Economic growth in the Philippines has led to the flourishing of condo living, increase in commercial spaces and a boom in the construction industry. Judy Lorenzo saw an opportunity in this trend and established TDES Sanitizing Services that offers eco-friendly cleaning services for residences, offices and commercial units. With her Thermo Dry Steam machine, she brings cutting edge green technology to her practice of sanitizing spaces. Pioneering a culture of ‘healthy living’ in the Philippines is Judy’s dream as she aims to change the way people perceive and interact with their immediate environment. Her repertoire of clients includes Shangri-la Properties, SMDC and Ayala Properties. Judy firmly believes that, as an entrepreneur, finding a pursuit that fills people’s lives with beauty and contributes to the well-being of the environment will provide the necessary boost to make their vision a reality.

In conversation with UnionBank GlobalLinker (GL), Judy shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey.

GL: Tell us about your business.

Judy: TDES Sanitizing Services is a service provider that offers professional and eco-friendly cleaning and sanitation of residences, offices and commercial units. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I saw a need in the rising popularity of condo living and the construction industry, which required a service process that goes beyond merely cleaning the units. I felt that there is a demand for sanitation that will remove and eliminate germs and bacteria in the area that may or may not be visible. I believe that people want a healthy environment; however, they don’t realize that the usual cleaning procedures are not sufficient to do the job and the use of chemicals are harmful, not only for the area but also for human beings. 

With this, I began to look for a more efficient cleaning and sanitation process that will change people’s perception in having a healthy and sanitized environment. Fortunately, I found a powerful tool that can be used in cleaning, which at the same time sanitizes without the use of harmful chemicals. The machine is the Thermo Dry Steam, which utilizes heat and water technology. The name of the machine is also where I got the acronym TDES for my company. In combination with the use of organic solutions, I was able to come up with a unique concept that can capture a niche market that prefers the use of eco-friendly products (since this is beneficial to people’s lives and to mother nature through the promotion of organics).

GL: What are the challenges you have faced in establishing your business? 

Judy: I wanted to build a strong foundation for my business in order to make sure it will be both viable and sustainable. Since TDES is in the service industry, choosing the right people is a huge factor to make it work. This does not necessarily mean getting the best and most skilled workers, but training them on proper procedures and molding them with the correct behavior. I believe that getting the right people will always have to start from within. We train our people not just with skills but with the right attitude and values, like integrity, to give their best and honest efforts in providing service to the customers. This practice is what will build my brand as a consistent quality service provider.

GL: What is the unique selling proposition (USP) of your business? 

Judy: What makes my service unique is the combination of cleaning, sanitation and germ-proof coating process using all-natural and organic cleaning solutions. This gives extraordinary refreshment and protection to your home, workplace or commercial establishment. 

GL: What are some of the milestones of your business? 

Judy: TDES have been a consistent Champion Vendor in Gawin.ph since 2016 which means receiving 5-star rating in most of its customer reviews. We have become the accredited service provider of highly reputable establishments such as Shangri-la Properties, SMDC and Ayala Properties.

GL: What role do you feel GlobalLinker plays in connecting & assisting SMEs? 

Judy: As a social media platform, GlobalLinker helps build the community of SMEs and links them to the right market, suppliers, financers and advisers. This, in turn, helps in nation building by promoting economic growth.

GL: What is your big business dream? 

Judy: TDES would like to promote healthy living and our concept of creating a ‘healthy home’ or ‘healthy workspace’ as part of the health and wellness lifestyle. We may aim to change the way people personally experience cleanliness as not just physical but also mental, emotional, spiritual and psychological. In addition, we want to produce a new breed of reliable sanitation specialists who will provide professional service with their utmost integrity and dedication to customer satisfaction.

GL: What is your message to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Judy: Entrepreneurial life is a very challenging road to take. If you think this is an escape from long hours, irritating colleagues and customers in your workplace, you have to recognize that being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 task. But once you have done the right thing on how to multiply and sustain excellence in your work, you will feel that it’s all worth the effort in the end and you can live the life you have imagined for yourself and for the company. Being an entrepreneur is not about one’s ego, it is an advocacy where you believe that you have found something unique to make people’s lives better and beautiful.

Other people might not initially appreciate your ideas and concepts but if you have validated the relevance and need for your product or service and have foreseen how this will contribute and benefit people’s well-being, the community and the environment, then pursue it with passion. 

Believe in yourself and in your business approach and persevere to make your enterprise grow. In the end, business is not just about making profits — it’s about creating opportunities and providing value that contributes to the community.

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Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the inputs shared by the featured member. GlobalLinker does not necessarily endorse the views, opinions & facts stated by the member.