“Pick a thing you enjoy and keep it small at first” Is businessman Steve Webb’s advice to people who want to start a business.
Webb is the founder and owner of Metropol Industries. Without education and experience in the printing business he built a successful business, which continues to grow. In 2003, Webb worked as a promoter in Victoria's nightclubs. A main source of advertising was poster wheels in public places and a total of 15 clubs battling for space. Webb took over the distribution of posters and ensured everyone had equal space. Metropol was born.
Slowly Metropol was developing into a business and started to offer the services that the customers were asking for. To purchase all the expensive but necessary printing machines took a long time, but today they finally have a home in Metropol’s huge facilities. Metropol has been in the business for over 16 years and has over 25 employees in four locations.
“I never ask my employees to do anything I wouldn't do myself,” says Webb.
He says part of Metropol’s success is that he sees all employees as equals. Webb once dabbled in design work, but today his focus is elsewhere.
“I was the worse designer Metropol has ever had,” he says. Metropol believes that it’s important to find every person’s individual strength and create roles based on that. In that way, it will both benefit the company and create a positive work environment.
Something that Webb is finding fundamental in maintaining a successful business is building loyalty toward the customers. Customer service must always be prioritised and can’t be marginalised in any part of the service chain. Another aspect Webb finds important is to focus on being a Vancouver Island company, which is a part of Metropol’s identity.
Webb is looking at a bright future at Metropol. In the next year they are planning to double the workforce. It’s a constant changing industry so it is important to keep up with society, and listen to the customer’s needs and wants. To run a business can be challenging but Webb says it is important to stay organized, be smart in marketing and learn how to pitch ideas effectively, if doing so, one will do well.
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