The king of cocktail and MD/CEO of Labash, Olanrewaju Bashiru Tanimowo, has not done badly as a businessman. In fact, only on Sunday, March 20, 2016, the father of four opened yet another branch of Labash, on 41, Tokunbo Street, off Andrew Street, Lagos Island. AZUH ARINZE stopped by at the place, during which he had this interview with the award-winning golfer who has transformed his life from nothing to something…
What got you interested in business?
Well, it’s just an inspirational stuff and out of curiousity. Coupled with what is happening now, which I foresaw from childhood – that business will suit my lifestyle.
What year specifically did you get involved with business?
Exactly 22 years ago. I was still working in NEPA when I started this. Then, NEPA was trying to relocate to Abuja and about 10 years ahead we had been informed and I thought if I had to leave Lagos for Abuja, it will be a calamity. I now thought of let me start something which had been imparted from abroad, when I went to UK.
So far, what would you say has kept the business going?
Well, the secret behind Labash are transparency, accountability, perseverance and education. That’s what has kept the business running.
What has been the greatest challenge you have faced since you started business?
The greatest challenge is finance, because I believe by now I ought to have expanded beyond this level. But we thank God. We now have five spots without any financier. It’s just the will of God that has kept me going.
Anybody who wants to succeed in your line of business, what must the person do?
Oh, a lot of things. I mean, the person must first and foremost be submissive, you need to be competent, he needs to have experience about what he’s doing and he needs to be buoyant. He needs to bring down his ego and he needs to be futuristic. He needs to be creative, innovative and he must be educated. You must have a role model that will propel you in the line of business. If not, you might assume that you are moving, but you are not moving.
So, who is your own role model?
Richard Branson, that’s the owner of Virgin Atlantic.
You are specifically into the business of cocktail. What got you interested in that line of business?
It was while I was in Manchester University. A friend of mine who happened to squat me was a bartender and he does all these things at home which fascinated me then and I thought it will be a good experience if I come in here to come and explore such venture and ever since I’ve been into it. A lot of people are now into it, but I founded it in Nigeria – I’m the one that started cocktail in Nigeria.
What year was this?
That’s 1999 precisely.
So, what separates you from the other people who also do this kind of business?
Ours is original, it’s authentic, it’s unique, it’s different and it’s refreshing. You can’t quantify someone that is doing something fresh with someone that is doing adulterated things.
Buying packed juice, etc. No, we don’t do that. We use natural juice, then we turn them to cocktail, alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Can you tell us a little about your family?
My family…I can’t do without my family. My family has been wonderful. I have my wife and I have my children who are highly understanding. I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without them. Because I used to leave the house and go for business. But thank God today, they are seeing the results. My wife has been there for me…
What’s her name?
Her name is Modupeola Taibat Tanimowo. We’ve been together for over 26 years. She’s been wonderful, she has been helpful.
Let’s talk about the children. Tell us about them…
My children! Oh, my children are very wonderful. Ibrahim Olakunle Tanimowo, Kaliq Ololade Tanimowo, Basit Tanimowo and the last one, Halim Tanimowo.
When you are working, what keeps you busy?
When I’m not working, I go to play golf and enjoy myself. For 5 hours, I play golf (Laughs).
What is the greatest thing that God has done for you?
The greatest thing that God has done for me was when I built my first house; not even the second one, at Lekki (Lagos). It didn’t even take me 8 months to finish a three storey building. It was just wonderful and without Him (God) that could not have been done.
So, what else do you want God to do for you?
He has done everything! All I want is just to give me long life, good health and wisdom as well. And to help me take my children beyond me.
What’s your dream for Labash?
My dream for Labash is to have farms of our own to start packaging, because I don’t like the kind of juice they do in Nigeria. It’s kind of mixed, it’s not fresh. We want to have fresh (juices) and if you want to have it fresh, you need to have your own farm. Do you know how many oranges will fill a glass cup? So, we need to get a big farm and start our packaging.
What is Labash’s staff strength at the moment?
Right now, we are about 30. And we intend to expand, go beyond that.