Recognizing the success and contributions to development of French nationals abroad, the French Senate presented the Trophy for Presence Abroad (Trophées Sénat de la presence française à l’étranger) last March 2008 to successful French nationals. Number one in the list is a French businessman who has garnered respect in the Philippine Oil and Gas Industry through his company Supply Oilfield Services, Inc. (S.O.S.).

S.O.S. is an integrated logistics company that has been around for 30 years.  From initially providing services to Oil and Gas, it has since expanded its services to different industries including mining, telecommunications, construction, and engineering, and even entertainment and film. 

According to Heussaff, being in the business for 30 years has not been always easy. Surviving the challenges required hard work as well as finding and taking advantage of opportunities for growth.

Heussaff explains: “Just like the Chinese, I always consider any challenge or crisis as an opportunity. With that positive outlook, continued hard work, and provision of quality service, our company was able to survive unstable political times. We’re even on top of the playing field.”

Heussaff started as a member of the French Navy at 16 exposed him to demanding responsibilities.  He again faced challenging conditions as a geophysical engineer. These experiences strengthened his work ethic and philosophy of dedication, professionalism and dynamism. It also helped develop the  values and principles that S.O.S. is founded on. 

 “Working as a geophysical engineer is living like a savage. I have learned how to be positive amid difficult times which is an attitude I still value as I manage S.O.S.,” Heussaff shares.

Being a foreigner did not hinder Heussaff from becoming a successful businessman in the Philippines. In fact, he did not have second thoughts in contributing to the development of the country. “I’m almost a Filipino. I’ve been living here for more than three decades. I’ve built my business here and more importantly my family.”

The French Senate Trophy for Presence Abroad Award was handed out by the President of ACCOR Group of Union of French Overseas, Gerard Pelisson together with Senators Joelle Garriaud Maylam and Andre Ferrand. Pelisson cited Heussaff as an example of Breton who has provided considerable contribution to the development of the Philippines. 

Video Caption: Video shows an extract from the Senate Awards for French Expatriates (from AFP)  that highlights the comprehensive work credentials of Louis Paul Heussaff.