Building the best Toyota home in town
As Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) heralds over three decades of continuous operations, one of its dealerships is likewise celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
Toyota Balintawak is the first showroom under the illustrious Oben Group that was founded by chairman Reginaldo Oben, with his son Cosco Oben serving as president. The group also operates Toyota Otis, Toyota North EDSA, Toyota Marilao and Toyota San Jose Del Monte.
In a speech during the dealer’s anniversary celebration, the younger Oben recounted how he grew up in Toyota Balintawak.
“I remember walking into the dealership for the first time in the mid-to-late ‘90s as a trainee during summer breaks when I was in college in the U.S.,” said the veteran automotive executive.
“In 2000, right after college, I was immediately called by my father to work for our dealerships,” Oben added. “Back then, I had no idea that this place would be my greatest teacher.”
Birthplace of Kaizen
Oben said he went up the ranks over the last 35 years – parts and accessories supervisor, assistant to the president, general manager/executive vice president, then Toyota Balintawak president.
“Every role taught me something invaluable – not just about running a business, but about leading with a heart,” he said. “Toyota Balintawak was where I learned that leaderships starts with listening, that the smallest solutions can create the biggest impact, and that true success is measured by the lives we uplift and the people we help.”
Oben noted that Toyota Balintawak has long maintained its standard of excellence, including being named Dealer of the Year from 1991 to 1994. He added that the dealer was the Oben Group’s birthplace of kaizen, which is one of the pillars of The Toyota Way that pertains to continuous improvement.
“I remember starting in 2004 spearheading a number of internal kaizen activities here until we realized its true meaning and value.” Oben said. “Up to this day, kaizen remains to be an integral part of our lives in the dealerships.”
The best home in town
Besides thanking Toyota Balintawak’s customers, business partners and TMP for their generous support throughout the decades, Oben passionately thanked the dealer’s team members.
“You are the heart and soul of Toyota Balintawak,” he said. “Some of you have been here since day one and much longer than I have! Many of your started your first job here and we have watched you grow from the ground up.”
“To our beloved chairman, my father, you have shaped not just my leadership, but the very foundation of Toyota Balintawak,” Oben added. “Your leadership is woven into every brick, every success and every heart in this dealership. Because of you, Toyota Balintawak thrived and became a home to many.”
Oben also noted that several Toyota Balintawak employees took on leaderships roles in other Oben Group dealers.
“There’s an old saying – ‘A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle,’” he said. “That’s exactly what Toyota Balintawak and its team members have done over the last 35 years. You have been a guiding light for many people, lighting a brighter future not only for our dealerships, but for everyone you have touched along the way.”
Oben said Toyota Balintawak has become a family because of what they have gone through together.
“For 35 years, we have faced victories and trials, grown through change and built something greater than success,” he said. “We built a home – a best-in-town home.”
And just like what the popular animation film tells us, no one will be left behind.
