MUCH has been written and read about success stories. And for entrepreneur, global business strategist, philanthropist and public servant Dave Almarinez, his story is one that’s worth countless likes and shares.
At such an early age, this native of Biñan, Laguna, learned the hardships of growing up. Dave had to work to survive, earning his own allowance in grade school. “I peddle peanuts and ice drop while my classmates played. Maybe this was my natural ability to be an entrepreneur. I had dark skin made darker because I was always out in the sun selling peanuts. I was the butt of jokes in class, but that was the least of my concerns. In my mind, it was all hardwork, and I was determined.”
Getting through college was another struggle. Dave tried to find work while at school but, unfortunately, he got rejected when he applied. Dave made it as a scholar at the Far Eastern University where he majored in Political Science. “My mom never knew that I was a scholar. We had ROTC then, and I stayed in the campus quarters [even if it was not allowed] to save from traveling from Biñan to Manila and vice versa. And every registration is the only time I get to buy me at least a new shirt or things I need in school.”
Upon graduating, he was able to work briefly in Singapore. Then the unfortunate turns fortunate. He misplaced his passport and a Singaporean found this, called him up and they met. It was this encounter that he was introduced to a business that dramatically changed his life and career!
Dave is currently the regional vice president of Organo Gold, a global gourmet coffee company that caters to consumers’ active lifestyles. He oversees all facets of Organo Gold’s Asian business, which currently includes Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong.
Founded in 2008, Organo Gold is a global network marketing company on a mission to spread knowledge of Ganoderma to the entire world. The company vision is to help people improve their lives by reaching new levels of wellness, prosperity and balance, through the opportunity and products. Organo Gold meets this mission through the principles of the Napoleon Hill Foundation, with which the company has a long-standing and exclusive collaboration. Organo Gold, by far, is the largest and biggest in terms of beverage distribution. The company is ranked No. 67 globally, in the direct-selling industry. It is present in 44 countries and expanding more for this year. Organo Gold products include coffee, nutraceuticals and personal care.
Today, Organo Gold is a thriving global family in a position to make a positive impact on a massive scale. Organo Gold is now the proud corporate sponsor of the OG Cares Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is helping create the leaders of tomorrow by enriching the lives of young people around the world.
Organo Gold considers Dave as an important addition to its team. What with his network-marketing experience in Asia, his appointment as regional vice president intensifies Organo Gold’s regional presence.
A product of Harvard University, Dave has over 18 years of experience in the direct-selling industry, and has held a number of leadership positions in the industry, including Nature’s Sunshine, Agel Enterprises and Jeunesse Global. Prior to Organo Gold, he served as managing director for the Pacific Region for Zija International.
As a global leader in direct-marketing business, Dave imparts his knowledge and skills through various local and international engagements. He has been honored twice with the Asia Pacific Young Professional Award for Entrepreneurship in 2004 and 2005. He also received the Consumer’s Choice Young Professional Award for Business & Professional and the Dangal ng Pilipinas Award.
Outside of the business circle, Dave is a family man. “When I get to have time, we really do a lot of bonding. With two girls, and of the two, I guess the youngest is the ‘little Dave’ in the family.”
In 2013 Dave authored a compact, practical, informative and motivational book, titled The Blind Spot: Uncover the Not-So-Hidden Truths of Business Success. Apart from including anecdotes on his own life and stories about the business titans who inspired him, The Blind Spot is a shift in one’s perspective of business and entrepreneurship. The book aims to open our eyes to the many possibilities that one can do to be successful. The Blind Spot does not guarantee success but gives you better chances on being successful.
The book is available at Amazon.com and Fully Booked branches.
“We all have our blind spot. This is like we are too focused on something that we tend to forget what is already in front of us. There are opportunities we resist because we perceive it won’t work. We either have fears or uncertainties. It’s all about perception.”
“People who succeed don’t have fears.”
Fate favors the bold. This is what The Blind Spot is all about. For Dave, he never gave up on his dreams, not even once.
“Dare to dream. Don’t be scared. Believe in yourself that you can make things happen, do it with boldness and conviction.”