Fiona Patricia S. Escandor meets a young man who not only knows where he wants to go, and in some ways, also happens to have already arrived.
Many people might consider their early twenties as the period when they figure out what they want to do in their professional lives. For Jefferson C. Tan, however, that statement may not be so applicable. At the age of twenty-three, Jefferson or “Jeff” as he is fondly called, already has a clear cut idea of the career path he wishes to pursue.
A graduating student of the Center for International Education majoring in Strategic Marketing, Jeff also works for their family-owned nationwide hardware business Sheridan Marketing Inc., as Vice-President for Operations in Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Palawan, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Mutya Ng Pilipinas pageant.
The three posts demand that he regularly travel to key cities around the country – a very busy lifestyle one might say, but Jeff thinks otherwise. “It’s fun. I like it,” he says with a smile.
Jeff shares that he is particularly keen on the marketing aspect of business – that is basically what he tackles with Sheridan, while his older sister handles the finance.
Last year, the Tan family was met with a new venture as the oldest beauty pageant in the country, Mutya Ng Pilipinas, was placed under their management.
“Before, I wasn’t really exposed to designers, models…” Jeff says. “But now, I’m more familiar with them. It’s great because I get to meet all kinds of people from different walks of life.”
The world of pageants is a different call from what Jeff had been used to, but the young and driven entrepreneur is certainly up for the challenge of perfecting it.
“There are former directors of the pageant who would coach and teach me what to do,” the down-to-earth Jeff admits.
He even underwent training similar to what many beauty queens go through. “One of the previous finalists, Hemilyn Escudero, coached me on how to dress up, how to talk and walk well. In this industry, it’s important that we also reflect what we’re promoting.”
Jeff says that he has always seen himself as an entrepreneur. He draws inspiration from his dad, the one who he describes as the person who motivates him in everything.
“I want to venture in the real estate industry soon,” he then discloses, “We’re already constructing a new hotel in Ilo-ilo called the Sheridan Boutique Resort, and then we’re planning to put the next one in Punta Engaño.”
When Jeff is not busy juggling work and school, he says that he likes hitting the gym.
“I’m also learning photography right now,” he excitingly adds, “I want to specialize in glamour photography.” Then if his schedule would allow, Jeff plans to take his Master’s Degree next year.
Having a remarkable sense of initiative and workmanship at a young age certainly gives Jeff an opportune advantage over the rest. While others have just decided where they aim to be, Jefferson C. Tan is already there.