"Humility & Respect go a Long Way Building any Business" | Exclusive with Hafeez Virani

Thank you very much for your time >> and uh it's my pleasure. >> Glad to have you here this morning. A maybe even before we start and before we get to the conversation about branding and also talking about how you can make your brand stand out there maybe give a little test to the audience maybe they have not even tried your snack maybe what's the experience mostly what the company does and how how he runs all the things. So basically the flying snack company is a snack manufacturing company >> and uh we produce corn snacks. >> We produce potato crisps >> and a variety of products. We've got several which are wellnown such as uh cuckoo which is a popular one of the first chicken flavored snacks for the general trade. >> We've got snack pop which is the first snack in Kenya with a free lollipop inside >> for only 10 shillings. Uh for only 10 shillings and there's pretty as well. >> Mhm. >> Which is a new launch that we launched about 3 months ago >> which is also targeted at the general trade for only 10 shillings. There's a variety of lovely flavors and our crisps as well. You can find them in the modern trade. They're very much available. >> Mhm. >> Yes. >> Amazing. Amazing. We like even to try some of those snacks. But now talking about Af Virani. Who is Af Virani? Before viewers out there wondering who is this guy I'm seeing on television who's talking about having the the flying snack company. So who is Af Virani? >> Hafi Virani. Hafi Virani is a slave of God first of all >> a manufacturer and a sportsman. >> Mhm. >> Yes. >> Sportsman. Talking about sports. I'm a really big fan of sports. Which team do you support? I'm a manufactur [laughter] making your brand stand out there. Maybe before we start, you started you chose the name flying snack. What really was the m motivation behind the name flying snack? >> So the motivation behind the name flying snack you know where a few directors in the company a few founders >> basically it was to correlate the name the flying snack with our brand and our main brand is called pilot. >> Ah >> yeshu >> the moto or the quote is dream big fly high with pilot snacks. Mhm. >> So it all has to do with flying >> basically. It also comes in the case that we're trying to empower people. >> Mhm. >> You know, dream big, fly high. >> Fly high. Yes. Mhm. Now, maybe what can you say about now choosing a name before you even started a business? What's the importance of having a name that even stands out there which is unique for for the people to hear cuz not a lot of people have gotten even the motor itself. Dream big, fly, fly high. Even the name pilot was snacking. Even the name flying snack which is something unique. What what can you say the importance of having a name that stands out there when you starting a business? >> No, it's uh it's very important to have a a name that stands out because even when you approach new customers and they hear something different, they get excited about it, you know. And I always go back to um when I was starting the journey >> and actually had a mentor at the time cuz it was a very hard time for me as a starting entrepreneur. >> Mhm. >> So um he always used to call in he used to check up and he used to say hi how's it going? Is the flying snack flying yet or not? [laughter] >> So I used to say we're we're still going. We're still going. >> You're still pumping. [laughter] So name a creative name is very important in this in this time >> as you know it's a very highly competitive environment nowadays. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> Kitambo. >> It's not like before. >> Yeah. Everybody now is a business owner really. >> Exactly. >> And people are starting every day you know um people are more industrious nowadays. Competition is very high. >> Mhm. >> So you have to stand up. Whatever you do you have to stand You have to make a difference when you compared to other people now in 21 when you started now the flying snack company. How was the experience? What really motivated you behind and saying okay the cuz in the industry that you are in the snacking industry I think there's a lot of big players but you said I can also be one of them. I can also I can also start my own thing cuz I'm seeing a gap here. What really what the motivation behind all that? So I can say with all honesty the start was one of the most difficult periods in my life. >> I you know I really marketed that product. I pushed the product. I visited distributors early in the morning. >> I used to go and visit them push the teams you know focus on the merchandising. There's a lot of work that goes into it. >> Of course the goal was simple. Mhm. >> My nature is not the nature of someone to give up >> and I never give up >> and that's how we reached this far. >> Of course with my amazing team and our directors without their support we we would have not reached here. >> Yeah. >> So the team morale is very important you know to have respect for your team for them to have respect for the company as well, >> love for the company, >> passion for the company but that all comes with how you treat them. You see, >> if you treat people well, they will treat your company well. >> And the directors of course the funding was I mean we were able to fund it for some time >> until >> it was on its feet. >> Yeah. Now did you start maybe which which product did you start with? >> We started with corn puffs as well but uh we had no experience in the market. >> Um our you know my family background experience is in a totally different sector. It's not in food. >> So it was a first time [clears throat] >> new new new new