east Bali Cashews (EBC) is stirring things in the world of business today. The birth of the company it three years ago, the mission of EBC was to create lasting change - and he did just that. We meet American cliff diving CEO and founder of EBC Aaron Fishman and learn about the fascinating history behind the social enterprise.
Located in the Karangasem region of Bali, EBC has grown at an astounding rate, and is now exporting cashews in seven countries and counting. As the largest employer in the region, EBC offers more than 350 jobs, and various community development initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Ban Village. As founder and CEO of EBC Aaron is dedicated to ensuring that the company remains true to its mission social sustainability, economic and environmental.
How it all began
What makes a young American uproot his entire life in his home country and go to Bali for a start business processes and selling cashews? The answer lies in two of the greatest interests of Aaron help people and food. Aaron has always been a "foodie"; if the kitchen in a French restaurant in college, chocolate production in France, owner of a brownie company, or running a commercial kitchen.
The EBC staff working in Ban Village, East Bali
Surprisingly, although Aaron has always had the spirit business, the decision to come to Bali was, as he says, "... ly random. My friend told me about a non-profit that was sending a medical mission trip to Bali and I decided to go. "Aaron never considered traveling to Bali before then and had no idea what to expect once he got there. He did not know it was a decision that would completely change not only his life, but the lives of hundreds of Balinese.
in East Bali, it felt worlds away from the crowds, noisy tourist in the south. he was faced with the extreme poverty of those who live off this pitiless earth. He realized that if foreign aid provided by non-profit organizations was useful, that this village was really necessary for sustainable economic recovery.
Aaron came to Bali at the height of the season of cashews and taught local farmers all cashews would be shipped to Vietnam and India for treatment. at that time, the practice, and other inefficiencies in the system, produces high environmental and financial costs while reducing the quality of cashew nuts. Always think like an entrepreneur, Aaron had the idea to start a factory here in Bali. He believed that was the way to provide the community desperately needed jobs and create sustainable development that this area was missing. He decided he would create an independent company, which would be profitable and beneficial to the community.
When starting the company there was no "grand plan." He took things step by step and learned as he went, to the advice and guidance of many people well informed. "My goal was to improve the community and make a profit, and we did both," he said.
Aaron Fishman has improved the local community through his company
to submit to such a major undertaking, he knew he had to understand both the operational and commercial side of things. Aaron described how he sailed through this unknown territory. "operationally, you can learn by doing. Regarding the business side, I had a local partner, Rezal, who gave me the skills to start a business here [in Indonesia]. Rezal and I started talking about it in February 2012 and all investments was raised by August this year. We started production in November after raising only US $ 137,000. "
Lessons Learned
Aaron had many surprises along the way." I think the biggest surprise I've had amazing how my team was and how many people were in favor of us. We had to be able to perform a complex operation in the middle of a very remote area. The team took full steam and successfully executed it. "
During the factory visit in Karangasem, one can immediately feel the positive energy and community spirit. However, Aaron noted how difficult it was to bring the story of EBC to the consumer because of how highly both remote can be, especially now with EBC expansion in both new and distant markets.
It is still difficult for Aaron to believe how the company was in able to do so early with so little to begin with. Fortunately, his inexperience at the time which allowed him to make a jump in the deep end, unphased by the very real possibility of failure that hit many others who have tried the same feat.
"If you'd said that to me, after only three rounds of capital, we would do it, I would never have believed you. business start retrospectively with $ 100,000 US is ridiculous. It was a terrible idea! It worked, but I certainly would not do it again. I would start much bigger, much better funded. "
The Future
Where Aaron sees himself in five years?" Probably sitting here in this office, with two factories, plantation, an ecolodge, and much more advanced distribution so we can reach all people who are willing to try us out of Indonesia, "he said.
Asked about the possibility of new Aaron products replied: "I want a product line better including more than cashew flavors, cereals, snack mixes, cashews popcorn, etc. . If anything can be made with cashews, we'll do it. I am also working on a low-cost brand. "
It is very clear that with Aaron at the head of the company, EBC will continue to surprise and satisfy your taste buds around the world. There is much in store for the company, as Aaron noted, "Things are going well, but we have so much more to do. This is just the beginning"
Through hard work, creativity, and a cashew nut job, Aaron led a company to improve the lives of everyone involved. a model for the future.
For more information, please visit www.eastbalicashews.com