I want to spread my wings

EDDIE ANAYO, 28, is the founder of Phiaton Travels Ltd. He shares his experience in business with MAUREEN ODIWUOR

What do you do for a living?

I run Phiaton Travels Ltd, an umbrella body of Phiaton investment which majors in car hire, air ticketing and offers tour packages.

What does Phiaton Travels do and when was it formed?

I quit my first job in 2007 and started Phiaton Travels in 2008. I registered it as a tour firm. I had no vehicles of my own then and used to sub-hire. In 2009, I started buying cars for the business. We are top in the market in Kisumu with the highest number of cars. The firm has more than 50 employees.

How many cars does the firm have now?

I manage a fleet of 40 high-end cars, which are mostly hired by VIPs. It is the only company in Kisumu that has a VX. We do not invest in small cars to elude the possibility of robbers hiring cars to conduct shoddy activities.

Your background…

I am the first born in a family of three boys and one girl. I was born and bred in Nyalenda slums of Kisumu. I attended Joel Omino Primary School and Kanga High School. I did a diploma in Insurance at College of Insurance and a course in Business Management at Kenya Institute of Management. I am currently pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Nairobi.

Any challenges in the business?

Car hire is a risky affair. There is a time we got into trouble when one of our cars was hired by highway robbers.  The poor road conditions are also another headache as they damage the cars and are also bound to cause accidents. At some point, I became too ambitious and expanded the business to Nairobi, Kisumu Kakamega and Eldoret. The company lost Sh4 million and had to shut down the Eldoret and Kakamega branches. Another hitch is that half of my employees are older than me and at times we differ because they feel they are more experienced. I also find it hard to reprimand them at times because I feel like it is disrespectful.

Any prominent people who have used your vehicles?

Yes, the current Israel Ambassador, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and visitors from the US Embassy among others.

Are you in a relationship and what do you look for in a woman?

Yes I am, although am not married. I like a woman who is God-fearing, and has a big heart. Beauty is an added advantage.

What do you do for fun?

I love to go on holiday out of the country to unwind once in a while. I also love playing golf and I am a member of Nyanza Golf club. I enjoy dancing and listening to Bongo flava.

What are your future plans?

Am considering doing chopper hire in the next three years. With the cropping up of EAC markets, I would also love to spread my wings to our neighbouring countries.

Any advice to young people?

Employment is not everything. You also do not need to have a lot of money to start up something. Through hard work, you can be an achiever. Young people should know what they want and use it as a driving force.

Who do you look up to?

Evans Kidero inspires me because he is diligent, has a clear record and is development conscious. Internationally, I look up to Bill Gates.

What is the best car you ever drove?

My latest car, which is a CLK Mercedes Benz Sports.

What was your childhood dream?

I always thought I would become a lawyer. One thing I was sure about was that I loved money. I started making money by hiring out bicycles to other children at the age of ten. My late mother even joked that I would one day sell my wife for money.