stories about how they have grown their businesses to what they are today.
Steve's Barbeque
Steve's Barbeque, operated by Dulce J. Asoy, is a renowned dining establishment located inside The Warehouse on Corrales Avenue in Cagayan de Oro City. Specializing in famous chicken barbecues, iconic sisig, and other delightful dishes, it opened its doors as the third branch of the restaurant on January 6, 2020. The original Steve's Barbeque was established in 1977 in Cogon owned by Casilda Ibanes Carson and has since expanded with multiple locations across the city. The restaurant targets local diners and barbecue enthusiasts, reaching new customers through social media promotions and word-of-mouth.
NLM CONSUMER GOODS TRADING
Next Level Millennial (NLM) Consumer Goods Trading, founded in 2020, focuses on selling household items and furniture. The business primarily targets customers through social media, conducting live selling on Facebook and TikTok. They also collaborate with resellers and retailers to expand their customer base, although most buyers are netizens. Walk-ins are welcome, but online sales dominate on Facebook. NLM offers discounts, with greater savings for customers who purchase multiple items. Loyal live viewers and sharers can also win giveaways, which they can claim at the store. The business started with a total of seven staff members. CEO Lenie Quinto, at 23 years old, is open to suggestions from her staff to improve and grow the company. She mentioned that she used to study at PHINMA COC College but then stopped and started the business as an online seller, supported by Manager Lenielyn. NLM plans to open more branches in the future.
BLEND AND BLOEM
Blend and Bloem is a fruit and vegetable store, launched in February 2024 and operates with 6 employees, depending on shifts. They offer negotiable discounts for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and students, targeting fruit lovers and anyone craving fresh produce. The store has physical locations in Ororama, Buena Oro Macasandig, SM Downtown and SM Uptown. Their product offerings include local and imported fruits, fruit shakes, and healthy fruit snacks. However, they face challenges with limited supplies due to delivery logistics, as the owner manages deliveries from downtown to Ororama and the main store in Macasandig. Their main goal is to sell all products displayed daily. Blend and Bloem started as an online store before expanding to physical locations in August 2024.
Anster Autoworks
We virtually interviewed Anster Autoworks, which founded in 2019 and currently employs 12 staff members, including part-timers. Their main customers are business owners who use cars for work, and most inquiries come through their Facebook page and Marketplace. Anster Autoworks specializes in Surplus Japan Transformer Assembly and offers a range of services, including unit conversions, electrical and car air conditioning services, repainting and washover, and both "as-is" and finished units available for sale. To keep customers satisfied, they provide regular updates, such as pictures or videos of the cars, especially for clients located far away. Their key expenses include materials, electricity, and salaries, with a monthly budget of around ₱100,000, plus savings. In the future, they plan to expand their operations by working on more cars, growing their shop, and eventually opening additional branches, all while remaining adaptable and targeting the right customers.
KARRFASSST Car Accessories
KARRFASSST Car Accessories is a company specializing in selling and installing car accessories. The business has been operating for nearly 30 years, according to the owner, Rey Samson, who also manages inventory. KARRFASSST offers special discounts, particularly to long-time and loyal customers, and occasionally provides free services when a customer has multiple repairs. The biggest issue they encounter is customers neglecting vehicle maintenance until major problems arise; however, they manage to overcome this challenge as their mission is to help customers with their needs. The company's total monthly expenses amount to around ₱40,000, covering all operational costs.