Making It In The Marble, granite biz’

[Huligar]

Saturday, Jul 8, 2006

The marble and granite business is one of the fastest growing business in Rivers State and beyond. This is due to its high demand by builders of modern houses, the churches, organisations and individuals who have discovered its beauty and durability among other advantages over similar products.
Foremost dealer in Port Harcourt and managing director, Foundation Marble and Granite Company Limited, Apostle Simon Chukwudi, disclosed this in and interview with The Weekend Tide in his office recently. He said the product is the top choice of most organisations and co-operate bodies, today who use them for funitures, Tomb stone, legtan, pulpits, walls, floors etc.
Apostle Chukwudi noted that before now, people were interested in using ceramic tiles, Tarazo tiles and other wall and floor finishings, but today, most people now prefer marble and granite which has made the business very lucrative and attractive to investors.
The business tycoon disclosed that initially, he was into building materials such as hiring of wheel barrows, sale of cement and other building materials, but when things became difficult for him, he approached his uncle for financial assistance, but rather than giving him the money, his uncle who had a marbel and granite industry, introduced him to the business.
He said his uncle convinced him that the business was the best for him because there were very few people in the business as at then, so he abandoned his former business and joined his uncle who gave him a consignment of Marbels worth N120,000 and other samples with which he started his business.
The managing director, who started the business in 1994, said initially, it was not easy for him as he had to move from one building site to the other as well as companies scouting for contracts which were difficult to get until one day, God opened the way for him and the contracts started thumbling in. “Today, my business has grown with many branches within and outside the state,� he said.
Apostle Chukwudi, who attributed his success to hard work, honesty and God’s guidance, said today, he is a very comfortable man, stressing that since he joined the business, his status has changed for good and he has been able to train out a lot of people in the business who are equally successful.
The Uga, Agwuata Local Government of Anambra State-born business magnate, advised others who may want to join the business to be honest and hard working, stressing that, the business is capital intensive but with a lot of opportunities to grow. He said “most clients are ready to mobilise you even the dealers may supply your needs on credit, it is left for you to pay back at the agreed time. So with honesty and goodwill, you are bound to succeed in the business.�
The Foundation Marble and Granite boss, also disclosed that the conducive business environment in the state also contributed immensely to the growth of the business. He maintained that a beginner can grow in Rivers state with very little capital. He also contended that the revenue they pay to government is nothing compared to what they make in the business so they are very happy to do business in the state. The Apostle of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, thanked the state government for encouraging the business community which has made the state a haven for the growth of business activities which also explains why people from all works of life are found in the state doing one business or the other.