Is it possible to turn your misfortune into a fortune?
That’s what entrepreneur Dave Almarinez did when he lost his passport in Singapore. Working as a financial consultant in a foreign land, Dave already had his dreams aligned when opportunity suddenly knocked.
This opportunity was offered by the Singaporean national who returned his passport. He opened the idea of direct selling to Dave, who barely had savings because of the monthly stipend he sends back to the Philippines.
“This was 18 years ago and he was selling beverages. I asked him if I could start the venture back home with only P50,000,” Almarinez recounted.
“And he said yes. Right then and there, I resigned my post and flew back home.”
Taking a Big Risk
Giving up a stable job in order to start a business was a big risk that Dave took. But even as a kid, Dave already had what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
Because his family was never well off, Dave had to sell snacks like corncobs and peanuts to his classmates in order to add to his daily allowance.
Not an Easy Feat
It wasn’t an easy feat for Dave when he was starting the direct-selling business in the Philippines. His challenges included capitalization, network and manpower. None of his friends and relatives wanted to join the business but in just a few months, Dave found local partners and was able to grow a business he named Nature’s Sunshine.
This company, which was eventually renamed to Synergy, had 37 local distribution centers and experienced 300% increase in company’s profits during Dave’s last three years as its head in the Philippines.
Currently, Dave is heading a new direct selling company called Organo Gold, a global gourmet coffee company that offers products like coffee, hot chocolate, tea and even personal care items. As the Regional Vice President for Organo Gold, Dave oversees operations in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
New Calling
Aside from his entrepreneurial calling, Dave, who earned a degree of Political Science at the Far Eastern University, currently heads the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) after he was appointed by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte
“Lahat kasali. Lahat dapat may pagkakataon na magtagumpay at magkaroon ng kakayahan at makatanggap ng tulong mula sa gobyerno para umanggat ang buhay. And I can see PITC helping in a significant way,” Almarinez said.
Dave also presently serves as a Board Member of the Provincial Government of Laguna.
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