new thing that you exploring. >> Exactly. It was totally different. The market was different. The customers were different. >> We had to go on the ground and get our feet dirty, bro. In other words, like properly. >> Mhm. >> And that's how we built the brand. >> Is still the same team that you started with that you are with? >> Many many of them are. Of course, many of them left as well, but there is a few people who are still with us. >> Mhm. and uh they've grown, man. And that's one of the the most beautiful things to see >> to see someone starting. I mean, I've got one of uh the people in the factory, >> our production manager. He started as a casual >> and today he's the production manager. >> Manager. Mhm. >> So that's >> all step by step. >> Exactly. That's one of the wonderful things to see as a as an entrepreneur, someone growing. >> Mhm. >> You know, um knowledge wise and also financially. >> Mhm. >> You know, it it gives you joy. Mhm. >> And to see the number of employees >> Yeah. getting bigger and bigger and bigger. >> Exactly. >> As a wise man said, um you know, the real um pride is not wearing a Rolex. >> It's to know that 100 people are surviving from your business or eating you're feeding 100 people from your business. That's the real pride >> in entrepreneurship. >> Yeah. Exactly. I think that's the best way to put it. But now I'm just looking at some you starting a company, a snacking company. there must be that that product that has that that was popular [clears throat] with the people so that can make you to that level that has even grown to a bigger company. So what was that product that okay I like this this about flying snack >> you know we had several chapters because the market is very volatile especially in the FMCG sector >> every year it's changing >> people are coming with new products so we had chapters >> the first uh chapter was the pilot rings which did well for some time >> then you know it it paused for a bit then there was the flying cheetah which did well for some time. >> So there were different chapters. There was snack pop which also did well for some you know it's still doing well I can say >> and the cuckoo as well built a huge name especially in the coastal region. >> Mhm. >> So there's different chapters when you're doing manufacturing. The most important [clears throat] thing is that you have to keep innovating. As soon as you pause >> someone takes your space. >> Mhm. >> You always have to be on top of your game. >> Mhm. >> It's a continuous process. >> It's a continual process. And I think that's why you are recognized after all these years you got recognized even for the brand and also 26 you have recognized for the best packaging and design. What really behind that packaging and design that makes you stand out even compared to the other brands. >> We have won the best packaging and design award across the whole FMCG category by the way. It's not just snacks for two years in a row. Mhm. >> What I can say goes behind it is uh definitely our designer. >> Mhm. >> Who's a very talented uh gentleman >> but as well it's the creativity that we share. >> Yeah. >> We I personally work on the designs with him. >> Mhm. >> So there's a lot of work that goes into it. It takes about 3 to four months to create one design. >> Mhm. >> You know four months. >> Yes. just just the creativity exchanging ideas seeing how it can catch the customer's attention and the target demographic. >> Mhm. >> Yes. >> Now with the the use of AI because we are speaking about technology do you think you can also inter interrogate it in your business maybe in the times in terms of um maybe creating the posters or even creating some of those type of uh I think they think the the the covers for the for the snacks. Do you think you're using it or you you're just preferring to go the old type of old school way? >> Bro, you know, we have two choices in life. >> Either we adapt or we get left behind. >> Yeah. True. True. >> So AI is is that type of uh you know uh tool. >> Mhm. >> Either we have to adapt to it or we will be left behind. So definitely we are adopting AI. >> Mhm. Uh, I mean maybe not at a huge scale, but we're learning more about it as it goes and we're adopting it as it goes. It definitely helps me on my daily basis tasks. >> Mhm. >> You know, writing emails, >> uh, creating posters, >> different different things that make your life a lot easier because that's a lot of work. >> Mhm. >> And it's expensive as well. I mean, to to to do all of those tasks, right? Mhm. >> Which is unfortunate because some people also >> Mhm. >> you know in the future employment will become less relevant when AI is so >> Yeah. >> You know >> it will of course take over some some of some of the job markets but just now coming back now to to to packaging and also designing packaging cuz I've never been exposed to to any of those companies. I've never seen the process of the packaging and also the designing. So you have said it takes about 3 to four months. So just want to get to know the process apart from now uh developing the ideas and sharing it to your designer. So what other process are there so that you can reach a level where we find it in the you know in local supermarkets and local mini markets and also know local dukas. >> So basically um what you're referring to is the distribution right how it reaches the final consumer. >> So let's start with the manufacturing process. It's manufactured in the in the factory at the highest you know quality standards. Mhm. >> Um after it's manufactured at the factory, >> it either goes to the general trade or the modern trade. The general trade is um basically the the the local ducas, the kiosks. >> And