The man I buy car parts from is an igbo man. This is the exact kind of car he drives.
I have been his customer for over 2 years now since I came across him.
I have shared few experiences of my car being bashed. He has been the one selling for me when I need a part.
Why did I keep going to him? He has a very strong customer service behavior. My first day with him, he told me I look handsome. Even though I knew he was trying to be get me smiled, I felt relaxed pricing before I buy and even when I didn’t agree with the price. He said, “Oga, buy from me na abi you no wan make my pikin chop? Na because of you I come market o” Then I was like it’s just a difference of 1500. So I told him, I will check around, if I don’t see any lesser price I will buy from you. He said no problem Oga. So I went to price in few places and I returned because the price was the same or even more.
When I got back to him. He said, Oga, you don finally bring my pikin money. That was not what I was expecting. Many will behave otherwise. He remained friendly still. So I bought and left. That is how I became his customer for life.
But that is not even the story.
My last episode at PWD ikeja made me visit him again and after attending to me, it was already late and I didn’t take my car along.
He asked where I am living. I told him. Then it happens that he lives around my area so few minutes later he closed his shop and we left to the car. So we got to where he parked and this is the type of car he drives. I was surprised! Well, I will keep my reasons to myself.
So we got talking along the way and realized I was talking to a business genius who never stepped on the university ground. He told me he has been in this business since 2009. How he started from selling electronics DVD gadgets to selling motor parts. He said he has 3 shops in different part of Lagos.
Told him about myself, it was then he knew my name and we dived into family discussion. Just at that moment, we got infront of his house. His was before my bus stop.
It was there I had to look at him again. He said this is my house Oga. I was like na you gan gan be Oga. This man literally built a mansion. I couldn’t stop gazing. He said Mr Akeju, I am raising another 8 flats in your area which i will be renting out.
At that point, I was seeing a different man with purpose. As in success as a human being. Even at this revelation, he remained humble still. He invited me to come inside so he could entertain me as we already got along. All I could say is, another time Oga.
And I applied many of what he said to my life.
Here is a man without BSC or MSC who understands business and “customer-retention” than many graduates working in offices.
A man who is constantly thirsty for more success even when success sure.
A man ‘practicalising’ economics even than those who studied economics.
A man who understands that you don’t wear riches, but rather invest it.
He is a case study and there are many like him who makes gold but do not wear gold.
Dear youths, there is more to life than the Venza, Prada, 10k dolls neck chain.
I believe there are many more to learn here..
Oluwanishola Akeju
