“I believe in WeGen and in WeGen’s vision. We’re a company that really wants to make a difference, and as a member of the Sales Team, I personally try to put across messages about the need to protect the environment and the viability and sustainability of solar technology when I’m presenting to clients. It's not just ‘sales talk’ to me.”
Joel Mercado joined WeGen in April 2017, and he has a successful history of being in sales behind him. Prior to WeGen, he worked overseas as a sales supervisor and senior sales consultant for different companies, among them two international electronics brand, and one international tourism firm.
“But unlike the work I did for the companies where I was previously employed, I see my work in WeGen as more than just employment to get a salary or commissions: I see it as a mission and advocacy. WeGen founder Michael Saalfeld’s reasons for establishing the company are very inspiring, and when I first heard of them, I felt that they were reasons I can and should support. It sounds like a high ideal -- wanting to contribute to efforts to mitigate global warming and stop climate change – but it’s a very worthy cause. Democratizing energy access and promoting solar energy as the most accessible and most sustainable source of electricity are also important,” he said.
Not the usual Sales Pitch
Joel agrees that these don’t sound like the usual parts of a sales pitch, “But when we sell WeGen’s solar PV systems, these messages are part of our presentation. We make an effort to tell people these things. These and, of course, going solar will significantly bring down the costs of electricity for households and businesses,” he said.
Joel elaborates that the clients he likes working with best are the ones who also carry similar beliefs about the need to take action against climate change.
“Working on WeGen’s Laudato Si’ projects is very fulfilling because I get to meet with laypeople and members of religious orders who are also advocates of renewable energy and solar,” he said. “I find a lot of fulfillment and satisfaction from doing my job.”
Among the many projects that Joel has worked on ( such as the solar PV installations on the San Bartolome Parish, the Sta. Catalina Academy; the St. Mary’s Academy; St Paul University San Miguel Incorporated; Hospicio de San Jose; the ICM District House; the Queen of Peace Convent; the Society of Sacred Heart Incorporated; and St. Joseph Cathedral, etc, there’s one in particular that Joel considers a favorite.
“I enjoyed working on the 63 kWp solar PV project with the St. James Academy under the Diocese of Caloocan in Malabon. The Sisters there had been long looking for a solar company that had corporate values that mirrored theirs. They were happy to have found us when they found out that we also carry social advocacies about the environment and helping communities. WeGen’s commitment to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ also made them want to work with WeGen even more,” he said.
It is for these reasons and similar ones like it that cements Joel’s sense of loyalty and gratitude to WeGen during these difficult times when the company has to implement an operational slowdown because of circumstances directly related to COVID-19.
“WeGen has been so supportive of its employees: paying our full salaries, continuing our benefits, ensuring that the office is safe for those who use it when they’re not working remotely. Pre-COVID-19, the company has been exemplary -- paying higher than industry standards, and more importantly, maintaining and strengthening a company culture that is based on respect, hard work, integrity, and mutual help. Bago nangyari ang COVID-19, laging nagbibigay ang kumpanya. Ngayon, sana tayo naman ang magbigay sa kumpanya by supporting it in the ways that we can,” he said.
Families are Based on Respect and Love
Because of the impending operational slowdown that will start on November 1, Joel said that it has become even more important for him and the members of his family to bond and to understand one another better.
“There is no denying that things are genuinely difficult for all us – and for some, even more so. This is why I feel that it’s crucial that we explain to our families the entire situation, and to find solutions together,” he said.
Joel shared that he has already explained the situation to his family – to wife Mercedes and their three children Joshua, Justine, and Jazmine. The eldest, Joshua, is a college freshman, while Jazmine and Justine are in grades 8 and 9 respectively. He said that everyone is doing their best to address and adjust to the changes in the family's finances.
“My wife has put up an online food selling business. She cooks and sells different kinds of rice cakes, embotido, and viands. I’m also thankful for the moral support and encouragement she gives every day,” he said.
“At the end of the day, we are all looking out for each other. We’re all adjusting to a new situation, so it’s important that we help one other during the process. We have to have respect and love if we’re to get through the difficulties. We have to do everything to prevent the deterioration of our relationships – I’ve heard of families breaking apart because of economic difficulties or problems related to money, and it’s really sad,” he said.
Another thing that Joel finds helpful to his way of coping with the difficulties caused by the pandemic is exercise. He rides his bike very early in the morning three times a week from 6am to 7am, and takes a rest in a specific spot that’s full of trees and overlooking a fishpond.
“It’s calming and peaceful, and the atmosphere is very conducive to making important decisions or putting together personal plans. It’s like meditation—afterward I feel refreshed and hopeful,” he said.
Starting Over
Joel shares that his hopefulness lies in the fact that he and other members of the Sales Team have many positive and warm leads. He said that he and the rest of the WeGen Sales Team had been working non-stop even during the early days of the pandemic – not only conducting virtual meetings and presentations, but also physically going out to meet with potential clients whenever possible.
“I choose to believe in WeGen and the work we’ve begun as a company. I am grateful that WeGen did its best and continues to do what it can for its employees. I pray that the operational slowdown will be short and we can resume our work,” he said.
Finally, Joel shares one of his favorite quotes. It also sums up his attitude when it comes to problems whether it’s personal or employment-related.
“’Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.’ The great Chinese philosopher Confucius said this, and I agree. We will rise from all our difficulties, but we should help one another,” he said. #