the modern trade is now the high tier supermarkets. So the likes of caraphor, nas, quick mart, you know, >> all of the famous supermarkets. So our main business is the general trade >> and that's where we have been able to to build our brand. >> Mhm. >> So basically we've got distributors across the country. >> Across the country. >> Yes. >> Uhhuh. >> And um they are our biggest supporters. >> Mhm. >> So we we transport the goods to the distributor. >> Mhm. >> The distributor transports the goods to the they they sell the goods to the wholesaler. >> The wholesaler sells goods to the retailer. Uh-huh. >> And then the final consumer is able to enjoy the products. >> Uh-huh. So it's like a whole process of from the company to the the wholesalers now to the local retailers now to the customer. So So I'm just just want to get to know about maybe a customer who wants to to buy directly from the company. Is there a process you must have to to buy in a wool scale? >> Anyone is welcome to buy. >> Of course you know the price um concern is always important. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> you know, you have to monitor the prices in the market. >> You can be selling to someone who has ordered 100 bells the same price you're selling to someone who has ordered a 40ft container. Right. >> True. Sure. True. Mhm. >> So, we're very keen on the price structures >> because that keeps the brand alive. >> Mhm. >> You know, the price as well >> cuz if some customers are getting at a lower price and others are getting at a higher price and they're ordering the same quantity, then it's unfair. Mhm. >> So anyone is is um you know is welcome >> to to our factory in in Babado to purchase the product >> and um we will give them a fair price >> and as they grow the volume their profits will grow >> of course >> because their volumes will become bigger and their price will become lower >> and that's how they can enjoy further profits. >> Mhm. Now as a founder cuz I'm really looking at the distribution process. I think is a way a lot of work even for just imagine it across the country cuz you have to to see from the company that the local even the local supermarkets even the big supermarkets like the likes of quick mouse the like of neas so how do you get to control all that and also how do you get to to know what's really happening on this part of this of the company and also what really happen in the other part of the company >> look um in terms of the distribution I would say the most challenging aspect is the logistics you know transporting uh goods especially far away [clears throat] it's very >> tiring. >> Mhm. >> But um the best thing is to >> have you know outsource companies who assist you to do you know to transport having outsource companies to do different tasks >> because if you put it all on your plate you will get overwhelmed especially in the nature of business that we're in. >> Yeah. Because there's so many strainous processes in the business, bro. Starting with the manufacturing, you know, manufacturing is a game on its own. >> Yeah. >> Making the product, making sure the quality is is up to standard continuously >> because one complaint or two complaints can really, you know, it can have a >> it can really have an effect on your business. >> So all these SOPs are in place of course for the for the internal um work. >> Mhm. And um we've got our partners who help us with with the rest like the distribution and things. >> Now uh when you started of course it was a small scale not that that big of a company but right now it's 5 years down the line you've now become to one of the biggest companies. Now what what can you say is the difference that you have noticed from when you started in terms of distribution when you started and now as a big company in terms of distribution. What can you say is the bigger difference that you have noted in between? I mean as you grow you get more respect from your suppliers. That's for sure. You know when you're when you're starting >> that respect is not really there. You have to build it. >> You have even to to talk to them so that they can buy the product. >> Exactly. And um in terms of the distributors themselves, it's a very simple philosophy. >> You have to focus on your brand first. Definitely the distributors are so important >> in in reaching the consumer. Mhm. >> But if your product is not good, >> then even a even if it's the biggest distributor in Kenya, >> they will not sell your product and they will return your stock. >> True. >> And that's one of the most painful things >> when your product goes out and it comes back in. >> Mhm. [laughter] >> You know, it's >> I can just imagine the pain that you can you can >> It's painful, bro. >> So, I've experienced it. You know our first brand it flopped >> and that was the most challenging thing >> the challenging part about the journey. >> We introduced a brand >> with a different mentality and it flopped. >> Mhm. >> And I had to personally go to all the distributors, all the wholesalers and the customers and reconvince them now that we've changed the brand. >> We are trying something different. >> It's different now. We've [clears throat] improved our flavors. We've improved our quality. It was such a strainous process. So when you're getting into a business, what I can say is just make sure in the initial stages you study the business first. >> Study your competition very well. Study your market very well. >> Mhm. >> And make sure your product is outstanding from the others and has a unique selling point. >> Yeah. >> Don't just go as a copycat. How long can you survive as a copycat, bro? >> Yeah. True, true, true. And that's the things