If I Lose Everything, I’ll Start by Washing Cars — Sujimoto CEO

In a recent interview that has garnered significant attention, Sijibomi Ogundele, the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Group, shared his thoughts on resilience and entrepreneurship. He asserted that if he were to lose all his wealth and start anew in Nigeria, his first step would be to offer car-washing services.

Ogundele emphasized the importance of generating immediate income to meet basic needs. He stated, “If I had to start from zero, the first thing I’ll do is raise money because you have to eat before you survive.” This pragmatic approach reflects his belief in the value of starting small and working diligently to build a sustainable business.

He detailed his plan to wash cars, highlighting the significance of quality service. “I’ll buy good, powerful washing materials. I won’t wash for free because I have to earn money, but I’ll be diligent,” he explained. Ogundele estimated that washing between 30 and 40 cars daily could yield approximately ₦40,000 in revenue.

With this income, he envisions employing others and expanding his operations. “If I earn ₦40,000 a day, that’s about ₦1.2 million a month. Then if I have five boys, that’s about ₦6 million a month,” he elaborated. Ogundele’s strategy includes sharing profits with his employees while overseeing different locations.

Once he establishes a solid financial base, Ogundele plans to expand his services. He mentioned aspirations to open a full-scale car wash and eventually venture into the food business, such as trading in tomatoes and onions.

His insights serve as a reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t require grand beginnings. Ogundele’s philosophy encourages aspiring business owners to embrace modest ventures, emphasizing that commitment and hard work can lead to larger opportunities.

In a landscape where many fear failure, Ogundele’s story illustrates the potential for growth from humble beginnings. His confidence in starting over resonates with many, particularly those navigating the challenges of building a business in Nigeria.

Ogundele’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. For him, the willingness to start small is not a setback but an opportunity to cultivate a thriving enterprise from the ground up.

As Ogundele puts it, “Entrepreneurs should not be afraid to start with modest ventures if they are committed to growing them into larger businesses.”