Young blood takes charge at DataLand
Stepping up to take control of the family business is not easy. In today’s business environment, an increasing number of young people getting into top executive positions, assuming more roles and responsibilities befitting top-level management.
When noted construction firm DDT Konstract Inc. (DDTKI) decided to venture into real estate, the founder, Engr. Danilo ‘Danny’ Tamayo envisioned a real estate business that focuses on building projects that adheres to the same commitment to quality like the parent company. And thus, DataLand Inc. (DLI) was born.
As a general contractor for 20 years, DDT Konstract is known for utilizing modern technology at par with international standards. Realizing his vision to have a real estate development company, the founder even conceptualized the new company name five years ahead of its actual establishment — DATA, which stands for his name, Danilo Tamayo.
DDTKI VENTURES INTO REAL ESTATE
Established in 2011, DataLand is the property development arm of DDTKI that endeavors to be at the cutting edge of the real estate industry by employing state-of-the-art precast technology in constructing high-quality residences, retail, office, hotel and leisure destinations. The goal was to create projects for the mid-income market that revolve around the three A’s: Accessibility, Affordability and Aesthetics.
Now led by DataLand president, Engr. Andrea Marie TamayoUlep, the company managed to create three outstanding projects: The Silk Residence, The Olive Place and The Ivy Wall Hotel. Today, DataLand is known for superior property offerings that are anchored on construction expertise and dynamism. But before Engr. Andrea Marie came along, she first sought to gain the confidence and approval of her father. Yet, being the daughter of the owner does not guarantee automatic employment into one of the country’s top real estate and construction firms.
“When my daughter Engr. Andrea Marie graduated and asked to work at DDTKI, I initially refused. ‘Apply somewhere else’, I said. It is because I wanted her to have a feel of how it’s like to start from the bottom and work with people. She worked for four years outside before I eventually allowed her in,” Engr. Danny said.
FILLING BIG SHOES, WALKING THE SAME FOOTSTEPS
When the time was right, Engr. Danny eventually let Engr. Andrea Marie into the company, trusting that her time away from the family business would be enough to build the aptitude required for members of top management.
“After finishing my studies, I worked four years at a structural design firm. There, I learned how to talk with clients, attend meetings and work with all kinds of people. I started from the bottom. I remember back when filling the application form, I left the “desired salary” question blank because my aim was to learn,” recalls Engr. Andrea Marie.
Leading DataLand has made Engr. Andrea Marie realize the challenges of working in the construction industry, and how having a familiar surname adds an additional set of expectations to an already demanding line of work.
“It was really hard! People think I’m as good as him. But he’s a lot more experienced than me. But like I said, I’m blessed to be mentored by my parents and I take that as a challenge,” she shares.
Realizing the value of human resource and talent in growing the company, Engr. Andrea Marie counts on the advice and assistance of DDTKI chief finance officer Gil Somblingo in institutionalizing measures that will increase the competency of their work pool. “We have our own internal training and development mechanisms in the company, to handle both the soft, technical, and skill requirements of our people. From top-level down to the laborers, we are looking into making this program an integral part of our CSR efforts. Eventually, they can graduate and take advantage on the opportunities after continued professional development,” he said.
TACKLING TRIALS
Like all players in the construction industry, even in an economic boom, DataLand has had its fair share of challenges. The young president is optimistic in overcoming these obstacles by adhering to company values and counting on intrinsic strengths of the organization.
“The biggest challenge that we had during the start-up phase, which we are still experiencing up to now, is establishing the brand. It’s really hard to market since we don’t have a track record yet. But because Dataland is anchored on the vision of our chairman and our parent company, we get to showcase and leverage on the construction prowess of DDT Konstract – that of providing quality, timely and safe delivery at a competitive cost through state-of-the-art technology.
“We have adopted a slogan – ‘Quality beyond the Basics’. DLI caters to the affordable market segment and we found out that the products in this segment are so generic in quality and finishes. This is where we can innovate given our company’s track record of building quality developments,” she explains.
MOVING FORWARD THROUGH GUIDANCE
One of the biggest challenge as the leader of a family-owned business is figuring out a way to retain the parents’ original vision and values, while still growing in an increasingly competitive business environment. There is no sure-win formula but through proper guidance, it can be done.
“My parents have instilled in me and my siblings to love God above all else and make Him known through what we do, remain humble as good stewards of these blessings, giving without expecting anything in return and loving our people. Another commonality in us is the people skills. Our love and care for our people are very intens,” she said.
Business founders dream of the day when they can finally have their children take charge of the company. While they have been victorious in a number of accomplishments in their own right, not all have found success in preparing the next generation to nurture and grow the family business.
Nevertheless, at DDTKI, the founder, Engr. Danny, has found a worthy successor to take over the real estate arm of his company DataLand, under the capable leadership of his daughter, Engr. Andrea Marie. Looking at the business now, anybody can see that the company is in very good hands.