The Concrete Jungle: Building a Business from Scratch
September 13, 2024, 9:58 pm
In the heart of the concrete jungle, a unique story unfolds. It’s a tale of grit, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of success. Nikolai Tishchenko, a Moscow native, has transformed his passion for concrete into a thriving business. With an annual revenue of 45 million rubles, his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity.
Concrete is often seen as a dull, lifeless material. But Tishchenko has breathed new life into it. He specializes in glass fiber reinforced concrete, a blend that offers strength and versatility. This isn’t your average concrete; it’s akin to a superhero in the construction world. It can be molded into sinks, countertops, and even architectural facades.
Tishchenko’s journey began in 2009. Back then, he was just a man with a dream, mixing concrete in his backyard. Fast forward to today, and he operates a factory spanning 250 square meters. His story is not just about concrete; it’s about the art of creation.
Creating a concrete sink is like baking a cake. The process involves several steps, each requiring precision and care. First, Tishchenko crafts a master model. This model is the foundation, much like the batter in a cake. Once the model is ready, he pours silicone to create a mold. This mold is crucial; it shapes the final product.
Next comes the mixing. Tishchenko combines cement, quartz sand, and glass fiber. If color is needed, he adds dye. This step is where the magic happens. The mixture must be just right, akin to the perfect cake batter. Too much water, and the structure weakens. Too little, and it crumbles.
Once mixed, the concrete is poured into the mold. Tishchenko uses a vibrating table to eliminate air bubbles. This step is vital; it ensures the sink is solid and durable. After the mixture sets, it’s time for demolding. This is where the sink is freed from its mold, revealing the finished product.
But the journey doesn’t end there. Tishchenko meticulously polishes and finishes each sink. This final touch is like icing on a cake, transforming a simple product into a work of art. Once complete, the sinks are packaged and prepared for delivery.
Selling on platforms like Ozon has its challenges. Tishchenko navigates the complexities of online retail, ensuring his products reach customers without damage. He’s learned the hard way; broken sinks mean lost revenue.
His wife plays a crucial role in the business. She handles marketing and finances, ensuring the operation runs smoothly. Together, they are a dynamic duo, tackling the challenges of entrepreneurship head-on.
Tishchenko’s factory isn’t just about sinks. He also creates architectural elements. Recently, he received a staggering order worth 15 million rubles for a restoration project at Moscow State University. This project was a turning point, showcasing the potential of his business.
The financial landscape of Tishchenko’s business is intricate. The cost of producing a sink is about 7,747 rubles, while it sells for 10,783 rubles. This margin is crucial for sustainability. However, the real profit lies in bulk orders. Producing 1,000 identical sinks reduces costs significantly, making it a lucrative venture.
Marketing is another battlefield. Tishchenko relies on social media to attract clients. Facebook and Instagram have been his allies, allowing him to showcase his work. However, the landscape is ever-changing. As platforms evolve, so must his strategies.
Ozon, a major player in the e-commerce space, has recently adjusted its policies. After warnings from the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), Ozon has made it easier for sellers to navigate the platform. This change is a double-edged sword. While it offers more transparency, it also increases competition.
Tishchenko’s experience with government contracts has been a rollercoaster. Working with state entities can be a bureaucratic nightmare. Delays and miscommunications can lead to financial strain. He recalls a project that stretched over three years due to funding issues. The stress of navigating such challenges is palpable.
Despite the hurdles, Tishchenko remains optimistic. His monthly revenue averages around 4 million rubles, with expenses totaling about 3.2 million rubles. This leaves a modest profit, but it’s enough to sustain his family and invest in future projects.
The journey hasn’t been without sacrifices. Tishchenko works long hours, often sacrificing personal time. Yet, he finds joy in his work. Each sink he creates is a testament to his dedication.
As he looks to the future, Tishchenko dreams of expanding his business. He envisions a world where his concrete creations adorn homes and buildings across the country. With each passing day, he inches closer to that dream.
In the concrete jungle, Tishchenko stands tall. His story is a reminder that with hard work and creativity, even the most mundane materials can become extraordinary. The world of concrete is vast, and Tishchenko is just getting started.
