Entrepreneur Oudin Samuel
Meet CaribDirect’s “Business Personality of the Month”. We proudly introduce, Oudin Samuel an entrepreneur based in Trinidad and Tobago.
WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO SET CARIBONIX
Like many young entrepreneurs, who we frequently hear about in the media, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and the others who went on to become icons in their respective fields/industries, I also got my start while in my junior year at university. I began with an individual who needed web development services and I needed the extra cash (being in University you can never have enough). It was a great feeling getting paid for doing what I loved. Soon after the project completion, another one came in, and then another. I was quickly beginning to create a name for myself based on the quality of work I provided. I decided to formulate something more long term which had the potential to grow and be recognized by others around the Caribbean.
As a result Caribonix Studio was formed (which would later be rebranded to Caribonix) after forming mutual friendships with my current co-founders Myron Yarde and Conlan King. This is Caribonix as we know it today.
DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR
I have had different mentors at various stages of my life and career beginning with my mother Mrs. Angela P. Samuel. She has always believed in me and pushed me to do great things. Even as a child, her love and support were endless. My brother, Trestan Samuel, former boss Mr. Horatio Sutton (he gave me my first web job as his Junior Assistant Webmaster) and former colleague, Mr. Nads Alfred.
Based on the definition of mentor I wouldn’t say that I presently have a mentor but I do have a support system that I can always contact in order to receive feedback and insight on any situation that I’m faced with or needs clarification.
I’m always open to connecting and meeting new people because I believe that learning is a continuous process. You learn what you can from others then you pass on what you learn to those who are willing to learn what you know. At this point in my career I would be happy to be mentored by someone who is the position to help me grow Caribonix into a Caribbean Company that is not only recognizable in the Caribbean, but also outside the region on a global scale. There is so much I need to learn as a young entrepreneur…
DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR BUSINESS IDOL YOU EMULATE
Yes I do. That person would be Bill Gates. As an entrepreneur, he is a great individual. His philanthropic work which he is now involved in speaks for him as a person. What he was able to accomplish during his time as CEO of Microsoft has been truly remarkable. Gates as an entrepreneur also started young. He founded Microsoft which he grew into one of the most recognizable companies throughout the world.
I would like to be able to accomplish a similar feat with Caribonix. Being from the Caribbean I know it will be four (4) times as hard, but I have an amazing team and we are determined to keep innovating in order to make a difference in the Caribbean.
WHAT WOULD YOU REGARD AS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB AS MD
There are a number of complex challenges that Manager Directors/ CEO’s now face including having access to fewer resources, managing more specialized and more diverse teams and having to operate within a constantly changing and highly competitive environment.
The most challenging thing for me is the availability of resources; in terms of finding qualified professionals who are determined, reliable, self-driven and are willing to embrace our company’s vision. Finding the right fit for our company culture in terms of skill set, character and personality is the most challenging.
DID YOUR PARENTS PLAY A MAJOR PART IN YOUR DECISION TO SET UP CARIBONIX
My parents didn’t play a major role in my decision to set up Caribonix however they have in the past, and still continue play a major role, in providing support (not financially) but in terms of encouragement to follow my dreams, think big, and do everything to the best of my ability.
They have always been a terrific support system from since I was a child. Not many parents would support their child starting a business while still in school; some may not even support it after graduation, but my parents did and I’m grateful that they understood what I had set out to accomplish. I believe that parents should have faith in their children to do well and make their own decisions.
WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH
I believe my greatest strength would have to be organizing and structuring. I tend to like things to be done a certain way but try not to micro manage. I have full belief in my team so giving everyone the time and space to be creative in their own way is very important to me.
HOW DID YOU FINANCE CARIBONIX (SELF, BANK OR INVESTMENT)
Caribonix has been and continues to be self-funded. Not many financial institutions are willing to provide young entrepreneurs straight out of university, with no track record or credit, finance. However we have been slowly building a great company and will soon be looking to acquire new sources of finance to allow us to grow and expand our operations.
HOW DID YOU ESTABLISH THERE WAS A NEED FOR YOUR SERVICES IN THE LOCAL MARKET
There wasn’t any magic formula in determining the need for our services. It was simply a matter of demand and supply while capitalizing on an opportunity. We are in a digital era where more and more businesses, institutions and organizations around the world are seeking to capture a piece of the “global real estate” on the internet. Investing in this global real estate is important as or even more important than finding a great location (depending on your type of business) because unlike traditional brick and mortar stores, the internet never closes and provides high levels of convenience to customers.
This is the main message we at Caribonix are trying to bring across to local Caribbean businesses. As an owner, if you believe that you have a great business, why not invest in getting it where everyone can have access to it, see what you offer and connect with your company’s staff the same way you invest in other areas of your business.
ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE IT COMPETENCIES OF TRINIDAD, IN PARTICULAR; THE CARIBBEAN IN GENERAL
I’m an optimistic person, however, I do believe that we as a Caribbean region are years behind other regions in the technology field. To answer your question, no I’m not satisfied. I believe there is still a lot that needs to be done in order to get the Caribbean to be known as more than a party hotspot or vacation destination.
