‘How Govt Can Assist Operators In The Automobile Industry’

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pitch Stone & Smith Limited, operator in the automobile industry, in this interview with our correspondent JIMOH ELIZABETH OLUWASEYI, provides perspectives of things in the sector

Could you please oblige our readers with your background?

 I am Mr Olaolu Babalola, the CEO of Pitch Stone and Smith Limited.

Our portfolio of services are majorly on automobiles while our major brands are Toyota, Lexus and Toyota pickup vans known as Hilux.

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We also venture into maritime business, meaning,we are into hiring and sales of vessels over the sea.

For how long have you been in this business in the automobile industry?

For about 10 years.

With these number of years in the business, how has been the experiences so far?

Actually there is no business without its own hills and valleys, ups and downs.

Just like children face teething problems, so a new business that wants to grow, would grapple with challenges first.

 Not being popular at first posed a great challenge, because of the presence of key players in the market.

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Learning from the way you handled and overcame those challenges, what is your piece of advice to those coming behind?

I would say consistency, determination and being innovative in thinking are key factors that will make them weather the storm.

Did you have any prior experience before coming into the business?

It all started with an interest. From the onset, I loved automobiles and I thought I could buy and use them, until I found an opportunity to help people back as an undergraduate to market their cars while on campus. Though at that time it was really hard, yet I started, and persisted.

In what ways have government policies affected business in the automobile industry?

Indeed, it has not been easy or friendly with car dealers because of the effects of import duties. Rules and regulation at the port have really affected us.

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 It takes effort and cost and that alone would discourage any beginner!.

 For instance, ten 10 vehicles in a container, waiting to be cleared,  the cost is huge; at the same time, it takes much  time.

The whole lot of processes and bottle necks dealing with the government and its agencies even takes a lot of time. Sometimes, procrastinating for a month, before all the agencies, would sign is another issue.

What should the government do in this regard?

 Government should cut down undue long process for dealers in the automobile sector by being efficient.

In sum, how would you say the journey has been so far?

it has not been easy but every obstacle on the journey has been used as an experience for future reference.