The beginning of the entrepreneurial journey

Stuart Fleming was working for DHL in the UAE, when he met Brian Wilkie, who shared a similar vision for change. When the idea of starting Enviroserve struck him, Wilkie was the first person he approached. They had a handshake agreement that lasted almost 15 years before formalising their partnership in a legal paperwork recently. It was a leap of faith, but it laid the foundation for what was to come.

The year was 2004 when Fleming and Wilkie set foot in a modest office in Dubai, armed with little more than a business plan and a determination to make a difference. Their vision was clear: to lead in environmental services and bring about a game-changing impact in every market they ventured into.

“Our vision was game-changing—to lead in environmental services wherever we operate. That mission has stayed consistent. We aimed to be leaders in our field, and that drive hasn't wavered” 

Inspiration for entrepreneurship 

Entrepreneurship wasn't initially Fleming’s dream.He had a successful career at DHL, but the seed was planted when he explored opportunities in marine air conditioning. “My family's entrepreneurial background and DHL's pioneering spirit influenced my decision to take the plunge.”

Why the environmental field?

The journey to environmental entrepreneurship began with a realisation about refrigerant gas recovery's potential. Witnessing environmental harm sparked a desire to make a difference. "Look after Nature, and Nature will look after you" became Fleming’s mantra, driving his company to focus on sustainability.

Fleming found a good mentor in Wilkie, whose guidance and experience helped him propel the company forward. “We learned to navigate challenges, embracing each as an opportunity for growth.”

Recognising the global demand for environmental solutions, Enviroserve seized the opportunity to expand. Fleming spent years establishing operations across Africa while forging partnerships worldwide. This strategic move positioned Enviroserve as a leader in e-waste management.

The dream behind Recycling Hub

Vision and a commitment to sustainability fueled the Recycling Hub project, the world’s largest integrated electric and electronic waste recycling facility. “We aimed to give back to the UAE while leaving a lasting legacy. The facility's scale exceeded expectations, making it a landmark achievement in environmental stewardship.”

Speaking about the challenges in the industry, he said that collection remains a primary challenge, but opportunities abound for innovation and growth. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives and mindset shifts towards sustainability will drive industry transformation in the coming years. The future of waste management is bright, with increasing focus on treatment and recycling, he said. Mindset changes and government initiatives will drive industry growth, making sustainability a cornerstone of global business practices.

On policy-making efforts related to sustainability 

A deep-rooted belief in the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature drives his advocacy. Education and policy change are essential to fostering environmental stewardship. Investing time in these initiatives is an investment in our collective future, he noted.

1000-day rule

Sharing tips to aspiring entrepreneurs, Stuart recommended the 1000-Day Rule:  

Every business needs approximately three years, or a thousand days, to establish itself firmly in the market, he noted. "First year, you'll make your loss. Second year, aim to break even, and in the third year you start to make profit. It takes a thousand days and stick to the target and after that continue to innovate, innovate and game change.” 

This notion is not without exceptions, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology. In recent years, we have witnessed tech startups attract substantial funding and achieve remarkable success in shorter time frames. Yet, for traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, the thousand-day timeline remains a valuable heuristic.

He also cautioned against the dangers of poor cash flow, emphasising the importance of timely collections and prudent financial management. Even businesses with substantial accounts receivable can falter if they fail to convert these assets into tangible resources.

“And hire good people. - That’s the key” 

He also recommended aspiring entrepreneurs to “Stay on target. If you're going to produce toilet paper, produce toilet paper, don't go and start a bread factory.” 

“The old adage of starting a business that you know and what you've experienced — I kind of threw that out the window because I knew nothing about electronic waste, nothing about refrigerants, but I knew how to create and develop a business.”  

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Sustainability Cafe, the podcast channel from Waste & Recycling Magazine will continue to shine light on the inspiring tales and daring journeys of entrepreneurs and professionals from the waste and recycling industry. In each episode, we'll be exploring their journey, the challenges they have overcome, the lessons they've learned, and the values that have defined their path. We believe these stories will inspire more and more people to tread the path of sustainability. 

▶️Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/dSQ4NVT9 

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