Why I chose to be a problem solver —Kolade

Michael Oluwaseun Kolade is a Nigerian serial entrepreneur and founder of KingsCab and Kings & Queens Place Fashion and Supermarkets. In this interview, he speaks on how young Nigerians can transform the country irrespective of the nation’s challenges.

You recently introduced carpooling as a solution to the challenge of high cost of transportation. What is the idea about?

I would say this is a divine calling for me. I have been so passionate about adding values to my immediate environment and the country. This has been my core goal and I have been able to achieve good results through all my initiatives and influence. As part of the effort to reduce the hardship faced as a result of the recent oil subsidy removal of the Federal Government, I came up with the idea of KingsCab Friendly Pool Trip Policy for Nigerians, most especially students, staff and the people of Ile-Ife, Osun State, in particular where our brand is mostly patronised. This concept will allow people to spend less on transportation as vehicles will convey people to their respective destinations, such as place of work, school etc. with comfort.

I have always believed in a better Nigeria and have been at the forefront of initiatives and ideas that will bring about the betterment of the people of this country. We are of the kind opinion that the removal of the subsidy by the Federal Government is a welcome idea, as it is already overdue. We are all aware of what the situation of the country has brought upon us. So, we are committed to look for every means to douse the tension and some unavoidable inconveniences people are facing.

How do you come about concepts like this?

I have grown to develop so many entrepreneurial skills through practical life experiences. Growing up, we were poor, and we couldn’t afford many things. I saw early in life that doing business and meeting the needs of people will quickly get me out of poverty and I started working towards it. I learnt so much from books, listening to tapes and attending seminars to develop myself. Going for marketing training and conferences even as a student. I know success in life and business is absolutely dependent on me and the choices I make especially early in life will determine how far I will go. I think I made the right choices by venturing into a series of businesses and gradually growing. When I graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 2010, I moved to town and started the clothing line that is known today as Kingsplace Boutique which is now worth several millions. And in July 2016, heaven smiled on me when I pioneered the idea of cab and car rental services in the whole of Osun State Nigeria. It was an innovation that brought me into limelight, massive business growth and prominence.

How has it been since you chose to become an entrepreneur?

I faced several challenges in the early stages of my business. Most especially when I started the clothing business in 2011. First was the issue of capital but I had a strong sales spirit and determination that made me conquer that. Other challenges include the issue of staff management, staff theft and conspiracy to steal. I had my shop broken by burglars three times while several goods were carted away. In 2015, I was robbed at gunpoint and my only car was stolen by armed robbers and I had to trek to places for a while. It has not been an easy journey, but God has been so faithful in all. My business has grown in leaps and bounds.

In recent times, I have grown and learnt a whole lot attending trainings, reading books and learning from many role models and mentors both from far and near and I believe I have majorly been able to overcome certain challenges and also been able to navigate through the new challenges. I have been able to manage people, especially staff in achieving a common goal.

How did you discover that transportation business was the way to go?

I started the transportation company in July 2016 when I discovered a vacuum, and a serious need for people to move around in a more unique, comfortable, safe, reliable and affordable way around town and outside the city, and all over the nation. I started with my own personal car, a Honda Civic 2013 model. People would see and be shocked that this could happen in the city of Ile-Ife. So, we started small and gradually started growing. KingsCab as the pioneer cab and car rental company in Osun State is what I always refer to as a marvelous and miraculous brand.

The growth was really enormous and fast because the gap we filled was already long overdue in the city. People loved the idea so much and we really enjoyed the favour of God and men.

Though we had some issues with the park managers and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Ooni of Ife swiftly moved in to help resolve the matter, emphasising that KingsCab is doing a different and unique initiative. We have since grown to being the biggest and the best cab and car rental service provider in the whole of South-West with so many cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and buses in our fleet. We also run the most reliable logistics services in Ife with offices in Ile-Ife, Osogbo, Ibadan, Ado Ekiti, Akure and Lagos.

What did it cost you to excel as an entrepreneur?

I started practical businesses of my own majorly to fend for myself when I got admission into OAU in 2003 as a diploma student. I did phone call business, sold recharge cards, scientific calculators, books, eggs and some other things. But I had my first shop in 2011 just before my NYSC service. I would say that I have been in business for about 20 years. The passion grew to the level that I am today. I have expanded my frontiers to include the KingsCab Transport and Logistics, Kings & Queens Place boutique and supermarket, Kings Capital Savings & Loans and Kings Apartments. I have over 40 staff members working with us actively and some are on contract, most especially the driving staff. I started from nothing to become what I am today.

What has been your major drive as an entrepreneur?

My motivation has always been to make positive impacts in people’s lives and make them better than I meet them. I love to meet needs. I love adding values to people’s lives in the most meaningful ways. My motivation is really solving problems and bringing unique solutions to the society. That is who I am and that is what I have always done. I am passionate about adding values to lives in the most innovative ways.

What is your advice for young entrepreneurs in a difficult economy?

It is not easy to run businesses or be an entrepreneur in Nigeria. Like a great man said: “Dreams are not what you see while you’re asleep, dreams are what keep you from sleeping.” Entrepreneurship is not easy at all; your brain has to keep working. You need to keep brainstorming, planning, executing and running the business regularly to see everything going on smoothly. It isn’t a child’s play. Meanwhile, you still have your personal life and family to cater for with several other things. However, with the right attitude, discipline, trainings, doggedness, enthusiasm and character, one can always come out successful.

No one will leave the space of greatness or success for you free of charge, you have to go for it. Nature abhors vacuum. Be determined to succeed but don’t be desperate. Be bold and confident but don’t be proud. Be strong and have great vision but don’t be arrogant. Have great dreams and aspirations but be realistic as regards starting small. Always remember that when the going gets tough, the tough has to get going. I have felt like giving up so many times but trust me it is a feeling. The reality is that once you remain committed and determined, success will be your destination. Finally, the God factor is important as no one can achieve greatness on his own, by his own and for his own.

Any aspiring entrepreneurs should be strong, creative, develop the right skills, start small and grow steadily. Stay focused, committed and consistent. Trust God and ask him for wisdom. Don’t take shortcuts so you won’t be cut short.

READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE