William Belo, Building a Legacy

Wilcon Depot and Home Essentials has become a household name – quite literally – in the country. From individual homebuilders to institutional clients, Wilcon Depot has met and continues to meet the needs of its wide variety of customers.

Since opening its first branch in 1977, the company has expanded to a network of 230,000 square meters of retail space with 38 stores nationwide and has successfully established itself as the “top-of-mind” depot for local and international brands of tiles and flooring, plumbing and sanitary wares, electrical and lighting products, hardware and tools, and furniture. And it only continues to improve its portfolio of offerings. This is all thanks to the indomitable vision and willed heart of its founder, businessman William Belo.

THE BIG DREAM

Born in Amoy, China, Belo grew up in the Philippines and finished his studies at University of Sto. Tomas in 1973. As a budding businessman with big dreams, Belo has instilled in himself the value of patience, determination and hard work.

Armed with his passion and skills, Belo embarked on a small construction enterprise in Quezon Avenue with only a few hardware and construction materials available. But there’s no stopping this determined businessman in pushing the boundaries of the competitive industry.

“Filipinos should be given the best product choices for their homes,” Belo said.

With this belief, he made it possible to fly in globally trusted brands to the Philippine shores to add to the roster of locally-produced brands. He is also conversant with the ins and outs of the industry as well as the trends in the market. Indeed, today, Wilcon is a haven of international and locally produced goods. Carrying a myriad of brands, Wilcon has grown to be a one-stop shop destination for Filipinos who are looking for quality choices for their dream homes. And until now, Wilcon is always in search for new products that will make life more comfortable and efficient for the Filipinos.

BUILDING BIG DREAMS FOR OTHERS

Aside from his business engagements, he is also attuned to helping those in need. He set up his own socio–civic institution called Wilcon Foundation, which provides educational assistance to under privileged children and individuals. The foundation also extends a helping hand to the victims of calamities as well as in global efforts of saving the environment.

One of the ways where the Wilcon Foundation gets support is through Wilcon events that serve as avenues for fund-raising. Just last January 19, Wilcon Depot held the Third Wilcon Cup at Tagaytay Highlands, Tagaytay City. Proceeds of which were given to the Wilcon Foundation, to assist in the organization’s free education programs; and to the Crocodylus Porosus Philippines, Inc. (CPPI), to help in their commitment to preserve the crocodiles in the Philippines.

AN ADVOCATE OF SUSTAINABILITY

Aside from being a homebuilder and a dutiful member of the community, Wilcon is also a known advocate of sustainability. Just last January 25, they launched a new campaign— Sustainability is the New Green at Wilcon IT Hub in Makati City.

As part of the campaign, there is now a dedicated area inside Wilcon stores that showcases sustainable products so that customers can easily locate them. Products that conform to the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) factors such as durability, easily recyclable or reusable, free of toxic materials, energy efficient, zero or low emissions of toxic chemicals, manufactured in a low-pollution process, low maintenance, and more are the featured sustainable products for the whole year.

The company has a portfolio of brands promoting sustainability: Pozzi, Wilcon’s very own line of sanitary wares and bathroom fixtures; Grohe, a Wilcon exclusive sanitaryware and bathroom accessories luxury line; global brand Kohler that manufactures water-saving faucets, showerheads, and toilets; Franke, an international kitchen appliance brand that carries Eco-friendly sinks and ovens; ceramic tile brand NovaBell products; Rubi Tile Cutters, a producer of manual tile cutters; and worldclass water heater—Ariston.

Constantly, the company provides solutions that are Eco-friendly, and makes use of resources more responsibly. Wilcon now aims to go beyond its status of being the number one home-building store, it also wants to help consumers make better choices for their home with the use of sustainable products, for the benefit of future generations.

A LEGACY

Belo’s passion, wisdom, and exceptional skills in business propelled his vision to turn a once small hardware store into the now big home improvement and construction supplies stores situated across the country, reaching more Filipinos than ever before.

Despite his success, Belo remained simple and has kept his feet on the ground and such attributes have made him an icon and father of the thousands of his employees in his company. Wilcon Depot is the dream he has materialized, and through it, he will help others achieve theirs too.

In the first quarter of 2017, Wilcon Depot is heading towards their Initial Public Offering, in the aim of building more stores in key cities and serve more home builders in the country. For more information, log on to www. wilcon.com.ph. You can also follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram @wilcondepot.ph.