‘A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY’
The expression “a little goes a long way” is Marie Fe Acusar’s secret to success.
The founder of iBuild Management Services Inc., Acusar always goes the extra mile because she knows giving a little extra can solidify a long-term customer.
“When I give out service, I go the extra mile, maybe because I am a perfectionist,” said Acusar. “But little did I know that this would help me get to where I am today. I was able to build a strong network.”
Born and raised in Ozamis City, Acusar left her hometown when she was 18 years old to work in Manila. She got a job offer at Philippine Airlines (PAL) as a flight attendant. She then moved to Cebu when she got married in 1992, and opted to work in the airline’s customer relations department.
Acusar said she had a good run in the airline industry because that’s where her skills in customer relations were strengthened. When PAL went through a crisis, it was that department that absorbed all the complaints of delayed and cancelled flights. She is also one of those who took care of all the needs of passengers.
“It was that job that made me strong. It made me say no job will scare me anymore,” she said.
In 1998, Acusar was one of those who took the voluntary separation package of PAL, as she was pregnant with her third child.
She rested for eight months, and decided to explore the banking industry. She worked as a marketing manager but she left after 11 months. “I have a sunny personality. I felt that I didn’t belong in that industry,” she said.
Acusar moved on to retail, landing a job at SM City Cebu where she handled the leasing segment.
The intensive training in SM and the opportunities to meet the bigwigs of various businesses made Acusar love the job. She learned everything she could, from leasing to operation.
When she left SM, Acusar was tapped by the Koksengs to handle the leasing of the Banilad Town Center (BTC).
Acusar helped set up BTC, from concept to space planning. Through word-of-mouth in the property circle, Acusar became a household name.
She got referrals from big local developers that had yet to finalize their real estate plans.
To professionalize her services, Acusar decided to establish iBuild Management Services Inc. She asked her siblings to help her set up the business.
“I decided to formalize it because there were also times that I encountered problems with payments. It was all word-of-honor, and I realized that not everyone honors that,” she said.
What was your first job?
I worked in Philippine Airlines as a flight attendant, and later on in the customer relations department. I had a good run in the airline industry because this is where I learned about nurturing customer relationships and handling crisis management properly. Who inspired you to get into business? The opportunity suddenly fell on my lap. God showed me a way, a better one that would allow me to enjoy work with lesser stress and work that would allow me to help other people. My dad got a stroke at the age of 40, and I saw how my mom single-handedly raise us four (siblings). Recalling how she juggled her work as a teacher and as a mother and wife, she became a big impact in my life and in my decision of getting into business. I also draw strength from my family, who have always been my number one fans.
When did you realize this was what you were meant to do?
I came in late in the brokerage industry. The exam wasn’t easy. I had to study and review harder. I started from scratch, but when I passed the licensure examination, I thought that maybe this was what God prepared for me all along.
My network expanded through word-of-mouth and I was able to help my clients prosper in their businesses, with many of them still doing well, despite the market competition.
I thrive on relationship building, and this industry demands that. You will not be able to grow your network if you don’t go the extra mile. MARIE FE ACUSAR
Why did you pick this type of business or industry?
I thrive on relationship building, and this industry demands that. You will not be able to grow your network if you don’t go the extra mile. Plus, helping my clients achieve their goals, whether big or small, is already an accomplishment. This is an industry which has a high growth prospect. Cebu is enjoying busy developments from housing to commercial. There are immense opportunities in this industry.
Where did you get the training you needed to succeed?
I constantly update myself with the latest trends in property development. I also actively join conferences hosted by real estate organizations where I am a member and I re-echo them to my staff.
The next step for me is to mentor those who want to grow their career in this field. My desire is to help more people shine on their own. If I will be given the chance, I would like to pay it back by mentoring people. From time to time, I hold workshops on weekends about customer relationship management.
How many times did you fail before you succeeded?
Every time I encounter problems, I look at them as opportunities for growth. What are these challenges trying to teach me? I am always excited for the lessons after every trial.