[Interview] Mike Reyes,founder of Reysogroup,Hong-Kong
Mike Reyes is the founder and Managing Director of Reysogroup, Hong-Kong. Reyesogroup connects economies in Africa and India predominantly. His interveiw with Africa Business Communities.
Tell us about yourself and ReysoGroup?
I am originally from the United States but I have been living in Asia for the past five years. I had spent close to four years in mainland China but now live in Hong Kong. REYSOGROUP is basically a company that is helping connect emerging economies-mainly Africa & India at the moment-through increased cultural inter-trade.
In which industries are you most functional and who are your clients?
Although our current target market is mostly middle class Africans and Indians between the ages of 15-40 years of age, we are also expanding this upcoming week to include higher income clients and organizations: We are now helping Africa trade resources like diamonds, petrol, copper etc, with clients based outside of the continent. We are currently filing paper work with the Hong Kong government in order to obtain permission to legally both import and export many of these raw materials. What we can offer both suppliers and potential customers is the fact that Hong Kong is one of the least corrupt and transparent places to do business in the world. I believe it is in the top 6, last time I checked. Both African suppliers and potential clients can trust us to arrange hotel stays, airport to bank & bank to airport security detail, bank transfers, and conference rooms in order to both sell and/or purchase their goods, from within Hong Kong. Also, while here, we can also provide our clients with private tours of Hong Kong and Southern China for themselves, their clients and/or family & friends.
How would you describe ReysoGroup relationship with Africa, business wise?
At the moment, our ties with the African business community are growing. The most important obstacle when entering into any market, especially emerging ones, is trust. When you can obtain a customer's trust, you are able to sell them virtually anything. We are now working with Lagos, Nigerian-based international R&B sensation Samantha Emman, our de-facto brand ambassador in the greater Africa region; and Benin Show Buzz: A Republic of Benin based NGO that aims to positively change Africa through empowering & inspiring the continent's youth.
What inspires you in your work?
Besides wanting to live a comfortable life, I actually am inspired by the fact that I am able to inspire others to want to both better their own lives and the lives of those around them. Let's not just try to make wealth for ourselves, but -Let's develop together-.
Any success stories you would like to share?
Sure. I was in between odd jobs and had been trying to get a proper career going while pursuing my master's degree program in China. After years of doing so to no avail, I was finally encouraged by people close to me to open my own firm. At present, we are one of the fastest growing firms in the Nigeria & Greater Africa region.
In terms of education and business, what ways are your outfit creating opportunities for the African?
We are working on REYSO-Education helping many young Africans come to Asia as teachers, right after they finish university, in order to gain both practical and international experience. We hope to have the program running by the end of 2016. Also, we wish to create factories for our REYSO-Fashion footwear (available soon in Lagos, Nigeria), and our Khaos clothing line (Khaos line will be coming out in 2016) in Africa.
What have you learnt in your dealings with African people and organizations?
I have learned that Africa has a lot people with real talent who have just had bad luck and/or the right opportunity has not come knocking on their door yet. We want to help showcase both Africa's people and the amazing products that both the ECOWAS community and Africa, as a whole, can offer the world.
What would be your vision for ReysoGroup in Africa in five to ten years?
We want to be one of the most well-known and well-respected international conglomerates in Africa. We would also like to contribute to infrastructure projects, and begin leaving both a lasting and positive legacy. Thank you for your time in interviewing me and I would like to take this opportunity to ask people to like us on our Facebook page: Please look us up by our company name which is just one word "REYSOGROUP"
For further business interests, contact Mike Reyes
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with CEOs and high-end professionals in Africa. Are you interested in an interview?
Please send an email to Afia K.Owusu-Nyantatyi :afia@africabusinesscommunities.com