Cagayan de Oro, Philippines – Strong-Lock Bricks, a trailblazer in the tiny house-building market, continues to make significant strides with its innovative approach to affordable housing. Founded by Paul Gusay, the company has revolutionized the construction industry with Soil-Cement Interlocking Bricks.
This endeavor began with a personal quest for a cost-effective building material that culminated in a groundbreaking discovery and a successful business venture.
Table of Contents
- A Journey of Innovation and Dedication
- Unique and Sustainable Building Materials
- Recognition and Business Validation
- Strategies for Growth and Sustainability
- Embracing Expansion and Overcoming Challenges
- Related Content
A Journey of Innovation and Dedication
Paul’s journey began in 2014 when he attended a short course on Soil-Cement Interlocking Bricks in Thailand. Inspired by the potential of these materials, he built his first house in 2016. “We discovered that other people also wanted their houses built using bricks. So that started it all,” Paul explained. The positive response from the community prompted him to establish Strong-Lock Bricks, providing an affordable and sustainable building solution for many Filipinos.
Unique and Sustainable Building Materials
Strong-Lock Bricks stand out for their cost-effectiveness and suitability for the Philippine climate. These bricks, certified by U.N. Habitat, are designed to repel heat and withstand earthquakes and floods, offering a durable and comfortable living environment. “Our bricks stand out because they repel heat, unlike cement or mortar, which absorbs heat,” Paul noted. The interlocking design also reduces construction time and manpower, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
Recognition and Business Validation
Winning second place in the Small Business Category of the Business Plan Competition has been pivotal for Strong-Lock Bricks. “Our main purpose in participating was for business validation. Hearing feedback from experienced judges was the main prize in my book,” Paul emphasized. This recognition has validated their mission and clarified their path forward.
Strategies for Growth and Sustainability
Operating at half its plant’s capacity, Strong-Lock Bricks has implemented strategies to meet growing demand, such as increasing work shifts and planning new production sites. “We have plans to finance the creation of another production site and buy more equipment to meet this demand,” Paul shared. They have also shifted to a supply-only strategy, allowing customers to hire trained brick-layers directly, resulting in higher pay for workers and greater customer satisfaction.
Embracing Expansion and Overcoming Challenges
Strong-Lock Bricks aims to expand via franchising, planning to establish 17 production areas across the Philippines. This ambitious goal requires significant financial resources, which Paul plans to secure by reinvesting profits and collaborating with passionate individuals. “In a franchising model, business prototype replication is quicker. In this way, we can better impact the social problem of local housing,” Paul explained.
Commitment to Community and Environmental Impact
The company not only provides affordable housing but also contributes to local livelihoods. It has trained local workers for free, offering higher pay and continuous projects. Additionally, Strong-Lock Bricks is exploring sustainable materials like fly ash waste from power plants to enhance its bricks and reduce environmental impact. “We are studying viable waste materials to replace some of our raw materials,” Paul mentioned.
Future Aspirations and Achievements
Looking ahead, Strong-Lock Bricks aims to scale its operations through franchising, addressing the housing shortage in the Philippines. Reflecting on their journey, Paul takes pride in the satisfaction of clients inhabiting their new homes. “The happiness in the eyes of each client as they inhabit their new home fuels me,” he shared.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Paul advises entrepreneurs to start small, focus on satisfying customers, under-promise and over-deliver, and always prioritize community welfare. “Learn to satisfy the customer with the least order first. There will be many of them, especially at the beginning. As we say in the Academy, always under-promise and over-deliver,” he advises. He emphasizes the importance of envisioning goals, working diligently, and fostering strong community relationships to achieve success.
Strong-Lock Bricks continues to pave the way for affordable and sustainable housing in the Philippines, driven by innovation, dedication, and a deep commitment to improving lives.
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