MOA: Did you learn a lot from your parents of how to work hard from a young age and did they steer you on the right path?
AB: My mother and father are both massive inspirations as both of them are the hardest working people. They work 7 days a week. As we all know, if you do what you love, you will be successful. It was the guidance of my parents and the hard work ethic they have passed on that set me to climb the ladder of success.
MOA: Also did your parents teach you the value of money or has that come from learning from life, learning, mistakes or problems?
From a very early age I’ve always been told to save for a rainy day. I can say there is a little bit of that and a few mistakes, but I have learnt to be happy with spend a little and save a lot.
MOA: We are amazed that you had your first business at the age of 16! A van hire centre and dealership in Forest Gate, how did that happen?
AB: From an early age I got into motor trade and I first started buying and selling vehicles: buying and refurbishing them and putting them in the local newspaper. I then moved on to buy a van dealership at the age of 16. I felt I knew everything and I didn’t feel young at all. I look back now and I feel young though.
MOA: Was there ever a time in your life that you felt like giving up and working for someone else? Or was that never an option?
AB: Yes, there have been times in my life I felt that way. Not many…but I can think of one in particular: the early 90’s recession, when I lost almost everything I had. However, through the nurture of my mother and father, the grit they installed in me… it was not an option to give up. Just brush myself down, get back up on the horse and ride it.
MOA: People now days like to hear about failures, struggles and see the mistakes as they want the full story or bigger picture of the person behind the office desk, do you wear your heart on your sleeve in business and own up to any disasters?
AB: I’ve had many disasters which at the time seemed like the world was crumbling. Most of these did, eventually, turn into opportunities. In the world of business, no matter how big or small, we all learn every day. Our disasters should always be treated as learning curves.
Have you ever been down to your last penny, if so, what happened and what did you do?
Yes I have. I went back to basics and looked at the bigger picture, why it happened and the possibilities I could choose from. So I started from scratch, rolled my sleeves up and did what everybody else wouldn’t.
How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Our most successful form of marketing is reputation. We are ISO 9001 accredited, we have the first Primary Authority Agreement regarding Fire Safety within the mobile park industry and we won the 2015 London loves Excellence Retail & Property Business Award. Wyldecrest gives to its resident’s peace of mind that they are coming on board with a good company.
What are your typical traits as a person? We know determination is one of them, but you must have superman powers to keep going as you do.
I don’t have superman powers. I have the businesses I am in. I treat my businesses just like a lady: with honour, respect and integrity. By treating your business as something you love, it’ll love you back.
What have been the key milestones for the business?
I believe some massive milestone were to become ISO 9001 accredited, fire department and home authority with trading standards agreement. These milestones have not been achieved easily but have set the bar high for each year.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a self-made multimillionaire now?
As your business grows the most challenging aspect for me is that we are constantly trying to grow as well as manage to keep the business down on safe ground.
Do you have any time to mentor aspiring entrepreneur’s?
Yes, and I am currently mentoring 3 young entrepreneurs with their businesses to help them establish themselves in the world.
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