Lots of companies provide a removal service, Ivan Ong believes it is the personal touch his company provides that makes it successful.
What’s your story?
I chanced across Family Movers by a recommendation from a schoolmate in 2008. Prior to that, I was working in a family-run container haulage firm.
What excites you most about your industry?
I’ve never imagined moving to be so complex with little, fine intricacies and the need for attention to detail. Meeting people from all walks of life, with every individual having a story to tell about why they are relocating. Making friends with partners/agents all over the world is very enriching and brings me a whole new level of understanding of other countries in the world.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
Seeing happy smiles and joy from successful relocations simply just makes my day. There are multiple firms that provide the same quality service; however, as an organization, we believe & have always advocated the “personal touch” that always makes the difference.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
Project management, logistical supply chain management & people management are the most useful skills that I have picked up, but I’m still constantly learning and discovering new nuances every day.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
You are only as good as your last year.
Who inspires you?
My mentor Charles Leo. He never fails to inspire me with his forward-thinking abilities and, of course, the skillsets that I have learnt from him in various aspects of running a company.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
One thing that recently blew me away about Singapore is how it’s literally expanding its landmass using cutting-edge, eco-conscious techniques, like polder development. Instead of traditional land reclamation using sand (which is environmentally damaging and increasingly unsustainable), Singapore is adopting the Dutch-inspired method of building polders—low-lying tracts of land enclosed by dikes and drained to create usable space. As sustainability and carbon footprint compliance & measures are always something our business considers, it was great to know that even land reclamation can be greener.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would push myself to embark on this journey much earlier in life. I guess I’ve wasted a few good years before I actually mustered enough courage to take up the challenge of leading this incredible organization.
How do you unwind?
I go for trips, movies, dinner, or simply just enjoy a family day out, switched off from work.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
Having lived in Singapore all my life, it was mind-blowing to know that in some other large countries people might not have ready access to things that we are used to getting in a couple of minutes, like transport, groceries, minor amenities, or even just to get food. We are too used to having everything at the snap of the fingers or just from an app on your phone that we expect everything to turn up in an instant.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber. It’s especially valuable for small business owners and entrepreneurs. The book explains why most small businesses don’t work and what to do about it.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
Founded in 1975, we have grown alongside Singapore to be a well-known household-trusted brand with an excellent track record to match. Because every move is different, we advocate the tailored personal touch and attention to finer details that make your move easier.
How can people connect with you?
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan2344/
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.