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The production and sale of tombstones and monuments does not seem to be the most romantic occupation. This is also recognized by A. Baravykas, who said that he started his career as an entrepreneur in 1992. The man, who had acquired the specialty of energy, worked on the collective farm before regaining independence, and now owns the same place.
“This building belonged to the collective farm, part of it was equipped with a stone processing workshop. They offered me to do this business, I saw a niche here and little by little I began to learn, “he said about starting the first company, Baltoji Savingsė.
Starting a business at the dawn of independence
According to A. Baravykas, he was always at risk, and from the beginning it was extremely high. For example, starting a business had to borrow money from a bank at high interest rates.
“Imagine my loan first and I paid off 3 percent in a month. Today, it is inconceivable that such interest can be paid. Everyone would agree to lend their personal money, and I borrowed that money and started a business. That was the biggest kick. I had to give a large, high-interest loan to the State Bank of Lithuania, a family house was built and I had to turn around, ”he recalled.
Photo by Luke April / 15min / White Saving Company
According to Širvintiškis, he started his business with about 10-15 thousand. dollars Although now it may be less money, A. Baravykas explains that then it was possible to privatize the hotel for them.
“They were also very difficult times, 1992, insecurity, lack of funds, ignorance at the end, we could only dream of the information we now have about the mills,” he said.
Photo by Luke April / 15min / White Saving Company
I grew up to three companies
Subsequently, about 17 years ago, A. Baravykas together with his Swedish partner founded the company Granito urmas. Makes granite block slabs and polishes them.
“A Swedish citizen from whom I bought granite blocks and saw a niche offered to start a business,” he said.
According to A. Baravykas, the third company, Teco, joined the family because the businessman liked the brand. Currently, the company is engaged in importing stone slabs and their products from Asia and South America.
Photo by Luke April / 15min / White Saving Company
Involved the whole family
Currently this company is directed by son Aurimas.
“He is fluent in English, communicates with Chinese and Indians, and his partners respect him because he is stable and calm. Good guide,” Augenijus did not skimp on praise for his son.
The man also mentioned his wife Lida, who is responsible for the company’s finances.
“With their arrival, we got out of bank loans, we became a little more economical and cautious. It helped us to get up, to grow ”, he assured us.
Photo by Luke April / 15min / White Saving Company
The middle daughter also contributes to the business, returning to work with her parents after traveling the world. And the young man’s father is still waiting, because she has been studying economics in Vilnius since this year.
“Family business, many advantages, but also many disadvantages. The wife does not tolerate meetings at the dinner table, but still asks someone a question. I am not saying that we are arguing, but we can have a heated discussion, “admitted A. Baravykas.
It is true that he admits that he does not intend to leave the business yet.
“Entrepreneurship is declining over the years, it is beginning to assess risks differently, it is becoming more cautious. You want creativity, but you start to get stuck. Because all there is to run and risk, a lot of work, nights of insomnia, you have to measure everything. I’ll see, but they will probably push me. Starting a business is easy, but getting out of it by yourself is not that simple. You have to grow the shift, “he said.
Photo by Luke April / 15min / White Saving Company
Quarantine did not help the business
In terms of seasonal business, seaside cafes and hotels are often mentioned. However, A. Baravykas assures that such a description also applies to monuments or granite slabs.
“Monuments and all other exterior details are needed in the summer. We have to work half a year and earn enough money to earn a living also in winter. In winter when it is cold all the outside work is finished and as a result a person will never come to buy. Half a year ahead, nobody wants to order or plan ”, he assured.
That is why, according to the businessman, it is possible to rise up to 15 percent during the winter. looking for discounts.
Photo by Luke April / 15min / White Saving Company
Furthermore, the quarantine did not contribute to business development this year. Not only was Baltoji Savingsė retailer’s turnover cut in half, the other two wholesale companies felt the blow as well.
“When the quarantine started, people were very scared. What to speak of the monuments here, people were afraid to go to buy food. For me, the product is definitely not the first need, not only the monument, but also the desire to make a terrace, a fireplace or a countertop will be only when a person has the desire to create. And people did not want to do anything, they took care, they saved money because they did not know what awaited them tomorrow. As a result, there was a really secondary need here and the monuments were definitely not important, ”he said.
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