that the best part of of owning a business when you try to even when you stand out to be different because uh copying what other person is doing or what another business is doing of course your business will flop eventually it will flop. Now you've mentioned something about understanding your market. I think that's a strong point with the now digital with the new digital spaces with the likes of Tik Tok with the likes of Instagram all that where you can even market your your your goods or your services what you are offering to the people I think um it has created can I say easier way for the for businesses even to to to sell their products but for you uh I can see you are recognized in 2026 in uh digital was it digital yeah best digital product launch in Maybe what can you say about what have you experienced your experience with the digital spaces like a Tik Tok? >> No, I mean social media is amazing. >> It has two sides of the coin as well. It can be amazing. It can be also detrimental at times but we thank God that we've we've experienced the good side of social media >> which has helped us to promote our brand. M >> we've been able to promote our brand to the extent that um even before we visit customers they recognize us and that's an amazing feeling. I normally see you on my social media. [clears throat] >> So they say, "Oh, you >> that's the best feeling actually when your pilot snacks, you know, I've seen your videos on Tik Tok, >> the cuckoo video. You should check it out after." So >> it it helps you in marketing the product because when you're visiting a new customer, you need some leverage. >> It's not just your sales skills alone. Definitely sales skills are important, >> but you also need some leverage [clears throat] >> in order to convince them. Mhm. True, true, true. Because now you need to you need to have the way you mentioned a unique selling point. Cannot just go on social media and tell everybody you need to buy a product. But they might ask what are you offering differently? But now I just want to get your experience on social media apart from uh now uh now on ground experiences where people meet you and say okay I normally see on my social media page or I normally see on my Tik Tok I normally see on my Instagram but now on about customer feedback in >> definitely very important on customer feedback because social media is very honest. >> There's no filter broccally honestly. >> Exactly. You know, when you're face to face with someone, they might have some filters with you, but social media, you've never met the person. You don't know the person. >> You cannot even see the the the profile picture. So, they can just say anything they want. >> Maybe it's someone in Oyis or Migori or Kitoui and they don't know anything about you. They will have no filter. >> So, they'll say the truth >> and the brutal truth is very important, bro. Sometimes we we need to improve. >> There is things that we need to improve in the business. So definitely customer feedback is is very advantageous on social media that you get the real customer feedback. >> Yeah. You get the real uh the real response from the people. Exactly. So uh maybe have you ever received maybe have you ever seen those type of uh customer feedback or those type of comments from people who have tried your your flavors and maybe both positive and also some negatives. Definitely we've [clears throat] received both feedbacks >> and um you know we've got our SOP also in place >> that um when we receive a positive feedback of course we reward the team. >> Mhm. >> For for their good work >> because that's very important for morale >> cuz in Kenya receiving a positive thing in a social media is very rare. >> Exactly. >> And the negative feedback of course it goes back there as well. [laughter] If if there's something wrong with the product it goes a little bit. Yeah. >> And we work on it immediately. >> Mhm. >> Because uh standard is very important. You have to maintain your standard in manufacturing >> and that's what builds your reputation. >> Mhm. >> If you can build your standard and help you know uh it's consistent. Yeah. >> That's what builds your reputation. A mentor of mine shared that with me as well >> and that's a good a good way. Now about now building a standard maybe a good reputation. You mentioned something about when you started uh there was those complaints. I think you mentioned receives negative because of some of the flavors. So I just want to get to know how do you balance maybe making a good flavor snack and also it being a quality snack as well. >> Look flavor you have you know in terms of flavor and stuff you have to study the market that you're catering to which was what we failed. to you know we we imported flavors that were not suitable for our our our market. >> Mhm. >> So we studied the market and we studied what is their taste preference. >> Mhm. >> And you know the funny thing is different regions have different taste preferences. Bro Kenya is very diverse. >> Yeah. There's people who like like things salty. There's people who like things sugary. There's people who like a mix of both. >> True. >> Mhm. So Kenya is so diverse when you look at it from a outer perspective. Our customer in Machakos and our customer in Kisumu they have two different preferences bro completely. >> Our customer in Mombasa has a totally different preference. >> Mhm. >> So you have to also you know um study it and explore. That's all I can say. >> Know the region that you are going to send the product to. >> Yes. cuz I think they vary from one region to another region in terms of flavor. That's just where you're putting it. >> Kenya is very diverse. >> Mhm. >> Although