The journey of Keith “Chicoi” Gonzales is marked by incredible resilience and determination. With a diploma in IT, Chicoi recognized a gap in his town’s market for computer repair services in 2014. With just scrap wood, old tables, a borrowed laptop, and 600 pesos, he managed to build a thriving computer repair business. Despite the humble beginnings, he quickly gained customers.
Encouraged by this early success, he expanded his business, opening a second branch in Trece Martires City in 2016 and a third in 2018. From one computer, his venture grew to 150 units, making it one of the best e-sports hubs in town.
Just as he thought his success would continue, the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020. With strict lockdowns in place, people were not allowed to leave their homes, causing him to lose his customers and forcing him to close all his shops. Despite this, the bills kept coming, and he soon found himself deep in debt with no savings left.
With unwavering determination, Chicoi resolved not to give up. In November 2020, he embarked on a fresh journey by establishing Kuku Express Solutions Inc., a small delivery service. Utilizing his last bit of money, he purchased a pre-owned motorcycle, created a Facebook page, and commenced delivering items within Alfonso and Mendez.
Initially, all operations were handled manually via text messages, calls, and social media. He soon noticed that the majority of his delivery requests came from food merchants impacted by the closure of dine-in services due to the pandemic. Recognizing this need, he redirected his efforts towards helping these small businesses survive.
As Kuku Express grew, Chicoi could no longer operate his business alone and needed to hire more riders and admin help. The Kuku Express application was launched in September 2021, but by the end of the year, its usage was minimal. However, by 2022, they achieved significant success, generating over 3.4 million in sales for more than 180 food merchants and distributing almost 1 million in delivery fees to riders. Despite the growth, they were able to assist the food merchants, but little was left for their own business, as there were no charges for merchants, and the service fees were directed to the riders. While the business started functioning, it was not sustainable in the long run. Introducing charges posed challenges; merchant partners were hesitant to accept them, despite the financial assistance and services provided by Kuku Express.
In 2023, Chicoi found inspiration in the success stories of his peers who had participated in the KMME program by DTI. Encouraged by his wife, Ms. Gretchen Barredo, a DTI Cavite Mentor, Chicoi decided to enroll in the program, which proved to be a turning point for Kuku Express. Mentorship and training enabled Chicoi to demonstrate the value Kuku Express could provide to food merchants, leading to strategic partnerships. This guidance refined his marketing strategies, improved employee management, and strengthened merchant relationships. Following the program, Chicoi became a private partner of DTI Cavite. Through DTI Cavite’s webinars, Kuku Express gained exposure, reaching a wider audience and fostering a stronger network.
Today, Kuku Express has expanded its reach to 14 locations across Luzon, creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and serving numerous customers. Chicoi’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. His story exemplifies that with determination and the right support, it is possible to overcome obstacles. Chicoi’s message to DTI, “Dahil sa inyo nagbago ang tingin ko sa gobyerno. Ang inyong ahensya ang nagbukas ng pag-asa sa aming maliliit na negosyanteng Pilipino,” highlights the transformative impact of government programs on small Filipino entrepreneurs. ♦
Date of release: 05 August 2024