Gerry Santos is not new to show business.
He is friends with many celebrities, including actors Derek Ramsay and Albert Martinez.
It is surprising to some. He is no film producer, director, after all.
Not even an actor.
But he is an astute businessman.
He carved huge success running Mr. Freeze, considered the biggest tube-ice manufacturer in the country.
It is what actually started his friendship with the aforementioned celebrities.
“Actually my friendship with them naman, it just happened lang e. Na-meet ko sila sa certain events like, si Derek, sa isang golf course, si Albert, sa isang car show. Kumbaga we share the same passions. But the thing is, after they learned na about my business, they become very interested din and yun ang take off point namin. They ask me for business advice and siyempre as a friend, very open naman ako diyan. Now, they’ve become family.”
Note that both Derek and Albert have since invested on Mr. Freeze.
“Marami pa,” said Gerry. “My other celebrity investors include Isabelle Daza. Meron din mga basketball players and volleyball players.”
For Gerry, business is not simply about making money. It is about investing on people.
“Pag honest ka, maayos kang kausap, you know, that in itself is a great foundation in starting a business,” he quipped.
“It’s like building a relationship. Any relationship,” he added. “You cannot go about it with the mindset na puro pera lang. You treat your business partners like you would treat family.”
Eager for more?
Gerry is to share more business advices via “Negosyo Goals.”
Produced by Makers Mind Media Production (MMMP), it starts airing on AllTV, March 19, at 11: 30am.