Like many Filipinos, Jen Dacuno did not have it easy growing up.
With a retired soldier for a father and a homemaker for a mother, Jen’s family struggled to make ends meet for their brood of five. Luckily, Jen isn’t one to give up. Bagging a scholarship from the University of Makati, she was able to finish college and graduate at 19 years old.
Initially, she wanted to be an office clerk and earn just enough money to support her family. Little did she know, however, that she would be destined for so much more.
One of her job hunting trips took her to a fair in a shopping mall, bringing only one resume, and thinking that she’d only apply for one company. As luck would have it, an employee manning the Alveo booth approached Jen. They had a friendly chat on what it’s like to be a sales agent for the company. With her interest piqued, Jen grabbed the opportunity to be part of Alveo.
At first, Jen had a hard time being a sales agent. One of her responsibilities was handing out fliers to passersby, and it was a disheartening experience for her. Additionally, her colleagues would rake in numerous sales on a regular basis, making her feel intimidated around them. Soon, she felt so overwhelmed by the pressure that she almost resigned.
But she knew giving up wasn’t an option. She pushed and persevered, even when the odds seemed stacked against her.
When a client first purchased an Alveo condo unit from her, she knew then in her heart that Sales is where she’s meant to be.
She continued her career with Alveo, selling as much as 13 units to one client, and getting promoted to Senior Property Investment Consultant and Sales Manager in the next few years. She also became part of the Circle of 500 (given to those who’ve sold properties with a total worth of at least Php 500 MM), part of the Top 10 Residential Brand Group Seller in 2013, and the Top Sales Manager for two years.
Now, at the tender age of 26, Jen’s dreams have come true. She currently manages an 8-person team, empowering and mentoring them under her leadership. And with her earnings from Alveo, she was able to open up a spa along Shaw and became a longganisa reseller. She also owns an Alveo condo unit at The Gentry Residences, two cars, and the privilege to travel all over the world for work and pleasure.
Despite these successes, Jen never forgets her family. She now supports not only her younger brother’s schooling, but also her sister’s single-parent family. And since her eldest sister now works in Canada, Jen is the main breadwinner for her family here in the Philippines.
Looking back at her 6.5-year stint with Alveo, Jen thinks of her job as more than just “selling.” To her, being an Alveo employee is about creating relationships and proper communication. With this philosophy, she is able to win over both new and repeat customers, some of whom even go out of their way to invite her to weddings and private family events. She believes she has grown, and will continue to grow, not only as an employee, but also as a person.
Today, with a husband and son in tow, Jen is optimistic about the future. She continues to create new goals, come up with new business ideas, and invest in her family, thanks to Alveo. For those who read her story, she has this to say: “Thank you Ayala Land Inc. for giving me the opportunity to share my story and be an inspiration to others. Working for a generous company that values its employees made my journey in sales worthwhile. Maraming maraming salamat po (Many, many thanks) and Merry Christmas!”
Jen’s story is one of the many of people whose lives have been made better by Ayala Land – whether through gainful employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, or improved quality of life. Watch the videos below for more stories, such as Rissa Trillo’s first foray into entrepreneurship with Happy Skin.
Alveo is a residential brand of Ayala Land, along with Ayala Land Premier, Avida Land, Amaia Land, and Bellavita Land. Ayala Land is the Philippines’ leading developer of sustainable estates offering a diverse mix of quality residential and commercial developments that support local economic growth.
INQUIRER.net/Issa Mirandilla