we're all Kenyan, >> there is a lot of diversity. >> The preies. >> Yes. There's different preferences in different regions. >> So that you will see as you as you go with your journey, you know. >> So it's a whole journey and also to in order to come to a place where you understand every customer, every bit of the customer that you have. This is a whole journey. Now getting back to the the award that you got the best digital product launch in 226 maybe what was behind all that uh so that you can go to the way to the level that you got that uh recogniz recognition. >> So it's all about creativity and and working with people with the same vision and and purpose bro and the the best interest of the company at heart >> and young young you know young people. One of the the great things about our company is that we're a young team. >> Mhm. >> You know, many people have stepped into the company and and also met me and they're like, "Hey, you know, like this guy is young." >> Mhm. >> For to be a founder of It's not a huge industry, but it's a growing industry. >> Yeah. It's still an industry we can distribute throughout the across the country. Still a big industry. >> Exactly. So >> they get surprised about how young our team is and that's what one of our advantages because we're able to connect directly with our target consumer. >> Mhm. >> You know the Gen Z's, the millennials, etc. >> Mhm. >> And um most of the other people were competing with >> Mhm. >> I mean the founders are Muz bro. [laughter] >> Maybe their sons are taking over it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But um you know it's a different >> it's a different I'm getting the point. But what can you say? Can you say maybe having a lot of young young people in your company is a way is a is a good thing. So is the secret behind the success of a country of the of the company cuz uh there's a person I was talking with and I was mentioning something about or Jenzine working with Jenz can be tiresome can be uh they they are lazy they don't like to work but I believe that if you give the gen the better a good working environment and also show them what they what they what to work on I think they do a better job >> definitely I mean >> at the heart of everything as I mentioned It's all about respect, bro. >> Kenya is based on respect and >> you respect everyone. You treat people the way they're supposed to be treated and you treat them fairly. >> Mhm. >> So that's the core of everything. If you're, you know, someone disrespectful or, you know, not with a good attitude, you will get what uh you will get what you put out there, right? >> Mhm. So the base of everything is just to treat people with respect and have the same mission and vision that everyone should share >> and the passion and the love for the company is very important. So everyone should have that love. >> They should have the love for for the company that you know they're representing >> and that's how you can drive forward. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Now talking about now just getting back to the conversation now I just want to talk more about the marketing the marketing space cuz we have talked about digital digital spaces like Tik Tok but of course that is the new way but the old way was way different from what we have right now and a lot of people were starting their small enterprises the small businesses they have been talking about oh marketing is so hard marketing is requires a lot of budgets but can you say maybe you have experienced something different or you experienced something similar it's only what effort you put in so that you can your product can reach to those distributors and also to those type of market. >> So um we break down marketing into two categories. >> There is above the line marketing and there is below the line marketing. >> So I mean um both are very crucial in building a brand on the long term. So above the line now focuses on social media, >> TV, billboards, you know those type of things and below the line marketing is now on the ground. So merchandising the product, making sure that the displays are good on the ground, >> pushing your distributors in different ways >> to to sell the product. >> So um definitely marketing is very hard, bro. >> It's one of the most tiresome things you can do, >> but once it hits >> then then it's you you will see your hard work paying off. >> And um consistency is so important in marketing, which is maybe where we also need to work on. cuz we've had some very successful campaigns >> but we've been starting and stopping starting and stopping because it's you know we're focusing on the manufacturing point >> and and the other aspects as well >> and forgetting about the important part about the selling the product. Now can you say maybe does the the old way of marketing like say the likes of uh putting up a billboard does it still work in this new generation? >> It works. It definitely works, but um >> you have to look at it from a 360deree angle. >> Mh. >> You know um a billboard is just one part of your whole marketing strategy. >> Yeah. >> Everything needs to play in line. >> Mhm. >> Because for example, you've put a huge billboard in Wyaki way. >> Mhm. >> And then kupata product, you can't find the product >> in any kiosk in any supermarket. What's the point? Why are you marketing it then? >> The product has to be available as well, >> right? For the consumer to buy it. >> Mhm. >> It's a it's a whole >> it's a world it's a world big thing. Uh cuz I'm just I was just imagining just before uh I came to talk I was just imagining just getting into a supermarket and now get into this snack sector where you can see a lot of