Tell us about your business.
SimPen Baker Ltd.
is a construction engineering company specialising in wall and floor
surface preparation and finishing. Our core product is actually epoxy
resin seamless flooring finishes for all types of residential,
commercial and industrial spaces.
What motivated you to go into business for self?
Always loved a challenge.
What roles do you play in the company?
I am very
versatile; my staff will tell you that at any point in time, I could be
found actually installing our floors on a client site with one of the
installation teams, out marketing our products, in the office grinding
through management processes or heading off out of the country
conducting our international liaisons.
Did you face much opposition before starting the business?
Yes I did! And I continue to face and conquer endless oppositions on all levels.
What is your educational background?
King’s College,
Lagos, for JSS and SSCE; BEng in mechanical engineering at University
of Sussex in Brighton and an MBA at Metropolitan University, London. I
also have an MSc in construction management and economics from the
University of Greenwich.
What are the upsides of running the show?
My vision is what is delivered, hence failure is not an option.
What challenges have you faced over time?
Startup challenges, financial constraints, government interference, inefficient labor and people’s resistance to change.
Ever thought of packing up in frustration?
In our dear
country, frustration is rife so yes, I consider packing up every day.
But remember that for me and SPB, failure is not an option.
What have you learned that they don’t teach in books?
Books and the
information they carry are a very powerful tool when it comes to
managing a business. As such I will not like to take anything away from
books and the many theories, analyses and strategies that they
prescribe. The only thing that can’t be taught in books is attitude.
What advice would you give potential entrepreneurs?
Go for it and give it all you’ve got.
