While some entrepreneurs quit their jobs to start their businesses, others choose to straddle both worlds, running successful, impactful businesses without giving up their 9-5. Iretiogo Oke, a marketing professional who is also the CEO of Protouch Janitors, talks to Connect Nigeria about being a career woman and an entrepreneur, and her passion for sanitation intervention.
CN: Tell us a little about your professional background.
I’m a marketing professional with over seven years’ experience in brand management and marketing. I have developed and managed brands within different FMCG sectors ranging from beauty, tobacco, personal care, beverages and also corporate accounts. My vision is to build great and sustainable brands.
CN: How would you describe your business and the services it provides?
Protouch Janitorial Services is a Sanitation Intervention Company. Our vision is to drive advocacy and promote a clutter free environment. Our services include:
- Janitorial Services (Home, Office and Hotel Cleaning)
- Pest Control Intervention (Fumigation)
- Moving Services (Homes & Offices)
- Gardening and Outdoor Maintenance
- Decluttering Services (Home and Offices)
CN: What motivated you to go into this line of business?
To be very honest this business was inspired by God. In October 2012, I had just recovered from an illness and I was out of work. I was home praying for the next step while I also applied for jobs. I woke up from a short nap and because I was very sensitive at the time, I heard the Holy Spirit say to me Protouch Janitorial Services. It was clear and concise. I immediately googled the meaning of janitorial services and instantly I knew God just spoke to me on the next step to take. I started the following week by cleaning for my friends, church members. Shortly after, I got a full-time job but I continued with Protouch.
CN: How did you raise capital to start your business?
I had some savings from my last job. I used part of it to buy a few mops, buckets, detergents. I also paid for a logo and website.
CN: What’s the most challenging part of being an entrepreneur?
The most challenging of part is getting the right team. A team who understands the vision and are willing to run with it.
CN: How do you handle being both an employer and an employee?
It’s been tough really. What I do is focus on my 9-5 job from Monday-Friday and focus on Protouch during weekends. Good thing is most clients prefer our services on Saturdays so that helps me balance things.
CN: What is your business’ unique selling point? What makes you stand out from the crowd?
Our unique selling point is the totality of our package. In reality, most cleaning companies just want to clean homes and offices and make money. But Protouch creates a solid cycle of environmental sanitation. We will clean, but we will also give you solutions to help maintain a clutter-free environment and promote a healthy lifestyle.
CN: What is your long-term vision for Protouch Janitors?
Our dream is to become the biggest sanitation intervention consultant for government and private parastatals in driving sanitation across Africa.
CN: What advice do you have for Nigerians who long to start their own businesses?
Just do it! No matter how big and scary your dreams are, execute them in the simplest form and grow gradually.
Phone: 08172452820
Website: www.protouchjanitors.com Email: admin@protouchjanitors.com Twitter: @protouchjanitor Facebook: facebook.com/protouchjanitor Instagram: @protouchjanitors
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