Celebrity Life

Founder of JS Aluminium Window Esmond Pat shares his foresight and lasting commitment to premium European-brand window frames, glazing and shuttering for the home and commercial buildings.

“In Hong Kong, people are knowledgeable, eager to learn more and pursue the best quality in everything they buy,” says Esmond Pat, managing director of JS Aluminium Window, by way of a preamble to the question of what inspired him to launch this niche high-end company. “The price of property here is sky high, so consumers care about the quality of their investment. And as global warming causes more frequent monsoon rages and other unfriendly weather, property owners push to adopt a safeguard first layer of protection.”

Pat identified growth potential in demand for quality windows and window servicing, and the rapid success of JS Aluminium Window seems to have proved him right. The company, which focuses on European frames and glazing, has enlarged its inventory of models, from initially stocking one brand to ranges by four of the continent’s most reputable manufacturers.

[caption id="attachment_211259" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Esmond Pat is the founder of JS Aluminium Window. (Image: Alison Kwan)[/caption]

“We only carry those we think they are the best,” he confirms. “We carry brands with many window and facade options that offer different solutions.” Some models are offered in an enormous range of subtly different colours, while others allow for the selection of premium frame metal or finishes. Choices also abound in how the windows function, with sliding, concertina and regular swing opening mechanisms.

Along with the core European window and shuttering facade systems, suitable for both residential and commercial structures, related offerings from Pat’s company include retractable sunshades, and typhoon-grade shutters handpicked to be able to withstand the most extreme sub-tropical weather challenges.

On Brand

Some key points of differentiation make the JS Aluminium Window portfolio of quality brands quite special, and worthy of their prices, Pat notes. “All are European proprietary systems. They have particularly high performance in thermal insulation and water management [repelling and draining capabilities]. The products we carry are the best of their kind on the market.

“We’re about offering the best bespoke solution to help our clients choose the right type of window that functions and performs in ways that they require. Also, the products’ clean designs and fine texture and finishing become [important] aesthetics and tasteful mood-setting elements.”

The company is the exclusive Hong Kong distributor of Aliplast Aluminium Systems — a Belgium-based company that specialises in windows, doors, conservatories, sliding systems and curtain facades — that strives for product innovation, design, technical capability and quality. JS Aluminium Window’s client base has risen so quickly that Pat has ventured into an element of production.

“In order to offer the highest bespoke levels and manage the quality of theses products, we have set up our own Aliplast factory in Shanghai,” he explains. “This shortens the production waiting times and freight costs for our architect and developer clients.”

[caption id="attachment_211261" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Cero by Solarlux.[/caption]

Other brands carried include Solarlux, a German maker known for high-performance bi-folding large-format windows; and Secco from Italy — with bespoke systems in precious premium materials.

Customer Satisfaction

While Pat’s clients are mostly in the architecture, interior design, property developer and construction industry fields, many individual customers approach JS Aluminium Windows directly. And those numbers of small property owners directly requesting glazing consultations have increased from 11 percent in the early years of business to a very sizeable 43 percent today. “In the beginning, it was mostly architects that came to us for fine products from a design perspective or looking for functional window solutions,” Pat says. “Nowadays, knowledge and information flows across the internet. Many individuals even come to us for a consultation before they start a makeover project they’re considering.”

Of the different clients — both construction industry and home or commercial building-owner — that JS Aluminium Window has, there are recognisable constants in their reasons for enlisting the company’s services, besides the elevated durability, function and aesthetics of the products alone.

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“We focus on and have put a lot effort into upholding the quality of both our communications and the deliverables,” emphasises Pat. “We’ve always had a 100 percent satisfaction rate according to client feedback. This is because of our superior precise bespoke-solutions service that matches the premium and high-performance products we carry. We had feedback from one architect who chose us over other international window-solution companies because he really appreciated the high level of our service.

Quality Costs

Weighing up the “value” in the premium cost of high-quality frames and glazing (or other panel materials within frames, shuttering and related products carried by JS Aluminium Window) is similar to other top-quality functional products. “You pay for what you get. Guaranteed-warranty ranges have little in common with their ubiquitously installed aluminium-framed counterparts,” Pat says. “Plus window maintenance is part of the standard service — not that it’s often called for with such premium products.” Even coloured coatings are guaranteed for 10 years (except for materials that are oxidation-active, such as bronze or copper).

