Running Like Clockwork
If you’re as obsessed with luxury timepieces as we are, you’ll love the inside scoop from Cortina’s COO Jeremy Lim on what it’s really like to run one of Asia’s most glamorous companies.
_________________
ASIA DREAMS: As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Cortina Watch, what does a typical working day look like for you?
Mr Lim: A typical day usually involves meetings with my staff from various departments. Firstly I would meet with my Operations Sales team, to review and analyse sales reports, then I would meet with HR to discuss any staff issues and challenges. I also look at marketing campaigns and new campaigns from third parties which the company will be partnering with.
Additionally, I meet with key brand partners to discuss plans for future expansions in other markets as well as meeting with other stakeholders to discuss matters on a strategic level.
ASIA DREAMS: Cortina Watch is a leading watch retailer and distributor in Asia with over 50 internationally renowned brands. In your opinion, what has been the key to its success?
Mr Lim: Innovation and keeping up with the consumers’ needs would be some of the factors leading to what we have established today. Cortina Watch was the first retailer in Singapore to come up with the concept of ‘Espace’ which won the Best Retail Concept. This concept allows brands to have their distinct identity housed within the boutique and it has since been replicated in the Malaysia and Thailand Cortina Watch Boutiques. Apart from this, our Sales Associates are constantly updated with the latest collections and trends in the market to attend to our customers’ queries.
ASIA DREAMS: Cortina Watch currently operates more than 25 outlets across six different countries in Asia. What differentiates Cortina Watch from other watch retailers?
Mr Lim: We have been in the industry for 42 years now and have established ourselves as a well-known retailer in the luxury timepiece segment. With our attention to personalised customer service, a lot of our customers are repeat customers who have introduced their family and generations to us. Our customers know that we are a brand which is well trusted in the business. The founder and CEO of Cortina Watch, Mr Anthony Lim, still attends to his customers today and his passion is evident in the way he treats his customers.
ASIA DREAMS: The founder of Cortina Watch, Mr Anthony Lim, is actually your father. How have you seen the company grow over the years and what have been its limitations, if any?
Mr Lim: Our very first shop was one located in Singapore’s business district and it was a small shop that carried a few brands. Over the years, Cortina Watch expanded its business to over six countries in the region with over 25 boutiques. We have seen many challenges on our path, like the Asian Financial Crisis and SARS a few years ago, however, we have been resilient and managed to tide these through.
ASIA DREAMS: As an accomplished businessman yourself, what do you think it takes to reach the top of your career ladder?
Mr Lim: Education, training and having the right attitude and network would be the factors that I believe mostly affect one’s career in life.
ASIA DREAMS: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey to success?
Mr Lim: Seeing our company grow from strength to strength over the years and developing our brand as a well-trusted luxury timepiece retailer in the industry.
ASIA DREAMS: And how about the most challenging?
Mr Lim: To constantly work with changing market conditions. For example, to find solutions to manpower shortages is a challenge many retailers face in Singapore due to the labour workforce situation.
ASIA DREAMS: You travel the world representing Cortina Watch – which country is your favourite to visit and why?
Mr Lim: It has to be Switzerland. As it is where timepieces are manufactured and it is always an inspiration to meet with the watchmakers and have them share the latest designs and collections.
ASIA DREAMS: So what makes a great business destination to you?
Mr Lim: Somewhere where there is great dining and offers a great nightlife scene, supported with good transport. After a busy workday, it is always nice to wind down with a nice meal and a glass of wine.
ASIA DREAMS: And finally, do you have any tips for budding businessmen out there?
Mr Lim: To know your consumers and business environment. Always keep up to date with the latest trends in your industry and constantly attend training programmes that will help you stay ahead of the pack.
