Giovanni “Jing” Olivares didn’t grow up in real estate. In fact, his journey began in a totally different field — pest control. But with a sharp eye for opportunity and a mindset wired for learning, he eventually built a housing business that has delivered over 25,000 homes across the Philippines.
In 1986, Olivares made the jump into housing development. “I bought land and started selling socialized housing,” he says. Back then, a house could sell for just ₱120,000. It wasn’t a flashy start, but it was enough to get his foot in the door. “Somewhere along the line, I started to learn how to come up with beautiful houses.”
From pest control to property development
While working in termite-proofing, Olivares had to study floor plans and foundations. He started to understand how buildings came together, long before he ever poured concrete. That hands-on experience would become his unexpected foundation in construction.
Scaling smart — not just fast
When he transitioned into building full-time, he wasn’t afraid to admit what he didn’t know. “I didn’t know how to do roads and infrastructure, but I had a good engineer who taught me,” he says. He focused on hiring people who complemented his strengths — a move that allowed him to grow without burning out.
Borrowing millions at 37 — and managing it wisely
By his late 30s, Olivares was already securing multimillion-peso loans — despite sky-high interest rates of 30%. His strategy was simple but disciplined: treat borrowing as a cash flow challenge and always maintain reserves. “I always made sure I had enough cash to pay the bank for the next six months, including interest,” he says.
A career built on grit, learning, and relationships
Olivares believes real estate success comes down to three things: capital, a strong organization, and good relationships with local governments. “Housing is not easy,” he says — but if you’re driven, prepared, and adaptable, you can build something that lasts.
This article includes quotes from an interview originally published by Esquire Philippines, authored by Henry Ong.