“There are different reasons why people to come to us,” says Pat. “Our proprietary systems offer high acoustic performance [both indoor refraction of sound and keeping of external noise at bay], which I think many Hong Kong people need.

[caption id="attachment_211310" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Secco Sistemi - Window profile making of.[/caption]

“Our products are lightweight, which is handy for clients who wish to own a set of oversized windows in flats with high ceilings, and for room corner solutions that look neat and chic and are structurally reliable.

“Apart from aluminium windows, there’s a larger material selection; it definitely becomes more expensive if you are looking for more precious materials, such as bronze, brass — or stainless steel.

“The products speak for themselves, but most importantly each one is a [separate] installation module requiring precise calculations. There’s a lot of manpower involved in what we do — together with our premium products, we might not earn more than a random window supplier on the street for each project. But our goal is perfection — and that further explains our glowing client satisfaction record.”

[caption id="attachment_211260" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Esmond Pat at work: “I’m involved in almost every role."[/caption]

Pat is a hands-on director: “I’m almost in every role,” he admits. “Although we have comprehensive service and production flows and accurate communications across internal and client areas, I insist on constant reviews with our end-users, as there’s no room for error. Clients come to us looking for high-quality and standards, so I monitor the whole process chain, regardless of a project’s scale — client satisfaction is everything to me.”

The post Esmond Pat on the Importance of Quality Windows and Providing Bespoke Solutions appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Carmen Ow, who is a director at Clydesbuilt Group, affectionately calls her father “The Boss”, while Victor calls her “Princess”, but for this article, she’s the boss. “Since she asked, I agreed to do it,” he says with a laugh.
They are a riot at our shoot with their witty banter. Victor — he is chairman and CEO at Clydesbuilt Group — cracks the crew up with jokes and funny stories, but when he looked a bit solemn at one point as the shutters were clicking, Carmen, without prompting, poked him in the ribs, making him break out into a big smile and giggles. Within 10 minutes, we got the winning shot!
The stylish father-daughter duo loves shopping together – a family past-time since she was a wee lass in a pram. “My father has a larger wardrobe than mine or my mother’s,” Carmen lets on. “He never throws anything away!”
Their next favourite things to do as a family, she says, are eating (“but I wish he’d stop eating all my ice cream without telling me or replenishing my supply!”) and holidaying.

[caption id="attachment_148383" align="alignnone" width="1339"] Victor Ow and Carmen Ow (Photo: Joel Low)[/caption]

As the self-appointed designated travel planner, Carmen loves tagging along on holidays with her dad and mum Pui Yee. Victor shares: “When she is with us, she does all the planning, like which restaurants to go to, which wineries and even driving the family around as she is worried that all the driving will make me too tired.”
His heart swells in seeing her sense of family values and character. “She has grown up to be a fine young lady who respects and loves all her friends and relatives. For example, when she was young, she learned to speak Cantonese so she can communicate with her grandparents.”
Carmen says he has set her a good example. “My dad is my hero and inspiration because he never gives up when he puts his mind to something. Like learning the piano. When I started taking lessons years ago, he decided to buy some books and pick it up himself. He’s even learning a South Korean song now for my mum! It’s inspiring because although it has taken him some time to learn, he has never given up, and it truly shows me that learning can be lifelong; age should not be a factor.”
Explaining that his family couldn’t afford piano lessons for him when he was younger, Victor says he challenged himself to be good enough to play a few songs, even though it seemed like an impossible task. To him, “determination and perseverance lead to success”.
“This principle applies to everything we do in life, as nothing can be achieved without labour. I’m also trying to be a living example to Carmen, since actions speak louder than words.”

[inline-quote author="Carmen Ow"]"My dad is my hero and inspiration because he never gives up when he puts his mind to something. "[/inline-quote]

Art direction: Audrey Chan

Photography: Joel Low

Hair: Sean Ang

Make-up: Keith Bryant Lee, using Armani Beauty, and Sophia Chia/Makeup Pros
Photography assistance: Alfie Pan
Location: Siri House

The post Like father, like daughter: Victor and Carmen Ow appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Florine Eppe Beauloye is an unstoppable force. Revered as one of Asia's top 50 women leaders, her list of achievements reads like a book. She is your epitome of today's digital entrepreneur. For one, she's the co-founder and CEO of Moonshot Digital, a creative and digital marketing agency for premium brands staffed by some of the industry's most brilliant minds — think former senior executives from tech giants like Google. She is also the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Luxe Digital, an online publication for luxury marketing professionals.

