MANILA – Globe Platinum introduced its newest ambassador with an event that simulated boarding an airplane, complete with a first class boarding pass and flight attendants at the ready. Held at Whitespace Manila, the telecoms giant opened its arms to welcome Bjorn Pardo, the man behind Xend, the company that revolutionized eCommerce logistics in the country.
From starting as an ordinary online seller for eBay, Bjorn experienced the same difficulties every Filipino supplier has had in shipping and delivering items to buyers around the world. “I was spending so much time waiting in line to ship the items I sold. And every seller had the same problem. That got me thinking – there should be some way to make this easier and more efficient considering how the online selling business is rapidly growing,” he explains.
“What struck me the most was that every single seller had a difficult time with the logistics of delivering purchased items to respective buyers,” he shares. “eBay is just one portal where people conduct these transactions, there are a number of others of course, and I realized that probably all the other small online business owners pretty much experience the same thing. And here was that important requirement that the expanding online market needed someone to address.”
It was then that he saw the opportunity to create business solutions that would help sellers conduct their work more efficiently – reducing the time consumed on menial tasks that take them away from focusing on the business itself, and eat away at the hours better spent on family. “That was a primary motivation for me. I am, first and foremost, a family man – a dad and husband, who wants to fulfil the role as best as I can.”
Bjorn now joins Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Chef JP Anglo as a brand ambassador for Globe Platinum. No less than Dan Horan, senior adviser for Consumer Business Group of Globe Platinum, Kaisie del Carmen, marketing director of Globe Platinum, and Jenn Gutierrez-Mallabo, Globe Platinum customer experience director were on hand to introduce Bjorn to the gathered media.
A pre-recorded video chronicled how Bjorn started his business, how he conceptualized Xend, and how he and wife Sarah have made it a point to still find quality time to spend with their kids Miguel (15), Lorenzo (8), Rocio (3) and Ellie (1). “Without my family, I would not be where I am today. They are my purpose. My dream for my kids is simple, I want my kids to have the flexibility to be able to truly find what their passion is and pursue it to the fullest,” he shares.
Bjorn put up Xend in 2004, initially as an international logistics and courier service, until eventually introducing domestic courier services in 2006. Online sellers and business owners don’t even have to leave their homes anymore because Xend can pick up, pack, and deliver their items “anywhere in the world from Manila to Madagascar” as the company’s list of services wittily state – that’s a total of 230 countries.
The company is a hybrid of logistics and eCommerce, providing business solutions for the whole value chain. Specifically designed for eCommerce, it’s fully online, includes free delivery insurance, and is up to 60% less than other courier services. “We have always believed that the entrepreneur is driving eCommerce today and will for the foreseeable future. It’s our job to help make things easy and simple for them so they can reach their true potential. There are 100 million people in the country with 30 million online. We have only activated 200,000 entrepreneurs so the sky is the limit.”
Though now considered as an eCommerce innovator who has made such a significant contribution, Bjorn isn’t a man who’s easily satisfied with what he’s already accomplished. So he continues to look for more solutions that can help boost the industry, and find inspirations to enrich his family life and indulge his wanderlust – all while staying at the helm of his company.
The search for inspiration and bonding time with family is often tied up with travel. “Traveling for me is a great way to continuously learn, whether for developing business, or becoming a better husband and father.” Bjorn attends industry conferences, particularly around Asia, every month. As the newly appointed president of the Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines, he expects the frequency to increase.
Naturally it’s a requirement for Bjorn to stay connected, “And I’ve found Globe Platinum to be a key partner in enabling me to do that. It’s perfect, it makes sense. I can’t live without my phone. The Platinum Lifestyle Plan that I have covers everything I need.”
Globe Platinum has designed the new and most powerful Lifestyle Plans to ensure that its customers are well-connected to what matters to them – from their loved ones, their passions, and what they need in their professions. Most significant for Bjorn are its roaming features. “I need to be in touch and accessible to my team no matter where I am, so it’s of utmost importance. I keep in touch with my team through email and chat, and having consumable roaming and rich mobile data allocation puts my mind at ease.”
A huge plus is having 24/7 access to an international concierge, access to airport lounges around the world, exclusive hotel discounts, and even a personal shopper abroad. “Something that I have not had access to in the past was a worldwide concierge. This is particularly helpful when arranging transportation in other countries.”
Globe Platinum is excited to have Bjorn join the family as one of its newest faces to represent the brand. “It’s our commitment to ensure that Bjorn, alongside our other customers, get to live their modern lifestyles in today’s digital setting,” says del Carmen. “From our best-in-class Platinum Lifestyle Plans with the richest mobile allocation to the best content partners, and even the enhanced perks, privileges, and service, you are assured that you receive the signature customer experience we’re known for. Bjorn’s success in the online business extends to every part of his lifestyle, so we make sure he’s always inspired and connected to everything and everyone he loves, so that he can continue achieving his success.”
With the success he’s managed to gain, it isn’t surprising that Bjorn has become both a role model and an inspiration for the current generation. He’s managed to revolutionize an industry, and help countless others to better their businesses. “That’s probably the most fulfilling part, the fact that I was not only able to put up my own company but also help others achieve success in theirs.”
Living in such fast-paced, exciting times where inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere, push us to create, innovate, and succeed. In true fashion that speaks of its signature premium customer service and best-in-class offers, Globe Platinum is taking on the role of enabling customers to constantly connect with what inspires them, and share this with peers and communities, initiating a culture of inspiration that leads to the path of success.
In photo are Jenn Gutierrez-Mallabo, Globe Platinum customer experience director; Dan Horan, senior adviser for Globe Platinum Consumer Business Group, Xend founder and new Globe Platinum ambassador Bjorn Pardo; and Kaisie del Carmen, marketing director of Globe Platinum.