snacks but now you have that you you saw maybe a billboard somewhere pilot snack and also flying snack then you you see oh I'm familiar with this. So that's I think that's the best part of marketing also putting up the your brand visibility out there. But can you say for maybe a small scale rather than a a big scale type of enterprise that you have right now maybe for a starting a person who is starting what can you say is the best marketing strategy you have to go with before even to get that big budget that you can put up billboards cuz I know billboards I've worked with billboards billboards are way expensive they even go to about 190,000 kings but what can you say is the best marketing strategy for a young for maybe upcoming MS mm MSME is >> you see the the business is so vast. >> So it depends on the business as well. Is it an is it a manufacturing business? Is it an e-commerce business? Is it a brick and mortar retail business? >> So before answering I need to I would need to understand which type of business is it. >> But the fundamentals is you always look at the most economical way to push your product until you have a budget to do the rest. and now empower your brand >> further. So with people with a tight budget, I think the groundwork is the most important. >> Yeah. >> You know, availability, >> people getting to know your brand, getting to be familiar with the product that you're >> and whatever marketing tool you use, there should be a positive return on investment. >> So that's what um they, you know, the the people who are starting, I would say [clears throat] need to focus on. >> It's a stream of revenue. Whatever marketing tool they are doing, it's also a stream of revenue that's contributing to the business. >> Yes. >> Uhhuh. Now, have you have you experienced both the old way of marketing and also the new the new Definitely. So, what can you say creates more impact when you compare them between the two? >> Both, bro. Both have impact but in their own ways. >> Yes. Both both have a positive impact. But I would say if if I'm to get deeper, >> um for us it's it's more groundwork. >> So the old school way still is effective >> and relationships still matter. >> Mhm. >> A lot a lot a lot. >> Relationships with customers and you know it it's very important as well. >> Mhm. uh I was just thinking to myself where when you when you start now creating a product even when you start creating a business there's a lot uh natural business rather than a billboard there's a lot to put uh into mind before even get to to design everything about it. So can you say some of the key details in a billboard and how you write you write um you write maybe what what message that you can put out there even the fonts that you use even the colors that you use even key before before like a key like for brand visibility are key things to consider before even start putting your brand out there. >> I mean um in in simple words it needs to um correlate with your target demographic. So the colors, the theme, the fonts all need to be correlating with your target demographic. >> Mhm. >> That's that's what I can say. >> Why do you why do you feel like a lot of people that vent into snacking really go for that type of font where it's like something that it's like let's say a stylish it's a unique stylish type of way font. Not really that that type of official official fonts that we are normally used to rather written books and all that. they go for stylish one. Why is that uh that the the most common when it come to snacking business? >> Going back to the target demographic. So, it's the Gen Z, you know, some of the millennials and they like funky things. >> So, >> you have to you have to to speak to them. >> Exactly. Your brand has to speak to them. >> So, we always look at our consumer >> and that's how we we make our products. >> Mhm. We know what funky things they like and you know >> we look at the social media we see who they're following >> who the Gen Z you know is following. >> It's a it's a let's say a research so that we can know and understand I think about your your your target audience. Now talking back about now about a business of course every business is a risk. Maybe can you share what's what's one that one risk that you you took and literally paid off after after taking it and maybe in the beginning you are doubting yourself and saying okay there's no need to go in this type of there's no need to go in this route but finally it paid off. The risk was continuing the business itself, bro. [laughter] >> The risk was was just continuing the business because I can say there was a stage that I was about to give up. >> Mhm. >> I can be very straightforward with you. After two two years into the business, I said >> Mhm. >> we continued going >> and um today we you know all thanks to God. >> Mhm. Our brands are are are becoming recognized, you know, across the country and they're respected. They're respected for quality. >> We've been recognized by um, you know, accredited um sources for the best packaging and design. So, >> and digital marketing amongst the big brands. By the way, it's all the big brands are normally part of those events. >> Mhm. >> So, normally, you know, we go there and they're like, you know, who who is this fly, you know, where have they come from? Mhm. >> We were one of the only um companies to win two awards this year. >> Yeah. >> So, you know, and all the big brands were there. >> Mhm. >> So, it felt good. >> Yeah. Cuz you know, you don't know what will happen if you have not taken the risk saying let me continue the the business. Right now, you're one of the biggest one. Now, talking about maybe just want to get to know