Assistant Treasurer Marcus Dee: An Innovative Entrepreneur

A born Rotarian, that is how we can describe AT Marcus Dee. Deeply involved in service organization since his childhood, AT Marcus left a lucrative and successful real estate career overseas and came home to the Philippines in 2015 to pursue his advocacy of helping people and businesses grow. He brought with him an incomparable passion to share his knowledge as well as management and innovation experiences, particularly in aquaponic farm solution and farm-to-kitchen services. Besides being a smart farming consultant, AT Marcus is also a renowned waterproofing expert.

Get to know more about this innovative entrepreneur as he shares his concept of smart farming and his Rotary journey. On the lighter side, he also talks about his favorite weekend activity, his dream coffee buddy, and his dream destination when the pandemic is over.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): What inspired you to join the Rotary Club of Manila?

Marcus Dee (MD): I have always wanted to join a Rotary Club. Ever since I was in high school, I have been involved in service organizations. So, when I came back from study and a career overseas, I jumped at the opportunity to join the Rotary Club of Manila when I was invited.

RVT: How has Rotary changed your life?

(MD): It has made me become more aware of the issues and challenges facing our country. I have also become friends with top quality gentlemen whom I honestly would not have met had I not join RCM. Finally, Rotary has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the Philippines, especially in the field of farming and philanthropy.

RVT: Please share something about yourself that people around you might not readily know.

MD: I actually love to cook. I especially like grilling beef and seafood outdoors. I just do not have as many opportunities to do this in the Philippines as I did in the US.

RVT: Has there been a defining moment in your life that made you decide to take the direction you are pursuing now?

MD: After getting an MBA from UCLA, I embarked on an international career in real estate as a management employee. After 10 years of working for someone, I realized that I had to start or run my own business to grow. This moment of clarity happened to me in China and it led me to come back to the Philippines, and into the arms of my brothers at Rotary Club of Manila.

RVT: What is your concept of smart farming and how helpful is it during these days, with the pandemic and climate/agricultural challenges?

MD: Smart Farming involves the use of more precise and resource-efficient technology to deliver more productive and sustainable agricultural production. In countries with advanced agriculture industries, this technology is more focused on information and communication technologies. In countries which lag in application agricultural technology, the technology is more focused on using any technology to leapfrog across the wide technological gap that has developed between them and the more advanced nations. The latter is the kind of smart farming I am doing in the Philippines.

RVT: If you could have coffee or wine with one successful entrepreneur, who would it be and why?

MD: I would love to have coffee with Jeff Bezos. I think he is an innovative entrepreneur with the ability to evolve and maintain his relevance. Making it big is one thing. Being able to adapt to the changing tides of the business world over decades is quite another feat.

RVT: What is your favorite weekend activity?

MD: It used to be dancing salsa. Now I enjoy cooking and running. I also love outdoor and nature activities.

RVT: What is that one thing that you like to do in a day that makes you happy?

MD: Enjoy good food and wine with friends, with the Pacific Ocean in front of me on a sunny breezy day...

RVT: When this pandemic is over, where will you travel and why?

MD: I want to go to Alaska and fish for salmon. I realized how much I miss fishing during this pandemic.