Week 9-10 of Interviewing Different Businesses
Me and my groupmates, Angel Jean Obsioma, Ian Gariel B. Ramas, and Francen P. Sellote, roam around the city to look for businesses that we can go to and ask the business owner or staff if we can ask a few questions regarding their business, so that we can gain knowledge and in-depth understanding about how business works, and we also asked permission if it is okay to take a picture.
Here is the list of the businesses we interviewed and the key information we gathered for week 9.
Sneakers Insole is owned by Mr. Reuel Majaducon Ruelan II, which sells branded sneakers and shirts. It began as an online store in 2021, utilizing social media to reach customers. Mr. Ruel sourced his products from Manila-based suppliers, allowing him to offer a range of popular brands. With a successful online presence, Reuel established a physical store in 2023, located at 8th 2nd Street, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City.
The physical store operates Monday to Friday, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and is supported by a team of three staff members. The business has an area for their stocks at the store for managing inventory and ensuring product availability for both walk-in customers and online orders. With his business a DTI registered, a business permit, and Barangay clearance, Reuel combines both physical and online sales strategies to expand his reach in CDO’s retail market, aiming for consistent customer satisfaction and growth.
Bullecer Metal Craft is a business owned by Mr. Rafael M. Bullecer in which it has operated for 13 years, originally located in Corrales, Cagayan de Oro City. However, due to the sale of the original store space by Mr. Rafael’s mother, they recently relocated to 2nd St., Barangay Nazareth, CDO. They provide a wide range of metal crafting services; these include the creation of gates, grills, and various other metal structures, as well as repair and home service options.
They offer customers the flexibility to request custom designs, making their services highly tailored to individual needs. Mr. Rafael sources materials from local hardware stores in CDO and, with the help of three skilled on-call workers, manages every project to completion. Their usual business hours start at 8:00 AM, but they often accommodate customer requests on an urgent basis. This flexibility extends their service availability from Monday through Sunday. The business is DTI registered, have business permit, sanitary permit, and BIR. Despite being a small operation with a single branch, their reputation for quality work and customization has built a loyal customer base.
AC Gas LPG, owned by Mr. Roberto Tan Reyes, is a well-established and authorized dealer of LPG gas products in Cagayan de Oro City. Mr. Roberto's business was established around the 1990s. Located along 8th-17th Streets in the Nazareth area, the business serves as a direct supplier for Fiesta Gas and also deals with popular brands like Petron Gasul and Prycegas. In addition to this, they offer a range of products, including stoves and essential stove accessories, which they got from Manila. The company operates 12 branches in total; some of them are in Gusa, Bulua, NHA, Canitoan, Cogon, and Nazareth. They have an overall staff of 60 members across all locations. At the Nazareth branch specifically, the staff includes two cashiers and one laborer, working together to provide efficient service.
In support of their large-scale operations, AC Gas LPG has its own warehouse near the Nazareth branch, but they are in the process of relocating the warehouse to Pagatpat. Ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, the business holds a business permit, a license to operate, a DILG permit, and a sanitary permit, and they also have a fire safety inspection certificate, which collectively reflect their commitment to safety and legal compliance in the LPG industry.
4. Happy Pulp Food Packaging
Happy Pulp Food Packaging, owned by Mr. Reynald Tan, was established in August 2023 and is located on Tomas Saco Street, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City. Specializing in food packaging, the store offers a range of products such as food containers, cups, and straws, catering to both individual and business needs. They also provide wholesale options on selected products, which attracts bulk buyers looking for reliable packaging supplies. Their products are sourced from suppliers in Manila. The business operates with a team of seven staff members and is open from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To maintain compliance, Happy Pulp holds a business permit and a certificate of registration.
8Spot Billiard Hall, owned by Ms. Marjorica Joan Bautista, opened its doors on May 28, 2024, and is located on Pabayo Street, Cagayan de Oro City. Their opening hours are from 12:00 noon to 2:00 AM, Monday - Sunday. While primarily a billiard hall, offering four high-quality tables from the Kangaroo and Maxima brands, the business also sells some custom-made perfumes with oils sourced directly from Dubai. They provide a selection of food options sourced from Savemore and online suppliers. Some of their billiards cues are from Wadhus, CDO. They are also facing competition from two nearby establishments, McKenns Billiards and Snooks Billiard Hall. The business holds a business permit and has a dedicated bookkeeper at City Hall who helps manage their finances, ensuring regulatory compliance and financial organization.
Here is the link for you to access my insights.
1. Sneakers Insole
Ms. Hazel, whom we interviewed, shared that they had previously considered forming partnerships to expand their business
