With over 40 years legacy of adding value and class to both individual and business communications, FAE Limited has built an excellent reputation based on producing highest quality envelopes made possible by perfectly blending current print technology, craftsmanship and engineering to ensure FAE remains number one envelope manufacturing company in Nigeria and indeed West Africa sub-region. But how sustainable is FAE Limited to ensure the legacies from three generations live on? WHERE To Print caught up with FAE Limited Chief Operating Officer – Mr. Adeleke Adeleye (son of current MD/ CEO – Princess ‘Layo Okeowo) who sheds light on the company’s ideals, core values, and beliefs that have rob off on the company’s performance which invariably ensures generational change possible. Excerpt from this Exclusive Interview are a must read as invaluable sample to business sustainability.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES BUSINESS SUCCESSFUL AND HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE THESE?
The success of a business is solely dependent on passion, commitment, perseverance and confidence. This can also be achieved by a high level of customer service orientation, total quality management and having highly qualified personnel that share in the same vision as you do.
YOURS HAVE BEEN A GENERATIONAL BUSINESS, WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS?
This is a business I grew up into; watching my grandmother and mother work tirelessly with so much passion in ensuring the continual growth of the business, Their passion and zeal sparked my interest and I further acquired more knowledge and experience in business to change the dynamics (of the business), to generate more revenue and take the business to another level of expertise.
The business still has so much futuristic prospect. There is serious room for expansion and I feel with my years of experience abroad, I can do a lot to expand the business. I am also a great believer in legacy and as the 3rd Generation of FAE Limited, I am highly motivated to move the company forward.
CAN YOU LET US KNOW SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED SO FAR AND HOW YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OVERCOME THEM?
Getting the right staff for the right position. Dealing with multiple governmental agencies. General infrastructural deficiency in the country. FOREX variation.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO SUSTAIN THIS?
Staff training is of great value to us at FAE. We have equipped our staff with all necessary skills to ensure seamless process in our day-to-day operations.
Some challenges can only be managed but when they are out of our control, with the help of bodies like Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), we are able to get the Government to listen most time to our plight.
SPECIFICALLY, WHAT DO YOU THINK KEEP YOU IN THIS PRINT BUSINESS AS TOP DECISION MAKER?
Profit, legacy, and passion.
ANY ADVICE FOR WOULD-BE MANAGER OF FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS?
Financial discipline. Critical thinking and analysation. Keep building your legacy.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS; WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE FROM COMPETITION?
Consistency of our high quality products, great marketing with excellent customer service and then, innovation.
HOW CAN YOU BUILD STAFF/CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP
Customer relationship management. Top of the mind awareness. Staff rewards. Loyalty programmes for customers.
AS A DYNAMIC INDUSTRY WITH DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES, HOW DO YOU THINK THE YOUNGER GENERATION CAN TAP INTO THE NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES NIGERIA PRESENTS?
The country is still developing and there are so many opportunities for the youth to tap into. With hardwork, consistency and discipline, they will achieve so much.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO WORK AND SUSTAIN CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH COLLEAGUES IN THE OFFICE/FACTORY ESPECIALLY KNOWING YOU AS NOT ONLY THEIR MANAGER/SUPERVISOR, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY AS SON/OWNER?
Attitude. Attitude. Attitude. Being a leader not a director. When they see me, the owner, doing the hard work, other staff do not have any choice than to fall in. Another important point is; knowing your onions.
ON A LIGHTER MOOD, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH STRESS?
I run…music in my ears for 5km, 3 times a week.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE DEBT IN BUSINESS?
Integrity matters a lot, I try to stick to the deadline and if we are exceeding the grace period, letters or mails have to be sent to the vendors.
AS A STAKEHOLDER IN THE INDUSTRY, WHAT HOPE CAN YOU GIVE WOULD-BE INVESTORS ESPECIALLY UP-COMING GENERATION ABOUT PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF PRINT BUSINESS IN NIGERIA?
Like every other industry, there are still big opportunities in the country yet to be tapped. We will always need things printed. Quality is our watchword!
THANKS FOR TALKING TO US…
It’s great having you!
