In 1999, John Maina did something that seemed like a big joke to his workmates at the cargo unit of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
He quit his job as a casual worker to embark on a bold and ambitious mission – starting his own shipping and export company.
To many, it was a wild shot, but Mr. Maina believed in himself and the viability of his dream, and thus, Young Line Kenya was born.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
The Beginning: A Dream Against All Odds
Setting up a business from scratch is never an easy task, and John Maina was well aware of the challenges that lay ahead.
In his line of business, connections played a crucial role, and unfortunately, he didn’t have any.
Nevertheless, he remained unfazed and began aggressively marketing his new venture.
Mr. Maina’s original ambition was to become a TV news anchor, but fate had other plans for him as no opportunities in that career path materialized.
Nonetheless, his determination and grit led him to take a leap of faith into the world of entrepreneurship.
The Initial Struggle and Slow Progress
As expected, the initial phase was tough. Convincing clients to trust a newcomer without a track record in the industry was a daunting task.
However, Mr. Maina’s relentless efforts began to bear fruit, and he started attracting clients who believed in him to handle their exports.
One of his first breakthroughs came when Mauritius Airlines offered him a job and paid his Ksh 100,000 just a few months after he started his venture.
“The (Mauritius) airline believed in me so much that they would even lend me some money that I would use to boost the business. I owe the airline a lot. I think I wouldn’t be where I’m today without them,” said Mr Maina, a University of Nairobi Bachelor of Arts graduate who majored in Kiswahili.
This marked a turning point for Young Line Kenya and reinforced Mr. Maina’s belief in the path he had chosen.
The Key to Success
Mr. Maina attributes his success to two critical factors – quality service delivery and unwavering focus.
He recognized that in a competitive market, providing exceptional service was crucial to carving out a significant market share.
His company became known for its reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, which attracted more clients over time.
However, he also observed a common pitfall among entrepreneurs – shifting goals as the business expands.
Mr. Maina firmly believed in staying true to the core intentions of his business.
Despite the growth and success, he continued to focus on the initial goals that motivated him to start Young Line Kenya.
Growing the Business
As the company expanded, Mr. Maina understood the importance of leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency.
Young Line Kenya adopted an online system that allowed customers to track their goods 24/7, ensuring transparency and peace of mind for clients.
Moreover, he capitalized on partnerships with tour operator companies to transport cargo, connecting resorts, camps, and lodges with their customers’ preferred destinations.
This strategic move not only expanded his reach but also allowed for more diversified revenue streams.
Today, John Maina’s Young Line Kenya stands tall as a successful shipping and export company.
From its humble beginnings, the company now employs 20 individuals earning a monthly salary of Ksh 25,000.
With clients like Kenya Airways, Etihad Airlines, and Saudia Airlines, Young Line Kenya has secured a reputable position in the industry.
