NESTLÉ FoodServices continuously adopts to new trends in the foodservice industry with the goal of helping its business partners succeed.
Starting Young with Nestle FoodServices.
She studied communications in St. Paul’s College in Manila and took her masters in philosophy in De La Salle University but she ended up in the food business. She was pitied against experienced players in the industry when she was starting yet she has survived to be one of the trusted pioneers in the food service industry. She heads the biggest distributor of Nestle FoodServices in the greater manila area. Donna Sanchez Lok strived and succeeded to be where she is today, CEO of MEGA Commercial Corporation.
Birth Pains
The first few years were challenging because the food service industry was still starting out. Moreover, Donna was clueless about the industry. “When I entered, I was the youngest among Nestle FoodService Distributors. They already have experience so their outlook was, we know this business, we know what to do. As for Donna, it was; I don’t know anything so teach me what to do,” she shares.
Nestle FoodServices appreciated her innocence and openness to learn because whenever they wanted to try out new things, they would always approach her. Nestle FoodServices was always by her side in all her successes as well as her failures. “I had so many failures, but I want failure to be my teacher and not my enemy. I remember that during the 5th year of operations I filed my resignation three times!” she exclaims. On the third time that she filed her resignation, the head of the Nestle FoodServices that time told her that she may not see her value now, but when the industry grows, she will be proud to be one of its pioneers.
First Million
They say that you want to earn your first million before you are 30 but Donna lost her first million before she was 30. She is very lucky though to have a very supportive family, an innate ability to tap into opportunities and a reliable business partner in Nestle FoodServices. She says that she hardly passed her classes when she was in school but she loves to surpass her own limitations so whatever she’s accomplished now it is because of the sweat and tears she invested. Her secret formula for success is no rocket science – hard work and more hard work.
One can only imagine the earnings that MEGA is now making being the biggest distributor in the greater manila area. MEGA distributes to around 2,000 direct food service accounts in major cities like Quezon City, Mandaluyong, San Juan and Pasig. She is grateful to Nestle FoodServices, known as the Total Solutions Provider for helping her out. She started out with them and until now, they continue to share the passion to expand her business and in striving to bring the food service industry into greater heights.
Relationship and Partnership
Donna also prides herself in having good relationships with her customers. In fact, for her, they are not customers but friends. This kind of customer service she also learned with Nestle FoodServices as her business partner. She states that there will always be shortcomings in any business so you rely on the relationship and eventually the friendship that you have with your customers in resolving problems. When you serve them as friends and partners, you make sure that you give them the best service.
With regards to her relationship with Nestle’s FoodServices, it is based on trust and teamwork. She does not really care about the numbers. However, at the end of the day she is still a businesswoman. If she is struggling, she works harder to recover. If she is earning well, she works even more to grow the business. Now, even with her accomplishments, she is not afraid to learn more and adopt to change to make her business succeed.
With an attitude like hers and a supportive and reliable partner like Nestle FoodServices, Donna Sanchez-Lok will not just be a pioneer in the food service industry, but be a leader in the world’s fastest growing industry.
NESTLE FoodServices launches its newest offering – MILO Soft Serve! This innovation makes use of the same MILO we enjoy everyday. MILO Soft Serve is now available in St. Paul Pasig, Poveda, Ateneo de Manila, La Salle Greenhills, Elizabeth Seton, Collegio de San Agustin, Don Bosco, St. Anthony, PWU, Sienna College, Bulacan State University, University of Baguio, San Beda-Taytay, San Beda- Mendiola, Adamson University, Enchanted Kingdom and Star Mart (Caltex)Baguio.