His journey is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t come overnight. It’s built, layer by layer, much like the concrete he works with every day.
Concrete is often seen as a dull, lifeless material. But Tishchenko has breathed new life into it. He specializes in glass fiber reinforced concrete, a blend that offers strength and versatility. This isn’t your average concrete; it’s akin to a superhero in the construction world. It can be molded into sinks, countertops, and even architectural facades.
Tishchenko’s journey began in 2009. Back then, he was just a man with a dream, mixing concrete in his backyard. Fast forward to today, and he operates a factory spanning 250 square meters. His story is not just about concrete; it’s about the art of creation.
Creating a concrete sink is like baking a cake. The process involves several steps, each requiring precision and care. First, Tishchenko crafts a master model. This model is the foundation, much like the batter in a cake. Once the model is ready, he pours silicone to create a mold. This mold is crucial; it shapes the final product.
Next comes the mixing. Tishchenko combines cement, quartz sand, and glass fiber. If color is needed, he adds dye. This step is where the magic happens. The mixture must be just right, akin to the perfect cake batter. Too much water, and the structure weakens. Too little, and it crumbles.
Once mixed, the concrete is poured into the mold. Tishchenko uses a vibrating table to eliminate air bubbles. This step is vital; it ensures the sink is solid and durable. After the mixture sets, it’s time for demolding. This is where the sink is freed from its mold, revealing the finished product.
But the journey doesn’t end there. Tishchenko meticulously polishes and finishes each sink. This final touch is like icing on a cake, transforming a simple product into a work of art. Once complete, the sinks are packaged and prepared for delivery.
Selling on platforms like Ozon has its challenges. Tishchenko navigates the complexities of online retail, ensuring his products reach customers without damage. He’s learned the hard way; broken sinks mean lost revenue.
His wife plays a crucial role in the business. She handles marketing and finances, ensuring the operation runs smoothly. Together, they are a dynamic duo, tackling the challenges of entrepreneurship head-on.
Tishchenko’s factory isn’t just about sinks. He also creates architectural elements. Recently, he received a staggering order worth 15 million rubles for a restoration project at Moscow State University. This project was a turning point, showcasing the potential of his business.
The financial landscape of Tishchenko’s business is intricate. The cost of producing a sink is about 7,747 rubles, while it sells for 10,783 rubles. This margin is crucial for sustainability. However, the real profit lies in bulk orders. Producing 1,000 identical sinks reduces costs significantly, making it a lucrative venture.
Marketing is another battlefield. Tishchenko relies on social media to attract clients. Facebook and Instagram have been his allies, allowing him to showcase his work. However, the landscape is ever-changing. As platforms evolve, so must his strategies.
Ozon, a major player in the e-commerce space, has recently adjusted its policies. After warnings from the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), Ozon has made it easier for sellers to navigate the platform. This change is a double-edged sword. While it offers more transparency, it also increases competition.
Tishchenko’s experience with government contracts has been a rollercoaster. Working with state entities can be a bureaucratic nightmare. Delays and miscommunications can lead to financial strain. He recalls a project that stretched over three years due to funding issues. The stress of navigating such challenges is palpable.
Despite the hurdles, Tishchenko remains optimistic. His monthly revenue averages around 4 million rubles, with expenses totaling about 3.2 million rubles. This leaves a modest profit, but it’s enough to sustain his family and invest in future projects.
The journey hasn’t been without sacrifices. Tishchenko works long hours, often sacrificing personal time. Yet, he finds joy in his work. Each sink he creates is a testament to his dedication.
As he looks to the future, Tishchenko dreams of expanding his business. He envisions a world where his concrete creations adorn homes and buildings across the country. With each passing day, he inches closer to that dream.
In the concrete jungle, Tishchenko stands tall. His story is a reminder that with hard work and creativity, even the most mundane materials can become extraordinary. The world of concrete is vast, and Tishchenko is just getting started.
His journey is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t come overnight. It’s built, layer by layer, much like the concrete he works with every day.