‘Doubt kills dreams fast’

   

 

Chief Executive Officer, Lepus Global Contractors, Lawal Oluwapelumi

The 29-year-old Chief Executive Officer of Lepus Global Contractors, Lawal Oluwapelumi, speaks with MOTUNRAYO JOEL on how to translate one’s dreams to reality

What is the focus of your business?

Lepus Global Contractors is an environmental interior and exterior beautification company. The interior part of our business focuses on corporate blinds while the exterior part focuses on landscaping designs and maintenance, supply of flower pots, supply and installation of artificial grass and environmental cleanup.

Did you study Interior Design at the university?

No, I studied Geography at the University of Lagos, although I have always had a special interest in environmental beautification.

When did you start your business?

I started the business on June 6, 2012.

Why did you venture into that type of business?

The major drive for me in this business is my passion for beauty. Prior to starting the business, I attended LEAP Africa in 2005 and carried out a project in my community called Save a Scavenger where I visited a slum area and started creating awareness on a clean environment. In 2008, I started a community project with my mum called Initiative for Clean Environment which focused on environmental cleanup in which we would go out voluntarily on sanitation day to clean up the streets and encourage people with songs and slogans to keep Lagos clean. After this, I developed a new love for the environment and tried to analyse the knowledge, attitude and perception of people to waste management. In my final year, my project was an analysis of Geography education in waste management.

After my National Youth Service Corps programme in 2010, the fear of unemployment set in and I had to begin a new life in the landscaping and beautification business.

How did you start the business?

I started this business with my brother in-law. The business was to start in Abuja but I decided to return to Lagos because it is a familiar terrain as advised by my mentor. I managed to open a small office and went out to showcase what I do but I realised I needed some job samples to convince people. So, I got little contracts here and there with reasonable charges, printed catalogues of the jobs I had done and the rest is history.

My first contract was to supply six flower pots with the installation of an artificial grass round a swimming pool measured at 17sqm; it was a small job but a rewarding future profile. It was challenging but fun. I loved every bit of it.

Did you ever have any doubt about the business?

I have never doubted its success. Doubts and fears are the first killers of dreams; they are the viruses that spread to other connecting potential of the human makeup.

Do you agree technology has positively changed the entrepreneurial environment?

Yes, of course. Technology is the future of any country; industries need it the way we need water to survive. One major aspect of technology that helped me most is the real time landscaping software that opened my eyes to the modern trends of landscaping designs and management.

Did you use social media to develop your client base?

Social media is a tool of contact. I remember posting a window blind picture on facebook with my phone number and a client made an order from Abuja immediately; I was thrilled. Social media has been of great help.  I exchange a lot of business contacts on my BlackBerry Messenger. Even on the World Environmental Day, I sent a broadcast via facebook and BBM and I received calls for future business; this has given me a great hope for the future.

What are the challenges you have faced so far?

Challenges are part of everyday business. They are movers of the wheel of success. The major challenge I face is in the area of getting the government to believe in me. I’ve applied for so many contracts concerning community landscaping. I keep writing proposals but I have not got any government job. I will continue to try. I don’t plan to give up anytime soon.

Another challenge is that people do not value landscapers in Nigeria. They regard them as flower people. But since I have my own brand with a unique business face, I tend to change the perception.

Reeducating people that landscaping isn’t like farming has been a challenge too. They think because we dig the ground and plant flowers; we are farmers, but they fail to realise that both hard-scapes and soft-scapes are involved. Nevertheless, I believe business is all about packaging. One has to package one’s service well in order to win clients, especially because a typical Nigerian will think of his  belly first before thinking of flowers to beautify his home.

How much profit do you make yearly on this business?

The profit of the business so far has been reinvested. By the end of the year, the potential will determine how much will be declared.

What measures have you put in place to stay ahead of your competitors?

I try to offer my best even when I get a little in return; I believe one day someone will appreciate it. Sometimes, I use up my resources just to ensure that my clients are satisfied. In August 2012, I landscaped and beautified a portion of the road along old Ota Road at Oke-odo community in Lagos with my own resources since this was a corporate social responsibility. This goodwill earned me a letter of recommendation from Lagos State Packs and Garden Agency through the state Ministry of Environment. This award has given me an edge over my competitors as I am recognised by this agency and eligible to a contract in the future and other green initiative projects of the future.

What makes you different from others in this business?

The difference is based on my creativity and unlimited passion for the green future as I can go to a great length to sow a seed for the environment.

What are some steps you took early on to become recognised?

The biggest step was the CSR I did at my community to boost my profile and create awareness for the public.

What advice will you give to people wishing to start their own business today?

My advice for people who want to start this type of business is that they should first understand their chosen industry and have a mentor that understands and has experience in the industry. They should also understand the various business principles. Most business principles are applicable in all industries. They should also start gradually, as a little drop of water becomes a mighty ocean. Though I haven’t reached my mighty ocean, I believe I’m on the way. Above all, they should believe in their dreams with a great faith in God.

What are your thoughts on entrepreneurship for young people, especially in an economy where jobs are hard to find?

Young people are the hope of the nation. The problem of unemployment is affecting our dreams. That’s the reason many young people with talents travel out of the country. Hence, the need for the government to give loans to young people who want to set up small and medium scale businesses. Also, youths should start thinking technically because not everyone is destined to get white collar jobs.