about uh your vision is to become one of the biggest cuz I think you are heading to that the same direction. But you mentioned something about being world class. So I just want to get to know your your description of what mean what it means to be world class in this uh business space. >> I've mentioned many times that um our vision is a Kenyan vision. >> Mhm. >> So you see the same way that South Africa is known for exporting products. >> Mhm. M >> we want to put Kenya on the map as well >> as an exporter to African countries. >> So first of course we we um hit the Kenyan market well but the next step is to also >> put Kenya on the map as a renowned exporter >> for high quality products >> and um >> inspire others to do the same >> because we've got a wonderful country. >> We have wonderful people here. Mhm. >> And we have the potential to be where South Africa is, >> you know. >> Uhhuh. What can you say is the main limit? What really limits most of the business so that we can get to the point where we can even export our products rather than importing most of those products? What can you say? >> Look, I would say you know I manufacturing is not easy bro that is the main constraint. >> It's very um capital intensive manufacturing. you need quite a lot of capital to start industries >> and of course the ability of risk takingaking. >> Mhm. >> So manufacturing is a huge risk. >> Mhm. >> Um which can either grow you exponentially >> Mhm. >> or you know it it can also it has two sides. >> Mhm. >> Um we need to take more risks. We need to to um you know um start more industries in the country. try new things >> and um look at the surrounding environments and how we can improve our products. >> So then one day we can put oursel on the map as a as a renowned exporter. >> Mhm. >> At least in Africa. >> In Africa. >> Yeah. >> Now maybe you have interacted with a lot of business owners with a lot of um even a lot of businesses around the region around in Kenya. Maybe have you noticed maybe some of the gaps that you are lacking rather than let's say you have mentioned something about not being able to to expose some of your products maybe other gaps that you've you've noticed in our in our business sector >> comfort zone I would say >> you know I've interacted with several you know business owners and business people >> and um what I can say is there's two types of uh business owners there's the ones which want to shoot for the sky and They're the ones which are comfortable. >> Mhm. >> So the ones which are wanting to shoot for the sky and keep going and going and going, I can say they're producing amazing products like you know one of my mentors he's creating worldclass products >> which are being exported in Africa which are being exported in Middle East and other people are just content. >> Mhm. >> They're like look we've we've made our business where we're doing well. >> Mhm. >> And um we don't see the risk is worth it. Mhm. >> to to now go to the next stage. >> Mhm. >> So they just afraid to take the risk and also to to explore what they can do for the businesses. >> Exactly. >> That's what I think. >> And you you never know what can happen after after taking that risk cuz it work for you to go and work for many businesses. But let's say let's say for young person uh who wants to start a company cuz I believe that starting a business is really really simple compared to starting a company. So what can you say uh really it takes? What's what's the that one skill that every company owner must have so that they can make sure their business can even boom out there. >> First of all, the initial risk is very important. >> You just try. >> Mhm. >> Go for it. >> Mhm. >> Who who you if you lo if you lose, you lose. You keep going. >> Mhm. >> You know, if it succeeds, you never know um what what can be the outcome. >> So, the first thing is just to take the risk. >> Mhm. And the second thing is take accountability for it. >> Don't blame others for your downfalls. Don't blame others for your anything that has not gone right. >> Take the risk. >> Take the right steps and go for it. >> It's as simple as that. >> You know, start with a and and study a business that um you can facilitate or you can you can run >> something that is is somehow simple at the start >> and then grow. Poly you know you grow you grow you grow. >> Mhm. Everything takes time. Also patience also also applies a lot in business. >> Patience is very important man. >> Mhm. >> As an entrepreneur if you don't have patience then you can't last. >> Yeah. >> You can't last brother. >> And I think that's that's where a lot of entrepreneurs are failing because they want the quick the profit. They want the quick grow but they should know a business does not grow overnight. doesn't grow with within a month or so. It takes time. So >> what comes fast goes fast. That's a philosophy in my life. >> Mhm. >> Easy money comes and it goes very easily as well. >> Exactly. Mhm. >> So focus on the hard buck because that hard buck will stay with you for a long time. >> Mhm. >> And it will build you. You see, one [clears throat] of the most important things is on a business journey >> is that you don't build the business, bro. You build yourself. Mhm. >> When I first started business >> Mhm. >> I can't even compare how I was to how I am now. >> True. True. Cuz you have in the journey, you have learned a lot of things. You have been exposed to a lot of things as well. So you have changed your mindset on also your perspective on some of those things that you you did not know back then. Yes. >> And I think that's the most important part. So just understand it's a journey that you have to go through. Every business