Wilson L. Mones is the current PR and Marketing Manager for Samantha’s Steamboat – now with four branches and growing. Two in SM City Iloilo, Robinson Place Iloilo, Mary Mart Center and Robinsons Place Jaro. Samantha’s Steamboat offer a new and healthier way of enjoying our favorite street food with lesser guilt.
Please share something a little about Wills.
I took Mass Communication in college because I hated math and it’s one of the very few courses with minimal math subjects. After college, I went from being an English instructor to a call center agent. Moved my way up in the BPO industry as a language and product specifics trainer then team lead in different centers. I love traveling (alone, most of the time) and yes, eating, of course. Getting into the food industry was almost an accident. It was like friends (with different inclinations) suddenly agreed to try something new.
With all the food places to compete in Iloilo, how do you keep your menu and offers exciting?
Samantha’s Steamboat has more than three (3) dozens of products and we don’t sell them all at the same time. It’s a marketing strategy that has helped us keep our mark in the market. Aside from our steamboat products, we can’t deny that our sauces are the biggest come-ons.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have encountered and what did you learn from them?
Introducing the brand was the biggest challenge. We’ve found our market already, but we don’t stay complacent so expect changes and something new from Samantha’s Steamboat from time to time.
What is the biggest fulfillment you have in having this business venture?
Our biggest fulfillment are: (1) Becoming a word of mouth; (2) Helping people get a good source of income; and (3) Expanding our market.
Any final message of advice you can share to someone who is dreaming about having a restaurant or food place.
It’s a tough market, you just have to be ready in all aspects.
Please visit Samantha’s Steamboat’s full post for the description of the featured foodie place.
