Meet Hoppler’s New President and COO: Raymond Gonzalez

Successful people help others succeed. Hoppler’s new President and COO, Raymond Gonzalez, understands that closing deals, though a top priority, is never the end goal in the sales industry; the objective is to help others succeed.

We sat down with Raymond to talk about his career and his aspirations for Hoppler, his clients, and those he leads.

How did your career in real estate start?

I started in real estate over 10 years ago. Prior to that, I worked in the oil and gas industry as a commercial sales consultant for Chevron Philippines. I handled industrial accounts in Metro Manila such as San Miguel and other commercial users and traveled all over Luzon for their nationwide plant requirements. I’d see a lot of developments in the provinces which inspired me to somehow participate in the real estate sector.

What made you decide to pursue a career in real estate?

I decided to leave Chevron after 11 years, and my mom who was in the hotel and restaurant management sector wanted to develop her half a hectare property in Mactan. I helped her for three years. During that time, I learned about project management, sales marketing, and project development. That was the start of my real estate career.

From there, I joined Ayala as a sales consultant, then Sotheby’s Philippines as a senior broker where I eventually became the vice president of marketing and business development. And when the company was bought by the List Group of Japan, I was appointed as the vice president of sales.

What is your best experience in the industry so far?

My best experience in real estate so far is working at Hoppler.

Ramon, our CEO, has welcomed me with open arms. The team is dynamic and everyone is smart, energetic, hardworking, and creative; everyone has the skills and talents to take Hoppler to the next level. I couldn’t ask for better people to work with. It’s a complete pleasure to be working with everyone.

Describe your work style.

My management style is based on trust and guidance. I trust my team to do their best to provide results. I ensure I let them know that I always have their back. I’m the first one to cheer them on and give constructive criticisms when necessary. I want to create an environment that inspires people to do their best; therefore, I hope to make their lives easier and more efficient.

How do you deal with clients and potential business partners?

I try as much as possible to meet people. I want them to know that we, Hoppler, value everyone we work with – clients, potential business partners, and partner brokers. In real estate, relationships matter. I want to make sure that everyone who deals with us feels as though we are a company that will do right by them, that we have their best interests in mind.

As Hoppler’s President and COO, what is your vision for the company?

I am beyond excited about Hoppler’s future. With the investment from our strategic investor, Frontier Digital Ventures, plus the team’s expertise, we envision – and are doing everything we can – to promote Hoppler from being a mid-size real estate company in the CBD to a large and well-respected regional company doing business in all aspects of property marketing.

Our vision is to make Hoppler a go-to site for real estate brokers, agents, and property owners who want to buy, sell, and lease their property. I see our sales directors operating in key markets around the country and building relationships with our partner brokers and owners.

Hoppler is set to be the major marketplace in the country for buyers and sellers where all types of property transactions take place.

One thing you’d want to impart to everyone at Hoppler.

Hoppler will only be successful if our partners and clients trust us and what we are doing. I’d like to impart the value of building trust and relationships with our buyers, sellers, and partner brokers. They must deal with integrity to let clients know they are trustworthy.

In terms of leadership, what is your top encouragement to the people you lead?

I encourage people by letting them do what they do best. The best way to lead is to help people find and identify their strengths and to harness those strengths to achieve end goals.

Teams at Hoppler – sales, marketing, IT, accounting, and client support – are among the best teams I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. They believe in the company’s future and vision. I aspire for them to be the best in their chosen field and I’m committed to supporting them.

Describe your leadership style.

I’m all for closing deals, whether monetary or not. I strive to build relationships to find out how I can fulfill the needs of our partner brokers, buyers, sellers, and everyone in the company. I wouldn’t ask anyone to do anything I wouldn’t do. I try to be as approachable as possible and give directions when necessary. My door is always open for anyone; I appreciate it when people come to me for advice.

As a salesperson and a marketer, why does properly marketing products and services important?

I’ve been a broker for a long time now. I understand that competition is tough, therefore, properly marketing products and services are important.

It’s heartbreaking when deals fall through. Usually, it’s due to the lack of options for both the buyer and the seller. At Hoppler, we aspire to be the trusted real estate marketplace where buyers can search, and sellers and brokers can list properties; we are a marketplace where they can work with each other and close deals.

For you, how is technology reshaping the way real estate professionals do their job?

Real estate professionals use technology to expand their network and to reach more clients.

What is your advice to real estate professionals who still use traditional marketing methods?

Take advantage of technology; try Hoppler out. We will help you find leads whether you are a buyer or a seller.

You were once awarded as the top sales performer of a premier developer. How would you encourage brokers who find it hard to successfully close deals?

Choose the right properties to sell to your clients. Find the right developers with the right projects in the right locations.

What motivates you?

My faith, family, and aspiration to make Hoppler a household name are my motivations.

To serve is to lead and Raymond’s commitment to helping clients, business partners, and those he leads serves as an inspiration to others to do the same.