Belsie Agustin: Persistence Pays OFF

Belsie always knew that being in business was the right way to go. His strong work ethic and character were shaped early in life where he worked his way through school, working at the various fast-food establishments in the country like Dunkin' Donuts. He also took time to become a soccer athlete which helped him with a scholarship throughout his College life.

His family are known Latter-day Saint community leaders, some of them among being lawyers and occupying different high positions in government. But Belsie knew he was to carve his own name and plough through a lot of weeds to become successful.

Finishing college with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication and later signing on to the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management), Belsie climbed up the ranks and has become a respected officer in the organization. Furthering his studies in law and in teaching has helped him advanced to become a senior officer.

"I knew I had to have some kind of income through employed earnings to be able to start a business", quipped Belsie with a smile.

His major break came when he found a mentor in the outdoor advertising business which became one of his earliest ventures. "I had to learn the ropes. I was fortunate to have learned from a good teacher". Their business boomed and they became a pioneer in the outdoor advertising industry in Zamboanga City.

Once they knew how to structure their operations and do the legal work for their leases, clients came in and they were in business. After several month of hyped sales and just growing through word of mouth, the revenue came in and they were very profitable.

Unfortunately, some unusual circumstances affected his relationship with his business partner and so he was forced to leave and set up his own. "I was very discouraged when that happened, I cried lots of tears when I realized that our business partnership could no longer exist because of certain financial matters".

That was the turning point for Belsie. Several months after losing his venture, he decided to form his own enterprise, structuring it carefully and calling it ALBEREI ADVERTISING. Because of the lessons he learned from his initial venture, Belsie is now able to avoid pitfalls in business and continue to expand his company to cater to many known brands in the market like PLDT, SUN CELLULAR, CEBU PACIFIC AIR, FILINVEST, BOBSON JEANS, and many others.

"My experiences as a full-time missionary for the LDS Church has greatly helped me in handling my clients". Though not an alumni of the Academy for Creating Enterprise, Belsie believes in financial education and is a wide reader of many business how-to books.

"Financial Knowledge is the key to expelling the fear within you and can help any person willing to go the extra mile to provide for the family and fulfill his Godly-mandate".

Belsie is currently serving as a Counselor in the Guiwan Ward of the Zamboanga Philippines Stake.

For more information about his company ALBEREI ADVERTISING, and for your outdoor advertising needs, please email alberei_advertising@yahoo.com