How I Started My Facility Management Company And Got My First Major Contract

I have a passion for providing top-notch services to my clients and am determined to succeed in the highly competitive industry. After years of practicing human resources management, health and safety operations, networking and marketing, I keenly observed the gaps in the maintenance space in Nigeria’s major infrastructure, both private and public, this led me to finally decide to set up my facility management company in 2009.

As many startups, defining the vision and mission, choosing the right team, deciding on niche, office space, name, logo, and all related matters was a bit bugging but I was able to cross the hurdles. With the help of some consultants in the field of Engineering, Architecture, Brands designs and brand communications, I managed to float a decent business portfolio named - ARK Universal Maintenance Company Limited. I remembered that our first business prospects were Alpha Mead, University of Ife, and C&I Leasing.

Fast forward to 2012, I met with one of the directors of CityScape Development Company, a real estate developer that birthed Buena Vista Estate, Rainbow Town, Green Acre amongst other notable residential estates, who was impressed by my enthusiasm and professionalism. Bueva Vista, an estate with potential for over a thousand resident capacity located on Orchid Road, Lekki Lagos, had just been occupied by few residents and needed a facility manager to help commission and run their assets including 7.5MVA 33/11 power transformer with RMUs and several distribution transformers, Roediger Vacuum Sewage System from Germany, large scale water and sewage treatment plants, landscape, etc. I seized the opportunity and pitched my services to him, highlighting my expertise and passion to create value for the Estate

After several rounds of discussions, I finally secured the contract. I was overjoyed and knew that this was just the beginning of my journey as a facility management entrepreneur. I worked tirelessly to ensure that the estate was well-maintained and that the residents were satisfied with my services. My hard work paid off, and soon I was receiving referrals from other real estate developers who had heard about my excellent work.

Today, my facility management business has grown significantly, and I have several contracts with major companies in Lagos with the new name – RP Facilities Ltd – “Regal Pavilion”. I am proud of what I have achieved and together with my team, am determined to continue providing top-notch services to my clients.