‘Iron Lady’ helps mold, build better lives for many
Wilcon SEVP-COO Rosemarie Ong is one of the forces behind the success of the brand.
In the world of construction, innovation has always been the name of the game.
The one who could deliver superior quality products and top notch service, as well asrevolutionize the way things are done often emerge as leaders.
And in the Philippines, one brand has managed to stand out to become a household name in the construction supply industry.
Offering a wide array of products from local to designer tiles, tools, sanitary wares, electrical supplies, automotive gear, gardening items and housewares, among others, Wilcon Builder’s Depot has grown from a humble neighborhood hardware to the country’s ultimate go-to-source for one’s construction needs.
Wilcon Depot SEVP-COO Rosemarie Ong enjoying a game of golf with Wilcon Brand Ambassador Tessa Prieto-Valdes. FILE PHOTO
Indeed, Wilcon has propelled from being a small company to becoming a leading supplier of finishing materials, adequately filling the needs of the construction industry.
And at the helm of the Wilcon’s success in achieving utmost customer satisfaction through unparalleled service and delivery of big and better construction ideas is a woman.
Inquirer Property recently had the chance to talk to Wilcon SEVP-COO Rosemarie Ong, one of the forces behind the brand. Under her guidance, Ong is making sure that the company will continue to respond and keep up with the changing needs of the market and maintain a healthy and productive working relationship with its clients.
Meanwhile, here is a peak at the life of one the country’s “steelettos,” a tough woman who managed to survive and thrive in an industry deemed to be highly dominated by men.
Q: When and how did you get involved in the construction business?
ONG: I started working for Wilcon Depot in 1984, though Wilcon was established in 1977 by William T. Belo as a small hardware store. At that time, there was much uncertainty in the political landscape of the country but Wilcon managed to thrive despite the odds.
Q: What was your childhood dream?
ONG: I worked in a bank for a while but I felt that it was not the job for me. My childhood dream is to see the world and Wilcon gave me the opportunity to fulfill such dream.
Q: What convinced you to join Wilcon Builders?
ONG: I am a very positive and extrovert person and Wilcon’s nature of business entails a lot of dealing with people. It is service oriented, thus it perfectly fits my personality.
It is only coincidental that Wilcon is in the construction industry. But still, the main idea is there, which is that it is a service oriented company and one that provides what the market needs.
Q: Who has the greatest influence in your life?
ONG: My parents who honed me to be driven. Likewise, I was mentored by the founder of Wilcon who exemplifies hard work and perseverance.
Q: In an industry highly dominated by men, what were the challenges you encountered? How did you overcome these?
ONG: At the start, it was challenging. But I got used to it because at the end of the day, it is the substance and the worth of your work and idea that matter. In fact, being a woman also served as an advantage because your keen attention to details gives you the edge. I am lucky because I was able to experience both worlds, as I deal with the customers and the suppliers as well.
Q: What made you stay in the business? Is there any particular mantra that you follow?
I always believe in the Law of Harvest. In any field you are, whether in life or business, this will apply.
I recall that some of the customers who started with us, are up to now still our customers and have in fact extended to their next kin, the next generation. In fact, even their friends are now Wilcon customers and maybe they stayed because of the kind of attention, service and relationship that we have built with them over the years.
So it is true that you reap what you sow. If you are passionate and sincere in your dealings, it will transcend into good results thus the growth of Wilcon.
Q: What’s the greatest reward you’ve earned from working for Wilcon?
ONG: The greatest reward I must say is seeing what we have accomplished and how far we’ve come. From our humble beginnings, we are now seen by many as a perfect partner in building and realizing big ideas.
Wilcon, over the years, managed to deliver a wide array of products that help improve and enhance an individual’s quality of life. The value of relationship that we have established and the continued patronage of our customers is one thing we will always be proud of.
Q: What do you think is your company’s greatest contribution to society, to the property industry in particular?
ONG: The ability and capacity to provide the best service and top notch products that are relevant to the market that we hope to serve and satisfy.
Helping Filipinos fulfill their dreams of renovating, improving, refining, and of building their homes gives us immense satisfaction and fulfilment.
Wilcon, I must say is quite instrumental in setting standards of excellence not only in products but also in terms of bringing in to the country the perfect solution and great ideas that will help them build their lives.
Q: What legacy would you want Wilcon to leave?
ONG: The legacy of Wilcon lies on how we, as a company, could better serve, provide and satisfy the requirement of every Filipino who is in the process of building (his or her) dream home. We want to be known as a company that sets good standard, apply good business practices, and be known as a trusted partner in nation building.
With the continuous expansion of our company, we are able to provide jobs, bring prosperity to the community, our suppliers, our partners because of the value that we give. We believe that all of the stakeholders are part of the ecosystem.
As far as innovation and new ideas are concerned, I am proud to say that Wilcon is always at the forefront, as we bring to the market great presentations that make it easy for them to make a decision on what to buy.
To be specific, there is the Design Hub that we offer, a digital platform that (takes) customer’s orders and (which) allows them to check on the status of the products and their availability. We also offer eco-friendly products that help the market reduce wastage and (reduce) the use of resources such as power and water.
The end result is that Wilcon helps preserve our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
Q: What is your dream for Wilcon?
ONG: My ultimate dream for now is to be able to contribute further in the sustainability and continued life of the business so that we are able to help more people. I also would want myself to focus on CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities.
Q: How do you spend your free time and how are you as a boss?
ONG:Free time is spent with family and in developing myself through continuous learning, unwinding, and relaxation that make me a whole person.
As a boss, I guess I can be both strict and cool, depending on the situation. My management style is more on focusing on results. I am cool in the sense that I am a good mentor and I empower people and this allows me to widen my horizon and explore new things.
I have mentored people that are now heads of different functional areas of Wilcon. Be it in human resources, procurement, marketing and operations. I am very generous in sharing ideas.
Q: If you were not a part of Wilcon Builders, where do you think would you be?
ONG: I guess I would still be in the field of marketing and sourcing as these are my interests. I will still be dealing with people.
Wilcon President William Belo (right) and WILCON SEVP and COO Rosemarie Ong with some partners and suppliers.
