Building a Business Empire with my Technological System - Chapter 74 Looking for a Lease

74  Looking for a Lease

It was noon, and Michael found himself at Jollibee, the renowned fast-food chain in the Philippines. Located conveniently close to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower, it was the perfect spot for a quick meal, especially since he had skipped breakfast in the rush of the morning.

The restaurant was bustling with activity, a common sight given its popularity and the lunch hour rush. Michael made his way to the counter, scanning the menu briefly before placing his order. He opted for a classic meal—a Chickenjoy with rice and a side of gravy, paired with a soda. After receiving his order, Michael found a table near the window that had a view of the car park. There his eyes were on the RAM TRX 500. No matter how many times he had looked at it from different angles, the pickup was just beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Then before he could even take a bite from his juicy chickenjoy, his phone rang. Michael glanced at the name of the caller and it was Antoinette.

Michael quickly answered the call, balancing the phone between his shoulder and ear as he prepared to finally enjoy his meal. “This is Michael.” “Michael…I just read your message. Are you going to lease that office space at the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower? Why bother? I still have office space in my building, I can take you in.”

“It would be too much to impose, Antoinette. Plus, having our own space at the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower could offer SolaraTech more visibility and credibility, especially given its prime location,” Michael reasoned. “And I don’t want to rely on the investors too heavily at this stage. It’s important for SolaraTech to establish itself independently.”

“I get where you’re coming from, Michael. Just remember, the offer stands if you change your mind. It’s always good to have options,” Antoinette replied.

“Thanks, Antoinette. I’ll definitely keep it in mind,” Michael said, grateful for the offer and the flexibility it provided. “I’ll let you know what we decide after I check out the space. I’m going to end the call now,” Michael responded, ending the call. He finished his meal, gathered his things, and made his way out of the restaurant. Michael approached his RAM TRX 500 parked in the lot and hopped inside. The drive to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower was short, and as soon as he arrived, Michael was immediately stopped by the security guards. They used a mirror to check the underside of his vehicle, a standard security procedure for vehicles entering the premises of such an important financial institution. Michael understood the necessity of such measures and patiently waited for the security clearance.

After the security check, the guard knocked on his window, prompting Michael to pull it down.

“What’s the purpose of your visit?” The guard asked.

“I have an appointment with Servcorp, about the office leasing,” Michael responded, unlocking his phone to show the email confirmation of his appointment to the guard. The guard took a brief look at the screen, nodding in acknowledgment.

“Alright, Mr. Reyes. You’re cleared to go. Please proceed to the visitor parking on level B2, and you can take the elevators to the 12th floor for Servcorp offices,” the guard instructed, handing back the phone.

Michael thanked the guard and drove towards the designated parking area. After parking his RAM TRX 500, he made his way to the elevators. As he waited for the elevator to arrive, he imagined himself having his own skyscraper as the main office of his corporation. It has been far, but it’s still far from where he wants to be. Michael’s thoughts wandered as the elevator dinged, announcing its arrival at the lobby. Stepping inside, he pressed the button for the 12th floor, the doors closing with a soft whoosh.

Upon arrival, he was greeted by the receptionist at Servcorp, who confirmed his appointment and asked him to wait in a sleek, modern waiting area.

A few moments later, a well-dressed individual approached Michael, extending a hand in greeting. “Mr. Reyes, I’m Alex, your leasing consultant for today. Shall we discuss your requirements and how we can best accommodate SolaraTech here at the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower?”

“Yes…please show me around,” Michael responded, following Alex into the corridor. “We have several options that can cater to your needs, ranging from small executive suites to larger, open-plan offices. Each space is fully serviced and comes with high-speed internet, state-of-the-art telecommunication systems, and access to meeting rooms and business lounges,” Alex explained, showing Michael through a series of offices.

Michael was impressed by the sleek design and functionality of the spaces. Natural light flooded through large windows, offering stunning views of the city skyline. It would be a beautiful view at night. “Okay, I’m looking at about 50 to 100 people working in the office,” Michael began. “And there will be different departments, such as engineering, marketing, HR, and finance. We need a space that can accommodate these teams and provide areas for collaboration and private meetings.”

Alex nodded, understanding the scope of Michael’s requirements. “For a team of that size, I’d recommend our larger office configurations. They come with modular workspaces that can be customized to fit your team’s needs. Plus, we have several meeting rooms and conference facilities that you can book as needed.”

They continued the tour, with Alex showing Michael a specific office space that seemed to tick all the boxes. The office was spacious, with an open floor plan that could be divided into different work areas. There were also several small meeting rooms and a larger conference room, all equipped with the latest AV technology.

“What about the lease terms?” Michael inquired.

“We offer various lease terms, from short-term to multi-year leases. Given your situation, a flexible lease might be best. We can start with a one-year lease with an option to extend or expand, depending on how your company grows,” Alex suggested.

“That sounds like a plan,” Michael agreed, pleased with the proposition. “How much are we looking at in terms of costs?”

Alex pulled up a document on his tablet, outlining the pricing structure for the office space Michael was interested in. “Given the size and the amenities included, the monthly rent would be in the range of 1,312,500 pesos, which includes access to all common areas, utilities, and our IT infrastructure. Additionally, there are flexible options for adding more space or services based on your company’s growth.” “1,312,500 pesos for a year? Well, that’s not bad,” Michael said and continued. “Let’s proceed with the paperwork then.”

“Excellent choice, Mr. Reyes. I’ll prepare the lease agreement and give it to you later,” Alex responded, extending his hand for a handshake. Michael shook his. And the system notification popped up again, notifying him that the mission for finding an office was completed.