Philimon Masina is the Founder of Exide Express Limited. This is a nation-wide retail outlets iconic brand, bringing a complete range of automotive batteries, solar and back-up batteries, associated accessories and shell Lubricants, closer to the people in Malawi. The brand is now the first point of call for a diverse customer base such as; the Corporate World, NGOs, Government, Small Business Owners and individuals.
In Your Own Words, What is Exide Express Ltd.?
Exide Express Ltd was established in Malawi in the year 2016 as supplier of automotive batteries, solar and back-up batteries, vehicle tyres, spare parts and associated accessories. At that time, our research revealed a gap in the market; people wanted a reliable supplier who could supply the right car battery for their vehicle requirements, so much easier and closer to where they live, at affordable price and without compromising on quality.
Currently, we supply so much more products including Shell Lubricants in our outlets across the country. But for the sake of this interview, please allow me just to mention some automotive batteries that you can get in our outlets; N40, N50, N70, NS40, DIN55. As I said we stock so much more and you should also know that we only stock high quality products, in most cases we give reasonable warranty. All our batteries carry a 12 months warranty period.
We’ve eight Exide Express outlets in Malawi, so clients do not have to cover a long distance to get their valued brands. Our battery and tyre range covers the needs of all clients for small Cars, SUVs and Trucks. Our team of experts has considerable customer service experience in the industry we operate; we also ensure continuous staff training for the benefit of our clients.
What is Your Mission?
As Exide Express, our mission is to provide products and services of superior quality to customers whilst creating shareholders’ value.
For the Sake of Inspiration to Young People, How was it Starting Out? What Advice Can You Give to Startup Entrepreneurs?
I was obviously excited about making the first step into entrepreneurship. It hasn’t been easy! What must be clear is determination and a clear vision of what you intend to achieve in a particular period. Young people must always have a picture in their minds of their intent. They must plan on how to achieve that plan and finally, they must execute.
Be assured that obstacles will always be in front of you, face them head-on and keep on moving forward without losing sight of your initial picture of what you intend to achieve.
What can You Say about the Changes and Developments in Business that Your Company Has Gone through since Inception?
Interesting, when we talk about changes and developments in business, I think it includes challenges. As entrepreneurs we should know that challenges will always be there and that, it is through challenges that we learn. So, we have had our fair share of challenges, we listened to people and learned what they wanted. We utilized the lessons and became a loved brand as Exide Express Ltd.
You must know that we started this great brand ground-up, with a very lean team and just two outlets. Over the years, we’ve added staff and more outlets. We started with four members of staff six years ago, now we have over 25 staff complement and 8 outlets.
I remember when we set out to launch the business, we had the idea and we were pretty knowledgeable on how to execute the idea but then we needed money to startup, premises and additional hands to make that first step. It was challenging, but we managed and here we are. It has been a good journey and now we are ranked as a leading retail outlet in our sector.
Along the way, there have been some celebration also and we give glory to God for what we have achieved so far, although we are not yet there, where we want to be. We had a ten-year strategic plan and we’re still chasing it. We can confidently say that we are on a right path.
What are the Notable Happenings in Your Industry that You Can Share, and How Have You Managed to Navigate Challenges?
Our greatest challenge remains foreign exchange (forex) and it’s a huge setback. Our strength in what we do is managing to maintain great relationship with various stakeholders.
How Has COVID 19 and the Ukraine Russia War Affected Your Business?
Anything that affects the global economy, for sure, it does hit our country and we cannot be spared as a business. The shortages of fuel and fertilizer will affect our industry adversely due to non-mobility of vehicles.
At a Time When Large Companies were Closing Down and Start-ups are struggling with Business Growth, What is Your Secrete to Your Continued Growth, and how have You Managed to Take This Great Brand National?
Sometimes crisis brings opportunities. We must remain alert with our eyes and ears wide open. Though it’s tough but maintaining a good relationship with all stakeholders is number one key ingredient.
What is Your Vision and Future Plan That You Can Share for Exide Express Ltd.?
Firstly, the Vision for Exide Express Ltd is to build a leading supplier of reliable batteries and tyres and their associated accessories. Secondly, we have planned that we work to ensure we remain relevant and reliable to all our stakeholders for the maintenance of a symbiotic relationship.
Stakeholders should continue expecting a good service and products from Exide Express Ltd. We shall continue with our research and development efforts to ensure we keep on satisfying our clients.
People Interested in Your Products and Services, Where Can They Find You?
We’re scattered or spread geographically across the country. In the North, we are in Mzuzu. In Central region, we are in Lilongwe with 3 (Three) outlets. In Eastern region, we’re based in Zomba and in Southern region, we’ve 3 (Three) outlets; Limbe, Ginnery Corner and Blantyre.
How Does Your Company Differ From Your Biggest Competitors?
There are many advantages working with Exide Express Ltd. and amongst many differentiating factors are; supply of quality products. We offer a guarantee of 12 months on our automotive batteries. That is the confidence we have in our battery. And great service delivery provided by an experienced team. Our executive management team consists of University of Malawi graduates coupled with well-trained and motivated members of staff, who know what is expected of them.
Your Story is Inspiring, Please Tell Our Readers. Who is Philimon Masina?
I would say, Philimon Masina is an emerging passionate entrepreneur and founder of Exide Express Ltd. It’s a wonderful feeling when your work gets noticed by people and particularly to be recognized by a global MAGAZINE like MyMaInMalawi, a global entrepreneurial social magazine focused on spotlighting iconic entrepreneurs and promoting brands in Africa to the world. This opportunity you have accorded me has motivated me to even work harder and take the company to the next level.
You want to know my background? I was born on 24th July 1978 in Kasungu and grew up there. I attended primary school in Kasungu and Mchinji at Ludzi Boys. I did my secondary education in Salima and Nkhotakota before I was selected to pursue a Bachelor of Accountancy degree at the Polytechnic College (now MUBAS). I am an ACCA member, and also a holder of a Diploma in Accountancy, a professional qualification under IACSA.
Prior to starting Exide Express Ltd, I had worked for different organizations. I am married to a lovely lady by the name of Maureen. We’ve three girls and a boy; Lonjedzo, Pemphero, Yankho and Mzati. We currently stay in Machinjiri, Area 5. We believe in God, we follow God through Ecclesiastical teachings under the Roman Catholic Church.
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