Propelling family business with millennial expertise
Some people are born into a privileged life; the proverbial silver spoon may already have their names etched on it. But, what separates the wheat from the chaff is the manner by which these people approach their lives to make the most of it.
Such is the case for Edward Cheng who assumed the position of marketing manager of Monsi Chemical Manufacturing Industries, his family’s business, at the tender age of 22.
While his father may have pushed him forward with a myriad of friendly specialized challenges, Edward ultimately carved his own professional path, a path he forged from his own life philosophy.
“I always think that I only have one life to live, so might as well live it to the fullest,” Edward said. “Instead of insulting myself with sub-par work, why not strive for excellence instead?”
As early as grade school, he had already immersed himself with the family business, curious yet willing to learn more about how the industry functioned. He said the early start really equipped him with valuable experience that helped him form professional ideals for his role today.
“There’s a saying that goes: ‘The first generation creates the business; the second generation builds the business; and the third generation, crushes the business.’ I would like to deviate from that mindset. Rather, I would like to think that being part of the younger generation, I am here to nurture its growth for the succeeding generations,” he said.
Despite his rather early start, Edward had expertly steered Monsi’s signature brand, Temox Multi-Insect Killer, to overwhelming success in the past few years.
While rival products only targeted specific insect species, Temox prides itself for high effectivity over multiple insect types.
“Consumers need not purchase plenty of insect killer variants, just Temox,” he said. “We also make sure we reach a broad range of target markets by offering different product lines all priced within the budget of any consumer.”
The Temox Multi-Insect Killer is categorized into two types: water-based (odorless) and kerosene-based, which in turn, is further classified as either an aerosol-type, which is sprayed, or the flit-gun type, which is pumped. The Temox Roach and Ant Killer also comes in chalk form.
Edward, however, noted that many consumers still preferred the kerosene-based type for its distinct insecticide smell as compared to the odorless water-based type.
“Perhaps the smell gives them confidence and assurace that the product is effective. We retained the smell because we really try to be sensitive for what the customer wants and needs.”
Formulated by dedicated licensed chemists to ensure quality and safety, Temox is Philippine-made, fast-acting, and environment-friendly while utilizing ingredients that are biodegradable and non-CFC.
With the brand rapidly growing, Edward said the next step is to simply make Temox easily available to more Filipinos by expand distribution in Visayas and Mindanao. Currently, the product is sold in Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao with sights set on Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Palawan in the next two years.
Further down the road, Edward also wants to complete the household consumer goods product line of Monsi Chemical Manufacturing Industries, and maybe even venture into cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to Filipinos everywhere given the chance.
“We want Monsi to be positioned not only as a proudly Filipino company, but a proud company that gives livelihood to people through producing products,” Edward said.