Young businessman shares triumph in C-store franchise

MANILA, Philippines - Building your own career path is perhaps one of the biggest challenges that only those who are brave enough can achieve in their life time. And while an energetic spirit and the right management skills are important in the makings of a successful business venture, Bryan Justin Ong’s passionate mindset is a game-changing factor that made his franchise story an inspiring example of entrepreneurial perseverance working at its best.

Uphill climb

Prior to having successful multiple businesses, Ong’s professional journey is a combination of taking risks and keeping the faith. His corporate stint as managing director at Globalinks Securities and Stocks Inc. gave him the experience and the maturity — the push to go to the next level.  His desire to be a business owner took flight when he founded General’s Lechon, a venture borne out of his and his wife Lynn’s shared passion for the ubiquitous Pinoy fare.

“I always wanted to do something entrepreneurial. My first major business came into being when my wife and I started General’s Lechon in Parañaque. As a native of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, it was a business I knew and understood. Still, it was a grand leap for me then, career-wise and personally,” Ong recalled. 

Ong, who considers his Management degree and native Chinese origins as key influences, has an arsenal of bright business ideas. These kept on coming, and he made sure he built each one steadily. From founding General’s Lechon, franchising soon became an interesting opportunity for him when he set up his first ice cream franchise . 

“I wasn’t entirely new to franchising. Though I started with an ice cream franchise, 7-Eleven was my top-of-the-mind choice for a C-store business. I love the brand, and its system is well in place and highly proven in almost all countries in the world,” he noted.

7-Eleven’s franchise package offers a unique opportunity to benefit from a proven system and ongoing support. Apart from preparatory training, partners are lent with assistance especially at the first crucial stages of operational transition.  7-Eleven, through Philippine Seven Corp. the exclusive licensee of the brand, ensured that franchisees like Ong receive the best opportunity for entrepreneurial growth. 

Since opening the outlet at the Ground Floor, Shop 2 of Remington Hotel in posh Newport City last year, the C-store has become a popular destination among nearby offices, even directly competing against nearby fast food joints. “I’m proud to say that for a newbie outlet, we are now No. 2 overall in the top performing stores’ ranking,” Ong mused.

Now, besides his other ventures — currently, he sits as Director at Interpacific Highway Transport Corp. and President at Three Great Monkeys, Inc.

Services that go beyond price

Despite all the positivity that’s coming, Ong said he’s still far from resting on his laurels. He is thankful, and at the same excited — and working harder than ever. To drive the growth and ROI potential of his outlet more, he has created his own marketing strategies that gave customers better services. While competition increased since they opened their doors, Ong and his partners focused on customer services and never worried much about the competition.

Among these are the unlimited free Wi-Fi access in the store, and an al fresco patio nook where guests can drink and socialize among friends at any given time. “Besides the product, it’s important for any business to take care of its market, to keep them happy so they would keep coming back.  We have also secured liquor permits so we can cater to people who want to unwind after their office duties. Through these service features, I’m happy to give our customers better deals for their money,” he mused. 

“I am perpetually inspired to do more, learn more, and explore more. For me, pursuing an opportunity and passionately doing your best in each is the true meaning of success. It’s then that you knew you hit your objective,” he stressed.

Perhaps the most invigorating aspect about his franchise, says, Ong is the fact that the business allows him the flexibility to earn and do more. Along with technology, the right people play a great role in his businesses. 

“It’s a combination of commitment and surrounding yourself with the right people. Apart from being surrounded by trusted managers and staff, the 7-Eleven franchise’s system gets everything done efficiently for me. The latest technology made monitoring also a breeze, which is why I’m not confined in managing one business alone. I get to oversee my other businesses, and also have lots of time to spend with my wife and kids,” he noted. 

For those who wish to make their own success in franchise, Ong says having clear goal in mind and the passion for hard work spell the difference in anything you want to accomplish. “A manageable business doesn’t automatically mean you can be totally complacent. Like I’ve said, you still have to stay organized as you pay attention to details, like checking through the financial reports, to ensure that the business is performing well as you want it to happen. Learn from mistakes, as learning helps you, as you take the steep road towards success.”

Today, with 944 stores, 7-Eleven remains the top convenience store outlet in the country. Its network of stores and expansion plans are concentrated in Luzon, covering areas in the National Capital Region (NCR), Calabarzon, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Central and Northern Luzon, and Bicol Province.