When we hear the word investment, the things that come into our minds are the words money, assets, income and the like. Yes, it is true that when we invest, we generate such things. But looking into the deeper meaning of investment, we can associate it with time, passion, and right values.

I read an inspiring story of a couple who invested their time, passion, and right values in their business. Truly, anyone can beat poverty with the proper attitude and mindset. This story was written by a leading coffee social entrepreneur and active Go Negosyo advocate and awardee, Chit Juan. She is the founder of ECHOstore, a shop where you can get everything you need to start you on your way to living a sustainable lifestyle. Let me share with you Chit’s story…

This is about a couple named Linda and Romy Frias. Linda started as a “jobber”, outsourcing print jobs to other presses, and got print jobs even without owning a single printing machine. Romy was a starting accountant, working in an agricultural company in Makati, just about to take his board exams.

Linda and Romy met 37 years ago by accident, as Romy was on an errand looking for a printing supplier for his boss, and Linda was out coordinating a print job in the same client’s office. The rest, as they say is history. As soon as they got married, Romy had the foresight to register a company in his name, even if there were no jobs yet.

They had three children and established many printing plants later on, but this couple has remained simple, down-to-earth and totally the “millionaire next door” type. They have already trained their children to take jobs in the family business, and are seeing to it that the next generation will handle the business as well, or even better.

What made this couple successful is parlaying trust and integrity, and keeping these values intact. Linda is not a believer of “one time, big time” deals and was never interested in taking commissions or “gifts” for jobs she facilitated. When she and Romy started a fledging small enterprise, she tapped all possible referrals for more business contacts. With the help of their friends, they were introduced to the right enablers to help their business.

Palabra de honor or “word of honor” is another notable value that this couple has. They stay true to their clients, fulfilling their agreement in delivering on time.

Although they did not have any formal entrepreneurial training, their experience in working for other people equipped them with what they needed to successfully run their business. They observed how successful business people conducted themselves, noting about their systems, the rules that they follow, and understanding how the production plant operates. Most importantly, they always treated people fairly and well.

You see, these people are good examples of how one can go up in life, one step at a time without stepping on anyone along the way. Their simplicity and humility made them somebody to look up to. The way they value trust and integrity reflects how they give importance to what they are doing, and to their clients. Their attitude towards their work earned them respect from people who they have serviced.

One can be inspired and can learn from the success story of these successful, but very down to earth entrepreneurs. Their values are priceless and this is something that we can emulate and live by to help improve not only ourselves but others as well.

As I have been saying, we can battle and surpass poverty with the proper mindset and attitude. Like Linda and Romy, let us exercise integrity in whatever we do and fulfill our duties, giving the extra mile to gain trust and loyalty. Through our journey to success, let us not forget where we came from and stay humble, and respect others to gain the same.

Chris Chilip, whose family owns the distribution rights for Dunlop tires, has started his own businessman’s hotel called Azumi. Chris really knows how to throw an opening party. His beautiful wife Patty, the CEO of Standard Insurance who is successful herself, is Chris Chilip’s inspiration. Chris, of course was properly mentored by his father Manuel Chilip.

Azumi, which means safe residence in Japanese, reflects the overall structure of the building which is constructed mostly from Japanese materials. From the floors, walls, ceiling, lights, air conditioning units and elevator, Azumi hotel brings the Japanese quality and attention to detail coupled with a young hip design offering a five-star experience with a 3-star pricing.

It features 188 rooms, three meeting rooms, swimming pool, Yoga studio, cafe/restaurant/bar by Romulo café, and nail spa. The place has 24/7 security and 100 percent security camera coverage, three fire exits, 100 percent power back up.

The goal of the company is to create something different while delivering great value to their customers.

Congratulations Chris on your 40th birthday and the opening of your businessman’s hotel Azumi.

The Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo will hold its 3rd Filipino Technopreneurship Summit on February 19 at the SMX Convention Ceter, Pasay City. This event will feature big names in tech-industry such as Engr. Dado Banatao of Tallwood Ventures and Manny V. Pangilinan of PLDT Group on a dialogue forum facilitated by Rappler’s CEO Maria Ressa. This one-day event aims to gather successful and inspiring technopreneurs in the country to share their inputs and success stories to the youth, aspiring and practicing entrepreneurs on technopreneurship.

We are expecting another full house event for this summit. Interested participants may visit: www.gonegosyo.net/fts3 or call 6379229or 6379347 for more information.