As a region we do have the talent and capabilities to excel. While the resources, drive and will power to make a difference may be lacking, from what I’ve seen, various Caribbean countries are slowly beginning to realize the importance of technology in the region which is, providing countries like Trinidad &Tobago are providing free tertiary education empowering the minds of the young. It will take a while but I believe in the next few years we will see a few exceptional entrepreneurs emerging from the Caribbean.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO CARIBONIX EXPERIENCE WHEN PROVIDING SERVICES GLOBALLY
We have implemented many tools in order to streamline our customer’s experience. However I would say that conducting financial transactions would be our biggest challenge, then time zone differences when it comes to scheduling meetings. Otherwise interacting with international clients has been a great experience.
They benefit from the same high quality, standards and customer services as in their home country but at a lower cost to them.
HOW HAS THE CURRENT GLOBAL ECONOMIC DOWNTURN IMPACTED ON CARIBONIX’S PROFITABILITY
The current global economic down turn has impacted all businesses including Caribonix, businesses now have less cash to move around/spend and are drastically looking to cut down cost. Meaning businesses are more hesitant to invest in “global real estate” which means lower revenue gains thus lower profit margins. Even at Caribonix we are looking to streamline our operational cost too causing a ripple effect to businesses that benefit from us utilizing their services.
Taking economic downturn into consideration, we try to provide innovative solutions that are flexible and cater directly to our customer’s needs. We work with our customers, analyse their current position then provide a solution that is tailor fitted to them, ensuring that each cent is spent wisely eliminating unnecessary cost.
WHAT FEEDBACK / TESTIMONIALS HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM CUSTOMERS
We have received a few testimonials from our valued clients such as:
“Caribonix has done it again! Clean, crisp, eye-catching professional work and great after-care service. This is why we keep returning to these website experts to building for us. “
Dr. Ruthven Roy – Network Discipling Ministries – Berrien Springs, MI USA
“I am grateful for the quality service I receive from Caribonix and am very pleased to have them as my marketing consultancy representatives.”
Licolle Park – Silver Kiss – Trinidad & Tobago
WOULD YOU REGARD YOURSELF AS A FAMILY PERSON
Yes I would. However my business is my first love (that’s something my future wife would have to get accustomed to.) I try to surround myself with the people I love as often as possible. It’s their love and support that keeps me going on a day to day basis and it’s also a good feeling to just unwind after a hard day’s work to the laughter and sound of the people I care about most.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR CARIBONIX
At Caribonix We are constantly planning and coming up with new ideas which we would want to implement/execute in the future, I will not be able to share most of them publicly yet but we have plans to increase employment, creating a few strategic partnerships, we are also now working on a web application called “Rockeewata” which we will be launching soon (you’re actually the first media company who gets to publish this exclusive.) It allows businesses to reward their existing customers for their loyalty and word-of-mouth. We are currently working on signing up businesses in Trinidad & Tobago. Once the beta has launched and we open fully to the public, we will begin working our way to other Caribbean countries then outside the Caribbean region. (I will provide you and your team with more information as we work towards our launch date)
Businesses who are interested can contact us ([email protected]) to receive more information on signing up or to arrange an interactive presentation.
DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUTH
Yes I do consider it. It’s challenging to say it out loud being only 24. I myself still have a lot to learn but I do know there are a lot of young people out there who believe that there is no way they can make it being from the Caribbean. So they either turn to criminal activity or look to migrate from the region.
I personally believe that we as young people have to embrace where we are from and look to make it a better place for those who are to follow. That’s my goal as an individual-it’s to create a better Caribbean through creating opportunity for others to do what they love.
No matter where you’re from or how old you are you don’t have to turn to drugs or criminal activity. Simply make use of what you have and try to make a better life for yourself which is what I’m trying to do. I wasn’t born with a golden, silver or wooden spoon but I taught myself a skill and I’m trying to make the best out of it.
WOULD YOU SAY YOU ARE LIVING YOUR DREAM
Definitely! I’m in dream land right now. Can’t imagine myself doing anything else and don’t know what I will do after I retire. It’s no easy task running your own business it’s like riding a very fast roller-coaster but I’m enjoying the ride while looking for others to bring along with me. It’s a good feeling being involved in a company whose vision is to enhance the Caribbean.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS
Caribonix, Rockeewata and our future products will be my only interest, for now my main focus is to build and grow Caribonix and Rockeewata to a level of sustainability. Maybe in the future, I may look towards investing and/or serve on boards of selected business but until then I’m 100% Caribonix.
WHAT PARTING WORDS WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS
Find something you love, something you are passionate about and stick with it. Try to learn as much as you can from whomever you can. Ensure you have a great support system, a great team and like the famous Nike slogan says “JUST DO IT.”
Also remember “Ambition is the mother of all inventions.”
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