DRAWSTEEL

Drawsteel is a company born out of passion and dedication. Founded in 2010 by Joannes Guinoo and Michelle Guinoo, its main focus was to supply quality steel fabrication drawings to fabricators abroad in the United States.

 

Joannes and Michelle, who were newly married at the time, had both graduated in Civil Engineering from Adamson University. They shared a profound interest in miscellaneous and structural steel detailing. Having worked in the industry for several years, they acquired valuable experience and extensive knowledge. Nonetheless, they identified a void in the market for meticulous and excellent quality steel fabrication drawings. Recognizing the opportunity to offer a service that was not only precise but also resourceful and cost-effective, they conceived the idea of creating Drawsteel.

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The initial months were filled with challenges. Joannes and Michelle had to work tirelessly to establish their business. With limited resources and funds, they had to rely on their own skills and determination to make it work. Nights turned into mornings as they poured themselves into their work, often sacrificing sleep and personal time. Drawsteel’s humble beginning started as a side hustle business since the couple didn’t have enough money then to hire steel detailers for the job. They had to work by themselves after their regular work hours. It became clear to Joannes and Michelle that they needed help to handle the increasing workload. With the revenue generated from their growing client base, they took a leap of faith and expanded their team. They hired trainees who showed promise and provided on-the-job training to groom them into skilled steel detailers. This not only eased their own workload but also helped create employment opportunities for aspiring engineers and drafters.

 

They worked round the clock to adapt to the time differences, ensuring prompt communication and meeting deadlines. The growth of the company meant facing new challenges and learning experiences. Joannes and Michelle realized the importance of having a strong and reliable team. They started hiring experienced steel detailers and engineers who brought with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Together, they built a team that not only shared their passion but also shared the same commitment to excellence. Drawsteel’s reputation for delivering high-quality steel fabrication drawings continued to grow. The company became known for its attention to detail, accuracy, and timely delivery. Their success was not only attributed to their technical skills but also to their strong work ethic and dedication to customer satisfaction. Today, Drawsteel stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication. From its humble beginnings as a side hustle, it has grown into a successful company serving clients globally. Joannes and Michelle’s journey has been a roller coaster ride, filled with challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs. However, their unwavering commitment to their craft has brought them to where they are now. Drawsteel’s story is a reminder that success is not achieved overnight. It requires hard work, perseverance, and the willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. It is a testament that passion and dedication can turn a dream into a reality - a reality that continues to shape the steel fabrication industry for the better.

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As the company grew, they realized the need to expand their team to accommodate the increasing workload. In the year 2013, Von Espinosa joined Drawsteel as the Vice President of Operations. With his strategic mindset and extensive knowledge of the industry, Von was able to streamline processes and optimize efficiency within the company. His addition to the team marked a turning point for Drawsteel, as they were now equipped to handle even larger projects and cater to a broader audience. His addition to the team brought a new wave of energy and enthusiasm, which further propelled Drawsteel’s growth. With Von’s guidance, Drawsteel began offering a full range of services in steel detailing and rebar scheduling, catering to US and Australian clients respectively. The company became a one-stop shop for all steel fabrication needs, providing a seamless experience for its customers.

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However, Joannes and Michelle  believed in giving back to the community and using their expertise to make a difference in the lives of those in need. This led them to establish Drawsteel Builders in 2018, aimed at serving local clients in the Philippines, particularly in the field of structural retrofitting. The founders recognized that the community was often faced with the threat of nature’s destructive forces, such as earthquakes, and they wanted to play a role in ensuring the safety and stability of structures in the region. 

 

Understanding the importance of having a capable leader to steer this new endeavor, the founders brought in Marzelle Gundran to head the structural retrofitting team. Marzelle’s expertise in this specialized field complemented Drawsteel’s existing knowledge, allowing them to tackle structural challenges head-on and provide much-needed solutions to their local clients. With Drawsteel Builders, Joannes and Michelle aimed to make a meaningful impact on their community. They realized that by retrofitting structures to withstand earthquakes, they could help save lives and protect the community from the devastating consequences of natural disasters. Their dedication to their cause and the quality of their work quickly established Drawsteel Builders as a trusted name in the Philippine construction industry.

 

Through the years, Drawsteel has remained steadfast in its commitment to excellence and its unwavering dedication to providing top-notch services to its clients. From supplying steel fabrication drawings to fabricators abroad to leading the charge in structural retrofitting in the Philippines, Drawsteel’s portfolio continues to grow and diversify. Joannes, Michelle, Von, and Marzelle continue to lead the company, ensuring that Drawsteel remains at the forefront of its industry. With every project they undertake, whether it be in the United States, Australia, or their very own homeland, they strive to exceed expectations and deliver results that go beyond the surface. As the years pass, Drawsteel’s true legacy lies not only in the structures they have helped create but also in the lives they have impacted. Through their unwavering commitment to quality and their determination to serve their community, Joannes, Michelle, Von, and Marzelle have built a company that transcends steel and concrete – they have built a company that builds dreams.

 

Looking ahead, Drawsteel aims to further expand its reach and continue to provide unparalleled services to its clients. They planned to explore new markets, collaborate with leading industry professionals, and stay at the forefront of technological advancements in steel fabrication and structural retrofitting. With their visionary leadership and a team of skilled professionals, Drawsteel was well-positioned to build upon their success and make an even greater impact in the years to come.