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Beauloye grew up with a globetrotter father, who ignited the wanderlust pulsing in her veins. Her work has taken her all around the globe, helming leadership positions in varied industries. Beauloye harnesses her experiences to empower others like herself. She regularly speaks at conferences, and international events, and is the author of Shine: Digital Craftsmanship for Modern Luxury Brands, an acclaimed guide that demystifies digital marketing for brands. She also doubles up as a consultant, offering her personalised expertise to agencies. Ahead, we speak to her about her illustrious experience as a digital marketer and how brands can push ahead in the tech world.

Tell us about yourself and how you became so well-versed in digital marketing.

I'm an award-winning digital and media entrepreneur, luxury marketer, author, international speaker, and avid believer in digital as an empowering catalyst for change. I'm also the founder of Moonshot Digital, a creative and digital marketing agency for lifestyle and luxury brands and Luxe Digital, an online luxury magazine for forward-thinking leaders and modern affluent consumers.

I have a Master’s Degree in Marketing but I am very much a self-taught digital marketing expert. To be successful now and in the future, you need to be an avid learner. I wake up curious and determined to be better everyday. I’ve literally spent thousands of hours reading, discussing with other thought leaders in the industry, meeting with partners from the largest internet companies in the world, and talking with clients who are undergoing a digital transformation of their business.

The best way to learn about digital marketing and all of its components though is to experiment it hands-on. I have learned and continue to learn from actually working on projects, both personal and for clients.

• You’ve been a TV journalist, PR manager and helmed powerful roles in marketing. What struggles did you face over the years and are there common threads between them?

Sometimes it feels like I have lived many lives. These varied yet complementary experiences provided me with a holistic understanding of the marketing ecosystem, and the knowledge and skills that led me to my current ventures. I love learning something new everyday, experimenting with new approaches and creating new models for success.

I like to think of my work as a portfolio of well-integrated concepts and projects that ladder up to an overarching goal of empowerment for forward-thinking businesses and leaders. Storytelling is at the heart of it all. Discovering what is noteworthy, asking the right questions (sometimes the difficult ones), and crafting compelling stories that resonate.

While the fundamental values and principles of storytelling remained unchanged over the years, digital has forever changed how we tell stories. New content consumption patterns mean there are more ways than ever before of telling stories. And that means continuous learning and adaptation.

Plus, digital encourages a prising of immediacy. Everything is live — real-time, always on. Many businesses make the mistake to see digital projects as quick-fixes rather than a fundamental driving force, so my mission is to change this mindset. I am here to guide them through their digital transformation and empower them to achieve their long-term vision and sustainable growth.

• What’s the bravest and boldest decision you’ve ever made for your career?

Firstly, taking the leap to moving abroad. Twice. At 23, I moved from Belgium to Ireland with just basic knowledge of the English language and a suitcase full of optimism. At 28, I left Europe and relocated to booming Asia.

Both in Dublin and in Singapore, I have experienced what it’s like to land in a foreign country, having to create new relationships and prove your worth. Both times, I secured a job in less than three weeks. This international experience gave me a widened, global perspective and fresh confidence.

Secondly, crafting a dream path for myself. At 32, I went beyond my comfort zone again, leaving the security of a well-paid corporate position for entrepreneurship. 

What is your journey to entrepreneurship like?

Launching my own business has been the most exciting rollercoaster ride. It has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, unexpected challenges, sacrifices, and rewards. But it’s an amazing journey and the excitement it holds is worth it.

As with parenting, no matter how much you prepare for the journey, or convince yourself you're ready for it, there is simply no substitute for actually doing it.

You’re probably one of the busiest multi-hyphenates we’ll ever meet. How do you juggle it all?

