(L-R) ERA Chief Operating Officer Marcus Chu and District Division Director Chong Ban Long during a run.
Life as a commando was tough, but it made ERA team leader Chong Ban Long tougher. He shares how fitness and discipline have remained his formula for success.
By Romesh Navaratnarajah
Chong Ban Long, an ex-commando turned property agent, is a strong proponent of physical fitness.
The 44-year-old District Division Director at ERA Realty Network believes exercising has been the key to his success in work and life.
“Consistent exercising has provided me with the necessary strength and energy to manage my real estate career and family,” said Chong, who wakes up early each morning to work out, before attending meetings and training sessions to help improve the sales performance of his team.
“Exercising helps you to focus better. If you have problems with your property deals and cannot think straight, going for a run is best. After a run, you will get clarity and the answer to your problem,” he said.
He listed down several benefits of regular exercise, such as improved immune function and cardiovascular health, reduced stress and increased brainpower.
“As agents, we need to provide professional advice and suitable solutions for our customers. By improving overall performance, it helps with decision making, greater efficiency and learning,” he said.
Mission possible
Before making the switch to selling property in 1997, his job as a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commando meant working under severe mental and physical pressure to complete missions.
This included training to achieve the IPPT gold standard each year, completing the 72 km road march, and participating in the Rangers Course, which is considered one of the toughest courses in the SAF.
“These experiences helped me to discipline myself to persevere and deliver my best performance in real estate to achieve my goals,” he said.
He now looks to inspire his fellow teammates and colleagues to achieve a clear mind through fitness.
Fun and games
The fit father of three is the captain of ERA Running Club, which holds circuit training sessions at
the company’s headquarters at Mountbatten Square every Monday, and long runs of up to 10 km at East Coast Park every Thursday.
The ERA Running Club has more than 1,200 members and meets every week.
To date, more than 1,200 members have joined the running group, which was started by ERA’s Chief Operating Officer Marcus Chu in 2013.
Said Chong: “On average, we have around 15 to 20 members participating on a weekly basis, and their friends and family members occasionally join too.”
For ERA agents and staff who don’t like to run, the company also has cycling, golf and soccer clubs to encourage team building, which have attracted close to 450 members.
Family affair
Despite his busy schedule, Chong makes time to exercise with his family. “My wife always asks me to exercise with her at the gym on a regular basis,” he said. His sons, currently aged eight, 12 and 13, run with them occasionally. In fact, the two older boys managed to complete a 10 km run last year.
“Regardless of who you are, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle,” he noted.
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