Nicknamed Koko as a child, Anthony Owich developed interest in opening a bar early in life. In a recent feature on a local business daily, he revealed that as he went home from Nairobi West School, he would pass by South C with his uncle.
Here, he would see revellers having a good time and an idea became implanted in his mind. Later, he co-founded Bar Next Door, a bar that has become a favorite among many Kenyans and tourists.
In a past interview with The Standard, Owich revealed that he co-founded the business with very little funds and has in the past hawked clothes and worked at a chocolate factory.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Education
From the University of Nairobi, he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Economics and Statistics. This was followed by a Master of Business Administration from United States International University. He also has a certificate in investment and security analyst from Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board (KASNEB).
Career
From September to March 2012, he served as a licensing officer at Performers Rights Society of Kenya. He then interned at the United Nations office in Nairobi for six months, from 2012 to 2013.
The Economist joined Chase Bank Kenya Limited as a Customer Service Representative in September 2013. For four months, he became a workforce analyst before being promoted to a treasury sales executive in April 2015. In the position, served for four months, he was in charge of:
- Forex trade planning
- Developing a database of qualified leads
- Getting new retail and corporate forex clients
- Building and conserving good relationships with new clients
- Administration of sales
- Collecting information of new market trends
In August 2015, he became a Jameson Brand Ambassador. His duties involved overseeing sales in East Africa, marketing, managing vendors and events agencies, taking part in yearly budget allocation and brand plan, and hosting cocktail workshops, whiskey tastings, brand events and mentoring sessions.
In May 2017, he joined Carlsberg Group as an urban development, digital, content, and influencer assistant brand manager.
In October 2018, Diageo employed him as their luxury portfolio account manager.
Owich Co-founded Bar Next Door in 2021 and became the director of sales, marketing and business Development.
Interest
The businessman revealed to Business Daily that he loved taking his dog for nature walks and eating. He is also a lover of shopping and frequents other bars to experience something different. Despite this, when asked if he over-indulges, he responded,
“No. I was once an advocate for Jameson, and our training was based on responsible drinking. You can sell a persona, but you don’t have to be that person.”