Meet Akomolafe Isaac Oladayo, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of business acumen. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, Akomolafe’s journey from a self-taught internet marketer to the Operating Officer of PLASTIC PLACE is a testament to his relentless drive and digital prowess.
With a passion for innovation and more than 15 years of entrepreneurship under his belt, he’s steering PLASTIC PLACE into new frontiers, blending traditional business values with cutting-edge digital strategies.
Can you describe the key factors that motivated you to start your own business at such a young age, and how you have sustained it for over 15 years?
It’s actually a family business, and from a young age, out of the five children, I have been the most directly involved with its day-to-day activities. It became more of a hobby and a life-sustaining venture for me. What has sustained it is dedication and the awareness that people rely on our products daily.
With 25 years of business experience, what are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
The most significant challenges have been changing locations and managing finances. I overcame these by maintaining constant communication with customers and relocating closer to the previous location to retain loyal customers. Financially, I relied primarily on family loans.
As the Operating Officer of PLASTIC PLACE, what strategies have you implemented to ensure the company’s growth and success in a competitive market?
The most effective strategy has been engaging in online marketing and promotion. Unlike many plastic distributors, we have established a strong online presence.
How do you balance your roles in operations management and strategic planning within your organization?
As it’s a family business controlled solely by me, it has been relatively easy to balance these roles. The computerized accessibility of business operations also helps streamline the process.
Can you share a specific instance where your leadership directly contributed to a major milestone or turnaround for PLASTIC PLACE?
I am in charge of online marketing and leverage my personal social media handles to drive sales and visibility, both within Nigeria and globally.
How have government policies affected your business, especially in recent times?
Government policies have been about 30% favourable and 70% negative. For example, import duties affect the prices of raw materials, increasing interest rates discourage borrowing and business expansions, and there are strict plastic waste disposal policies.
In your role as Operations Manager, how do you ensure efficient team coordination and productivity?
Ensuring team coordination involves making sure every team member is active in their respective roles, including storekeepers, sales representatives, accountants, and customer relations personnel.
What systems or processes have you put in place to streamline operations at PLASTIC PLACE?
We created a WhatsApp group for seamless communication between customers and the office, facilitating real-time ordering for both online and offline customers. Additionally, we provide a delivery cart for customers who cannot pick up their goods in person.
Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a significant operational issue and the steps you took to address it?
Damaged goods have been a significant challenge. We enforce proper checking of goods before orders are picked up and offer free delivery, which has improved customer experience and patronage.
How do you measure and evaluate the performance of your operations to ensure continuous improvement?
We use weekly sales reports and customer feedback, along with worker appraisals, to encourage hard work and productivity
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment to date, and why?
My greatest accomplishment has been making the business visible and active on all major social media platforms, including TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Google Business.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals for both your career, and what advice would you give to a potential entrepreneur?
My future goal for the business is to start producing our own products, such as disposable packs. My advice to potential entrepreneurs is to focus on business growth, sustainability, and accessibility rather than monetary gain. Entrepreneurship is a long-term commitment and journey.
