The unprecedented pandemic has led to more than 5,000 MSMEs to close-shop as reported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).  Varda was one of those many businesses that were on the verge of closing down.  

The lockdown since March was a 180-degree turn for Varda as their CEO, Chris Guarin, was just getting ready to launch an aggressive campaign for franchise expansion. 70% of revenues are from its pilot branches in the universities and major malls in Metro Manila. When Varda had to stop its operations, it was time to start the process of filing for bankruptcy. While VARDA’s employees qualified for the government loss income assistance through SSS, it was simply not enough to sustain the daily needs of everyone.

“Citing pandemic and the government lockdowns are really an easy statement to tell your people that we are closing down indefinitely, and I was really sure they will understand it because we were really operating at a loss.”, Chris narrated.

But more than the financial losses, Chris was concerned about the employees, stakeholders, and partner vendors.  “It was different pala when you’re the CEO. How do I break the news to my 100 plus employees, which is also equivalent to 100 families who are dependent on their monthly wages and incentives?” Chris thought-bubble at the onset.

“I prayed a lot. I would go for days without sleep just thinking about these in the midst of an uncertain future. I thought of how I left my corporate career to build this because I believe in the brand vision.  And my family and friends believe that I can make it successful.  Varda, at its very core, is a good brand because of its products. Varda burger patties are so damn good! ”, Chris shared.

Chris decided that when he faced them, he should be delivering an honest to goodness position on the status of the company.

“I reminded myself that I was called sales and marketing Rockstar in my previous companies.  Hence, this  is the best time to prove once again that I can turn these massive challenges into opportunities.  I should be telling my team that in this extra ordinary time, we are going to do things extraordinarily well.” Chris said.

Amidst the lockdown, Varda pivoted to a total online store, re-opened their small office in Project 2 with limited operating hours, took-in orders from their social media accounts and started selling their frozen products to close friends and neighbors. Chris also sought help from his friends and former colleagues.

“I called up Muovere Veloce Consultancy Inc (MVCI) for sound advice on how to move forward.   MVCI has been my partner consultant to many of our projects since 2018.   It was easy to talk to your real allies, the engagement did not require much scoping; MVCI knew the situation and they understood how to go around the situation. From then on, we created an entirely new sales channel for Varda- community resellers.” Chris said.

From June to date, Varda activated close to 50 independent community-based resellers . Some of Varda employees leverage on the program and ventures on their entrepreneurial journey.  Varda has received inquiries beyond Metro Manila and now has appointed resellers as far as Pangasinan up north and Batangas in the south.

“While we are still far from our usual monthly income, I can humbly say that we did not let this pandemic kill us.  We are consistently finding ways to serve our loyal patrons as we rise above the challenges with our good products and dedicated employees.  It is also heartwarming to see how Varda has provided a source of income to the resellers despite these trying times.” Chris added.

When asked about how Chris was able to turnaround his business in the face of a pandemic – “I thought about my parents.   Though I lost them at the age of 19, they modeled how to be a fighter.  I believe that when you are confronted by a major setback, it is just a temporary pause to help you prepare for your greatest comeback. So bring it on, pandemic. We will fight and do whatever it takes to get where we want to be. As Varda celebrates its 4^th year in the business, though we are not there yet, we know that we will get there right.” Chris said in closing.

Order your favorite Varda Flame Grill burger patties, longganisa, hotdogs, bacon, and Christmas ham on Facebook or find them on Grabfood. Varda is also open for reseller engagement, interested individuals can contact (02) 794-615-22. Follow Chris Varda Guarin on his Youtube and Facebook accounts.