Joshua Kamil – StartupSmart

Name: Joshua Kamil

Business name: Ready Steady Print

Age: 25

State: Victoria

 

Starting a business in the printing industry at the age of 21 meant that Joshua Kamil faced what he calls “a constant challenge” to convince customers to deal with him.

 

“To overcome this I decided to constantly address it before they mentioned a thing or hesitated making a decision,” he recalls.

 

I would remind them that whilst I may be younger than their average printer, I’m also a lot more energetic and focuses and would have better eye sight than a 70 year old, so our attention to detail would be higher.”

 

“By adding a little humour, it made them feel more comfortable.”

 

Nearly five years on, the strategy has paid off handsomely. Revenue grew by 41% in the 2010 financial year, followed up by further 44% growth in 2010-11.

 

With revenue now standing at $1.5 million, this figure is set to rise substantially with 45% growth expected for the upcoming year. Kamil’s efforts have already been recognised with awards from SmartCompany, as well as this esteemed website.

 

A plan to franchise the operation is set to come to fruition, with Kamil keen to offer a lower entry price compared to other franchisors, aimed at people who want to start a home-based business.