Do you know what a Grease Trap is?
A grease trap also known as a grease interceptor are plumbing devices designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system.
That was never known to me, until I was tasked to evacuate one.
In 2007, soon after I withdrew from my Scholarship program, my uncle sounded me out to assist him in his property projects. I was reluctant at first. However as there were no replies to any of my job applications then, I decided to give it a try in his home-based estate consultancy firm.
My first project upon accepting my uncle’s offer was to set up the branch outlet of a well known steamboat restaurant at a notorious local red light district.
The unit rented by the client was a dilapidated shop house which required major overhaul. That involves repairing the leaking galvanized roof, retiling the floors and hacking the walls. The basic provisions required for the operations of a F&B outlet such as grease trap and exhaust system was not in place as the unit was previously a shabby internet bar.
On top of facilitating the administrative work which involves the tenancy agreement and clearance for the necessary licenses, it was also then my responsibility to oversee all renovation and construction works. Time line given was 2 months and all I had was 4 Bangladeshi workers. With no prior experience, this was one of the greatest challenges I had ever faced.
I vividly recalled the emotions churning within me then when I stood in the pits of the Grease Trap, examining the piping system that links it to the sewage.
“Is this what I had exchanged for by giving up my scholarship and university education?”; “I should be right now sitting in a cooling seminar room of a city campus. What am I doing in a 2m soiled hole in the centre of a stale, moldy, reeking backyard?”; “I should be in ties, blazers and corporate suits! Why am I bathing myself in mud and sweat?
I started to doubt myself and the decision I had made. Did I make the wrong choice to pursue my career and discontinuing my education? What had I exactly got myself into by agreeing to take on this job? Literally, standing in a dark pit, what lies ahead me seem bleak at that instant. What doors could open for me in a situation like this?
I needed a miracle.
* * * * *
2 years later, I am now managing the Retail and F&B spaces of a $50 Million building project.
A unique hybrid of institutional and commercial space, the 5 storey estate situated in the heart of town gave me the opportunity to work with award winning architects and professional property consultants on the layout, concept and tenant mix of the retail mall.
Amidst intense competition from new neighboring landmarks such as Ion Orchard, Orchard Central and 313, it was my duty to personally lead an aggressive team of property agents to market the retail space. Retail partners whom I currently worked closely with consist of international brands and established local retailers.
Recently, I had also completed the establishment of a centre management team to manage the retail spaces when it’s into operation next year.
* * * * *
Recollecting my humbling experience as a renovation contractor 2 years ago, there were many times I felt doubtful, demoralized and close to giving up on the steamboat restaurant project assigned to me.
Fortunately, with the support and encouragement from my loved ones, I begin to embrace a postive attitude and persisted on despite the arduous challenges ahead. Other than the construction aspect of the restaurant, I gradually extended my services to fulfill the clients’ added requests in Interior Design, Marketing, Sponsorship and Human Resource. When the steamboat restaurant was successfully completed , I was overwhelmed with pride and felt inspired to start up a property consultancy firm with a good friend of mine.
However, my plan to be an entrepreneur was hijacked when I was extended an invitation to join my current company. Knowing that I have a background in property management and construction works, the general manager of the corporation entrusted me with the task to manage the entire retail entity of the upcoming 1.2 ha property. It was an offer almost impossible to turn down and a golden opportunity that could not be missed.
* * * * *
Humility, resilience and perseverance to endure on the journey which I had chosen and walked on are important lessons which I had learnt in the above chapter of my life. In the pits of the grease trap, it is beyond my imagination that a project which involves a 2000 sqft restaurant at the corner of a sleazy lane will be a portal that opens me to a lifetime opportunity to manage a 40’0000 Sqft retail mall of an iconic landmark in Orchard Road.
My friends, if you are pausing at a junction and things seem to at a standstill, or if you are feeling unsure of yourself and what lies ahead of you, do not be at dismay. My word of advice to you is to keep walking.
I believe that every road will lead one to somewhere. In the Urban Area, there bound to be moments when one is at a crossroad, feeling uncertain of what decision is to be made as what greets us at the end of each route is unpredictable. As long as one perseveres to walk on with an enthusiastic and positive mindset, regardless of which path you might have chosen, miracles will unfold along the journey.
Opportunities are for those who are prepared. Get ready.
Recent Comments