Mark Legaspi, a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) turned entrepreneur, turned his low funds into a thriving business in Dubai. This inspiring journey began on a sweltering summer afternoon in 2006.
A Humble Beginning
Legaspi, then 27, parked his nearly out-of-gas car along Sheikh Zayed Road and decided to walk through the five-star hotel row to distribute brochures about his start-up audio visual company. With only AED50 in his pocket, he braved the heat to chase his dream.
“My plan was to go to Sheik Zayed (Road) and give copies of my company’s profile. But I only had AED50. My car’s gas tank was nearly empty and I didn’t want to spend that money on gas. What if I suddenly needed to treat someone for coffee or something?” Legaspi recalled.
After distributing brochures, he noticed construction activities behind a hotel and managed to join the group, leading him to meet the hotel club owner. This encounter landed him his first project, designing, supplying, and installing the hotel’s sound and lighting system.
Building Success
Now 44, Legaspi runs two merged audio visual companies, one of which has its own brand of equipment on the market. He also owns a music and content production studio and has partnered with an events and entertainment company as well as a nightclub.
Reflecting on his journey, Legaspi said, “My started my company with AED 50. When I finally decided that I will open my own AV company, I only had AED 50 in my pocket.”
Challenges and Support
Legaspi admitted that getting his first project was just the beginning. “It was the learning curve of the business. Knowing how to do the technical side is one thing. But you also have to deal with the accounts, permits, staff, marketing, suppliers, while looking for a client – the list goes on.”
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Legaspi is grateful for the support of his wife, who financed his breakthrough project, his mother, and a close friend who mentored him.
Business Expansion
After returning to the UAE in 2004 and working as a sales and design support executive, Legaspi launched Phoenix LAS in 2006. The company specializes in nightclub AV design, supply, integration, and maintenance.
In 2019, Legaspi acquired and transformed another AV company, Laser Jockey Electronics LLC, into a full-service outfit. The company now offers sound, lighting, pixel-mapped strips, and LED screen design, supply, installation, and rentals. They also distribute popular industry brands and manufacture their own show lights and LED screens.
“We are proud to have had projects at Expo 2020 Dubai pavilions in addition to many prominent nightclubs and events around the UAE,” Legaspi said.
Pursuing Passion
Before venturing into business, Legaspi worked various jobs, including as a fast-food worker, waiter, barback, bartender, and DJ/emcee in Manila. The idea of running his own business came from his realization of where he wanted to be.
“I started telling myself, ‘This (running his own company) is what I want to do for the rest of my life: lights and sounds. Where I get up in the morning, excited to go to work.’ I love what I do and I can see myself doing this day in and day out,” he said.
Musical Ventures
Legaspi’s love for lights, sounds, and music led him to become the vocalist for Gatilyo, Dubai’s first hard rock band signed by Warner Music Philippines. This experience inspired him to launch “The Box Studio,” a music production, label, and online platform for Dubai-based musicians.