Current Position: Since 2004, Rudy Fabre has been the owner and operator of PICK ’m UP House Clean & Laundry in Eastern Samar, Philippines.
The Company: PICK ’m UP House Clean & Laundry primarily does wash, dry and fold. The majority of their island residents do not wear clothes that require dry cleaning. However, some of their customers occasionally need clothes pressed, and they have no problem accommodating those requests. “There is very little need to dry clean garments in our province,” said Fabre. “Owning a washing machine and dryer is a luxury here, so most of the people that live here don’t have one.”
Fabre built his existing clientele by offering free pick-up and delivery. The convenience caught on with the locals, especially stay at home moms and homemakers. Half of his business comes from many of his friends, relatives and neighbors. Tourism generates the other half. There is a beach resort a few kilometers down the road from PICK ’m UP House Clean & Laundry. Tourists from the world over stay there to take in the sights, scuba dive and snorkel. “The foreigners and tourists always need their laundry washed, dried and folded,” said Fabre. “They don’t want to waste their time doing laundry when they can take in the beautiful scenery and recreation our beautiful islands have to offer.”
Early Ambition: At a very young age, Fabre knew the only way to make it in business was to be his own boss. When he was nine, he started a business by running errands for elderly neighbors. He was reliable and punctual. Word quickly spread to busy professionals who saw the value of using Fabre’s service. He worked after school and on the weekends until he started high school.
When Fabre was in high school, he got tired of the errand-running business and set his sights on dog grooming and care. He had always love canines and saw this as a way to get paid for something he inherently enjoyed. “It was so much fun for me,” recalled Fabre. “It did not even feel like a job.”
Island Hopping: Upon graduating from high school, Fabre received a scholarship to further his education at the collegiate level by attending Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA) in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. He left the familiarity and comforts of home to live with his uncle and aunt in the bustling metropolis of Metro Manila. Fabre recalled, “I was terrified to be in such a big city away from my family.” He continued, “It forced me to mature and grow up, so it was really a blessing in disguise. It helped that I got to stay with relatives who nurtured me while I was adjusting.”
Going Corporate: After finishing his coursework and earning a degree in business administration, Fabre was introduced to his uncle’s friend who was starting a business in Manila. He asked Fabre to head up his marketing and advertising department. It was a lucrative career, but Fabre missed his family. He eventually left the big city life of Manila and was homeward bound to the relaxed atmosphere in Samar.
A New Venture: An old friend from high school found out Fabre was back in town and wanted to get together for lunch and reminisce about old times. “This friend came from a wealthy family, and I found out he wanted to invest some money into a good business opportunity,” said Fabre. Somewhere out of the blue and off the top of his head, Fabre came up with the idea of a wash, dry and fold service for clothes. It was here where the business plan for PICK ’m UP House Clean & Laundry was born. The friend put up the capital to get the business off the ground and running. After five years of steady growth and profitability, Fabre acquired his friend’s share of the company and is currently the sole owner.
Just for Fun: When he is not working, Fabre reads books about business and self-improvement. His favorite author is Steven Covey. Fabre is a fan of NBA hoops, and his rooting interests favor the Los Angeles Lakers.
Personal: Fabre, 37, lives in Borongan, Eastern Samar. He is engaged to his fiancé, Dina and the couple are busy planning a May wedding.