owner, every every company owner has gone through it. So for you even when you're going to start a business is a step by step by step step by step. Now uh just finishing up because I think the time is not really on your side. You I think on your quote you said something about let's watch as a flying flying fly flying snack get to the next level and also skyrocket out there. Maybe what's next? What's coming next? >> There is something coming next. That's what I can tell my consumers. M >> um maybe on the next uh interview we have >> I will have the product and I will show it to you. But we are we thank God we are getting into a new >> sector as well in the same line >> and it's coming very soon and I'm sure our consumers will love our products as usual. >> Mhm. Yes. >> So just wait and see just be curious enough and with time we'll know what what coming next. Uh before even we finish up I just want to look on social media and look at what really was posted there so that I can read some of the few comments then I'll get to to finish up but for now let's look at make sure you go to our social media page at44 channel as I mentioned then you put up a question maybe you can share you can share the your thoughts as well you said good morning let know Lisa would you buy Kenyan would you buy Kenyan if it cost more brand Ghana Kenya deserve more hype. What do you think makes a brand stand out? So that's the question that we had asked our viewers. So Gloria Gloria morning as well Gloria tune in from county breakfast already for me brand in I deserve more hype fashion and streetear design for me I think brand stands because of consistency and connections as mentioned then to you then spoiler Thank you so much. Then we have inspector morning as well. Then we have Gimy and some amazing amazing Gimy Mug. Thank you so much. Then Malia tuning. Thank you so much as well. Selector a good morning. Good morning as well. So that's some of the few comments and also big up big up to creatiness moves also. Now, can you can you maybe share your thoughts? Maybe which brand do you think apart from now from the snacking snacking business, which other brand do you think deserve more hype and also more recognition? Just to finish up there's a lot, bro. >> But uh I'll go back to our heritage which is chai. >> Mhm. [laughter] >> Our tea is amazing. >> Yeah, she is amazing bro. >> You know, Kericho Gold is an amazing brand. >> Yeah. Yeah. And it's a very underrated brand actually. >> There's there's quite a few. >> Mhm. which are on the you know export quality. >> There's quite a lot and >> you know one of their main exports here. >> Yes. >> Mhm. >> So that's that's one of the brands I would mention to go. >> Mhm. Now now just to finish up of course that was the on social media you just asked the question of which brand do you think deserve more visibility and also more hype. Maybe just for our viewers out there maybe a young man or a young lady have seen you today or was being motivated by you. Maybe what's that one advice that you have worked with or you know about that uh you can tell to our viewers you can look at the camera directly and tell them can speak to them and tell them uh you can give them that small advice that they can work on before they start a business or when they're just continuing their business. >> So I would advise a young man or woman >> to stay disciplined >> um stay focused on your purpose >> and stick to your values and principles. However large you grow, >> continue the hard work and make an impact to the society. That's the most important. >> And obviously always stay spiritually connected >> because without the hand of God >> Mhm. >> you can go far. >> You cannot go far. >> Yes, that's that's my advice. >> Amazing. Amazing. Had a lovely conversation. Maybe where can they reach you on social media or the where can they reach your company to be specific or you your personal handle on social media? So there's the Pilot Snacks K. I would say I'm not very active that much on social media, >> but Pilot Snacks K on Instagram and on Facebook, on Tik Tok, it's there as well. Pilot Snacks Kenya. >> Mhm. >> Yes. >> Do you have a maybe an website where they can go and also see the products as well? >> Yes, the website can be linked from the from the social media. >> Okay. Thank you so much for coming through. had a lovely conversation and as well I know our viewers out there had insights and also they had a lot to learn from you. So the journey motivated a lot of young people so motivated me to be honest also motivated me so I can I know I can start a company to >> that's your purpose you know we have to the next generation is the future we have to motivate them and >> we need the next generation has to be better than the last one. Yeah, exactly. You have to do something some things differently than what we had. But but uh amazing conversation. Uh thank you so much. But for now, we have to stop at there. Maybe get to have another chance to get to know even know more and also to see where your business is going to reach cuz I know you're going to even far level. You're going to this the rockus is only the start. So we want to see where you're going to land. Not really to learn but to continue booming. >> Thank you sir. I appreciate. Thank you. >> Okay. by for viewers. We're going to stop there, but don't go anywhere cuz brand is just coming up with a lovely aqua and close conversation. So, make sure you don't miss that conversation at on social media social media. You can find me at James uh on my social media page that all social media page John. My personal name is James. But don't go anywhere because Brian Saka just coming up in just a few moments.