Ronaldo Sasutana Mozo turned his passion for design and carpentry into a business that now thrives amid the expansion of the Philippine real estate sector.
“It started with passion and work experience. I remember that when I was five years old, my mother bought me an old school blackboard and chalks preparing me for school. That was the time I started to be creative and imaginative by showing skills and interest in drawings and design. I drew our house and the compound where I grew up as well as the houses of our neighbors,” says Mozo, the chief designer of Rosmo Builders, a general construction, design and build company based in Barangay Sumilang, Pasig City.
“I drew faces of people like our neighbors. Then I started constructing shapes and objects from simple materials that we had inside our house into toys and assembling them like a house or building. I considered this thought as a sign of my passion and future career,” he says in an e-mail interview.
Childhood dream
Mozo teamed up with his relatives to form Rosmo Builders and sister companies Rosmo Kitchen and Rosmo Container. He grew up in a small compound surrounded by relatives in Barangay Pinagbuhatan where he learned entrepreneurial skills as a young lad selling ice and cold water to neighbors.
“I grew up with my cousin Virgilio who is my lead foreman today and helping me in my business,” says Mozo who is now 37 and remains a bachelor.
As a young boy, he studied at Pasig Catholic College and became an altar server. “Being attached to God is the root of all of these where I got my strength and inspiration,” he says. He went on to study Industrial design at Mapua University and Philippine School of Business Administration and found work at Yamaha Motors Phils Inc.
“For years working for this great company, I have gained most of my experience as a project in-charge for all level of construction management and supervision of building and constructing motorcycle shops nationwide. I was in charge of developing new design interior and exterior of the shop. Traveling nationwide and handling multiple projects at the same time is what made me become better experienced in the field of construction,” he says.
“While working in the corporate world, some individuals appreciated my design and works. They requested me to do some works for them. Because I am personally skilled as a carpenter and confident about applying my ability and experience, I accepted the work that was sometimes called ‘pakyawan’. One customer was so happy and satisfied with the outcome that she gave us a bigger project and recommended us to her friends, relatives and so on. We became more popular to others, resulting in more demand and offers for more construction projects. That’s how it started,” he says.
Mozo took advantage of the rising demand for wood works as real estate developers turned over bare condominium units to homebuyers. In 2011, he established Rosmo Builders as an independent contractor in fabricating and manufacturing furniture as well as wood and carpentry works. “Two years ago, we formally transformed it into a construction company,” he says.
Three qualities
He says what made the company rise above others are three major factors. “I am personally skilled as a carpenter. I saw the demand and opportunity of the business and put in something new and different from what others provide. My company offers three things that clients look for a contractor—quality of workmanship, cost or the best price and reliability that they can depend on and trust,” he says.
Mozo says the company is also committed to meeting the clients’ needs. “I am self-dedicated to my passion and work. Even in the field of doing business, I have never forgotten my faith in God above. He’s the best consultant that I have,” he says.
Mozo now leads a team of 28 individuals who are “skilled and equipped in different professions and skills such as designers, architects, engineers, lead foreman, mason, electrical engineers, carpenters, painters, plumber and consultants”.
Rosmo team
Together with consultants, partners and suppliers, Mozo deals with 58 industry professionals. “Our partners are professional designers, architects, engineers, suppliers and consultants who help us in constructing and accomplishing the projects. The people behind the company are experienced, mature and young professionals and talented people,” he says.
Rosmo Builders is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry to engage in architectural, engineering (civil, structural, MEPF), fabrication, general construction, land development and project management.
“We are one of the fastest-growing private construction and project management companies locally with a group of young, dynamic, talented and highly-trained architects and engineers,” says Mozo.
He says Rosmo Builders has performed very well over the past eight years as customer satisfaction rate increased along the way. “The company became more popular as people recognized and appreciated our works and performance. And we are truly thankful that we meet our clients’ expectations. Our plan is to expand and excel more, setting up showrooms and offices nationwide to cater to more customers and expand our family by including more experienced, matured and young professionals,” he says.
Clients’ needs
Mozo says the key to success is understanding the concerns of the client. “The difference is we have this inner word ‘malasakit’ in our clients besides being technically confident, equipped and skilled. Putting yourself in the client’s shoes, you have to understand that they want to feel comfortable, trusted, contented and experience the word ‘malasakit’ from the contractor. This way, both can build trust and key partnership. The client wants to feel that you are helping them beyond business. That is what Rosmo Builders gives and offers our clients. We also suggest to clients what is better for them,” he says.
“My expectation for 2019 is to expand and have more projects locally and out of the country as well as be well known specially in the field of general construction,” he says.
Mozo says the company has expanded its scope of work and products recently to include the restaurant and food business. “Before, we only did the whole construction of the store such as architectural, civil works and so on, but some components of it were not included. Then, we expanded our scope and products to include supplies of stainless steel equipment, hood and ducting works, fire suppression system and gas line system including maintenance and services,” he says.
“That is when we put up the sister firm of Rosmo Builders—Rosmo Kitchen which specializes in restaurant and kitchen related construction projects. Some of the clients and investors don’t like to talk and deal too much with so many people such as contractors, suppliers, etc. They want only one key person to deal and transact with,” he says.
Despite his busy schedule, Mozo says he still finds time to pursue his passion for fishing and motorcycle motocross. “I and my cousin have fishing and biking hobbies. And we never forgot to help other people by sharing and helping them. We donate school supplies to public schools as our charity works. It is priceless,” he says.
Advice to millennials
Mozo advises millennial entrepreneurs to become responsible and passionate about their business. “Start by believing in yourself. Challenging yourself is the biggest motivation you can do. If you feel you can’t find the opportunity, be the opportunity to others and never be afraid of anything. Take it as an opportunity,” says Mozon.
“As a person, I am self-determined, positive thinker, responsible, passionate in my work and naturally committed to quality and positive outcomes. With leadership skills, I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive for. I’m not just contented with settling and I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better. A natural and excellent leader is a must in this business and I established my leadership through experience and being hands-on in everything,” he says.
Mozo says being analytical is also helpful in the business. “I want everything to be well organized, précise and specific when it comes to doing projects. We have to be committed to work, dedicated, well disciplined, focused and hard working to solve problems,” he says.
“While it involves a lot of hard work in every part of this business, it is all rewarding once you accomplish it. The feeling is priceless when you’re driving along the road and you see a building or commercial establishment you are involved in, and you will be proud to say to other people that ‘you know what guys, I helped build it’,” he says.
Mozo can be contacted at rosmobuilders@gmail.com or 02- 6255477 and 0936-9558149. You may also like their Facebook Page @ROSMO Builders.