I love that I have the opportunity to be a woman of many hats. Although life can feel like a constant juggling act at times, I’m  committed to everything I do and try to live in the moment. There are 24 hours in a day, but I don’t let time get the better of me. I think the key is being clear on what your purpose in life is so that you can say yes to the things that matter to you, and more importantly, say no to the things that don’t. It’s all about prioritising and setting realistic expectations so you can maximise life.
No matter how busy I am, I always find ways to pause and ponder, to step back and unwind so I can recharge with positive, creative energy. By keeping my mind open to new perspectives, I make space to embrace new ideas and novel opportunities.

• As a woman leader, did you face any gender-specific issues in getting to the top?

At first glance, I am a bit of a digital darling or a chic geek on stilettos. However I don’t really see myself within the confines of a “woman entrepreneur” nor do I allow gender to become a determinant of my experience as an authentic leader with a seat at the table.

The stubborn gender and diversity gap in leadership roles, in tech even more so, is unfortunately still true. This is perhaps the biggest challenge of being a female entrepreneur: To consistently rise above gender-based expectations and biases, while embracing an unwavering dedication to being a great leader.

Authenticity is key. I don’t believe that we need to muscle our way up the career ladder though or pretend to be someone we’re not to earn respect. Instead, I focus on the value that I bring and how I can consistently perfect that. My track record does the rest of the convincing.

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• How do you empower aspiring female entrepreneurs?

I love that there is an increasingly stronger knowledge community of inspirational and high-achieving women, actively supporting each other and the entrepreneurial community.

I believe it’s never been a better time to be a (woman) leader. Technology-enabled accessibility means more flexible working hours and new opportunities to balance the demands of home and business. Digital is also a fertile ground for entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities, raise our voice and get heard.

Through my talks, consultancy services and media portfolio, I equip leaders of both genders with the right tools and knowledge to create the success they deserve and help build an innovative and inclusive business landscape that creates value into this world.

Tell us more about your book Shine: Digital Craftsmanship for Modern Luxury Brands. How do luxury brands hit that ‘digital sweet spot’?

My book provides a simple framework to overcome digital overwhelm and shine online. Any business can benefit from applying some of the digital principles contained in my book to increase their brand’s online desirability and offer a more polished and first-class user experience.

It is not a technical book, nor it is about providing a magic formula for digital success. However, its recommendations and insights will lead readers through the right digital mindset for sustainable business growth. Every business has its own path to becoming digitally successful, depending on its unique set of needs and priorities. But the fundamental attributes are the same.

My Shine model provides a simple set of prerequisites to adopting the right digital mindset. It’s a constellation that connects the five main components of digital marketing and puts your niche in the centre.

There are five key pillars that businesses need to hone their "digital sweet spot": Strategy, Holistic implementation, Intelligence, Nimbleness, and Engagement. In it, you'll find invaluable insights and lessons gained from years of experience in marketing, real life stories from clients and the digital industry. Jargon is kept to a minimum so information and analyses  are as relatable and timeless as possible.

• You also lend your expertise to brands as a consultant. Are there any success stories you can share with us?

I am purposefully selective, so I can immerse myself totally in my clients’ world with the same love, creative care and digital dedication as I do for my own businesses. This selective approach means I can proudly stand behind every ambitious project and brand I partner with.

I had the pleasure to accompany amazing brands in their journey towards digital relevance. I've designed and developed a website for KOHLER Design Awards that collected hundreds of submissions, supported International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) with  sensory content that helped them win new contracts and increased leads by 300 percent for Maserati through social media.

I am also very proud of the work behind Luxe Digital which we launched just over a year ago. Leveraging our expertise in content marketing and search engine optimisation (SEO), we grew the online magazine entirely organically. Our readership skyrocketed. The site won multiple industry awards for its clean design and modern user experience. Our business section has become prerequisite reading to MBAs curriculum of reputable Universities and Colleges. We have partnered with world-class industry and luxury lifestyle events that share the same vision for innovation for the future. For instance, Luxury Interactive in New York, to Unbound Bahrain, Baselworld, The Singapore Yacht Show, Monaco Top Marques and more.

• What’s next for you?

I'm planning an exciting expansion to the European market. Working in digital also means I am constantly innovating, rethinking and refining my approach. I’m always scanning for inspiration, and my head is always spinning with new ideas, some of which will be tested and launched.

The post Meet Florine Eppe Beauloye: The digital marketing wunderkind appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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