The Entrepreneur Minute with Phillip Nyamwaya, winner of 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year award by KIM

The Entrepreneur minute is an article series that will showcase real life stories in an interview format. They will share their journey so far and what key lessons they have learned. The articles will feature Young Kenyan entrepreneurs.

Our debut Entrepreneur is Phillip Nyamwaya, one half of the brains behind Intrepid Kenya and the winner of Youth Entrepreneur of the year 2009 by Kenya Institute of Management - Annual Business.

You can learn more about the company on www.intrepidkenya.com.

1. Have you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

No. I got the desire towards my last 2 years in university, when I
was doing my undergraduate studies.

2. When you get up in the morning what drives you to do what you
do?

The fact that I am doing what I love... helping people and
organizations work smarter, and obtain the quality digital
branding image that they seek.

3. Tell us a little bit about your company?

Intrepid Data Systems is an innovative enterprise productivity,
mobile technology and digital branding firm. We have been in
operation since 2004 by the grace of God.

4. What was it like for you, growing up?

I grew up in a home where we were encouraged to excel and
explore our gifts and talents. We didn't exactly grow up with a
silver spoon in our mouths. But our parents did their best to see
that we grew with opportunities around us.

5. What strategic moves did you make to ensure that you are
where you are today?

I believe that getting born again ensured that I avoided many of
the pitfalls that ensnare many young people these days. I must
also add that after my KCSE exam, I got a lot of good advice from
older professionals regarding what career path to pursue in
future.

6. What is your overall vision or future for your business?

To grow and expand our range of services and reach out into the
region.

7. What 5 things would you advice the Kenyan youth or aspiring
entrepreneurs to do today?

- Surround yourself with persons who think POSSIBILITY and who
would encourage you to (wisely) pursue your dream.

- Start where you are and with the resources you have.

- Document your plan and get advice from professionals
regarding aspects of your business where you may not have the
necessary skills (e.g. compliance with the government
regulation, Finance and Administration, Marketing)

- Read and meditate on the lives and experiences of successful
and (not-so-successful) entrepreneurs. Learn and apply as much
as you can from their experiences.

- Formalize your business entity as soon as possible. Quit
hustling and regularize your business. This means you are
serious about your business and what it stands for.

8. What is the one thing you think your business does differently that sets it apart in the industry?

- Offering a premium quality customer service to our clients.

- Innovating and providing new solutions to our growing clientele.

9. What is your definition of success and what is in the future for
you?

- My definition of success is being able to raise your family with
Godly values and leaving a legacy for future generations that
transcends just the bequeathing of material possessions.

10.What opportunities is your business creating in the market?

- We are creating employment for many young, talented
individuals.

- We are also making it easier for our clients to do what they do
best.... be it selling goods or offering services. With our products
they are able to do so faster, better, cheaper and thus deliver on
their brands' promises