A Peek at the Man of Steel and Glamor

From selling metal products to promoting the glamorous modelling agency business, STAR Rtn. Teddy Tee, Jr. picks up a fascinating combination of business ventures. His company, Power Steel, has built a reputation in the steel industry and is regarded as the number 1 steel supplier in the Philippines. TMG Model Manila, a premiere modelling and talent agency, takes pride in its select pool of talent to deliver professional modeling and event management services. STAR Rtn. Teddy possesses the passion, courage and confidence to be successful in these highly competitive industries. He works incredibly hard and is determined to make things happen.

Get to know more about STAR Rtn. Teddy as he shares his business journey. In this interview, he also talks about his success habits as well as his interests and hobbies.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): From a humble beginning with a small office in Binondo to becoming one of the most trusted distributors of steel products in the Philippines—how did you do that?

Teddy B. Tee, Jr. (TBT): First, by identifying and focusing on our target market. We asked and studied who are the users of our steel products. Knowing what our customers want and why would they buy from us is very important. Second, we made sure we give the customers what they want. From this basic premise, we set up goals and executed the plan on how to satisfy our customers. Moreover, we made sure our target customers know we exist in the market. Communicating and marketing your brand to customers is equally important.

RVT: What motivated you to venture into steel business?

TBT: Our family had a small hardware store, started by my father. After finishing college and working outside of the family business for one year, I decided I should focus on growing the business that my father established. I started learning about the business from scratch and then I decided—from selling hundreds of hardware items, I would focus on just selling steel products. We transformed our small, obscure hardware store to a household name in the steel industry. This is something we are proud of.

RVT: What is your favorite thing about your businesses?

TBT: The satisfaction I get from growing my businesses. I love the challenges they bring, and overcoming the difficulties is gratifying for me. Being in control of having your own business is also something I like.

RVT: What is the coolest thing you have implemented as a business leader?

TBT: By and large, that would be improving and overhauling the total operation and system of the company. Thus, I was able to grow the business faster in terms of scale and revenue. Also, by implementing aggressive marketing and branding.

RVT: Steel business and modelling agency cum events management—that’s a unique combination of businesses to own and manage. What made you start a modelling agency?

TBT: I just love meeting and being with beautiful ladies. I appreciate the looks of models which I see in magazines and on television, so I decided to open a modeling agency to meet lovely models. That was my initial motivation. And I appreciate and welcome the idea that I am responsible and accountable to a lot of people—I take pride in that.

RVT: What are your success habits?

TBT: Being focused on my goals, especially, when I was just starting out. Trite it may sound, I would credit my determination and hard work to my success. Plus, I believe in luck and timing. I just got lucky.

RVT: What are you most proud of?

TBT: My insistence, determination and obsession in growing our company.

RVT: If you could give one piece of advice to a neophyte entrepreneur, what would it be?

TBT: Stay humble, be passionate about what you are doing, be curious, and ask for help. Never be afraid to take risks and experiment. And always improve and offer something better to your customers.

RVT: What are your interests and hobbies? What do you do when you are not at work?

TBT: I enjoy playing basketball and golf. My interests include whiskey, cigars, traveling, shopping, and movies.

RVT: What inspired you to join the Rotary Club of Manila?

TBT: I like the values and camaraderie I see in Rotary.

RVT: How did the experience change your outlook in life?

TBT: I realized that being in RCM would help me in becoming a better person, a better man. I appreciate being with people who share the same values, who push and support me. I get inspiration from my fellow Rotarians and aspire to improve myself.