Enterprise: Perera Hardware & Perera Distributors

Founder: Wijesiri Perera

Industry: Hardware business and cement distribution

Year it was founded: 1996

Location: Dambulla, Sigiriya, Galewela, Devahuwa, Kekirawa and Neluwa

This is an interesting and valuable conversation with Mr. Wijesiri Perera, the founder of Perera Hardware & Perera Distributors, who conquered the business world through building construction related hardware products.

1. Firstly, let's talk about your business and how it was started, shall we?

After completing my schooling from Kekirawa Middle School, I started paddy and vegetable farming in 1981. At that time, my father was working as the manager of the Dambulla-Kithulhitiya Corporation. He had a small piece of land in Dambulla. At that time, Dambulla was not a developed city. So, realizing the need of that city and future development activities, I started a small hardware shop in the year 1996 on the land belonging to my father. My initial investment was Rs.200,000/-. Then in the year 1998, I got the distribution agency of Tokyo Cement Company. I hired a motor lorry to deliver cement. Both businesses are now growing steadily, and Perera Hardware is the largest hardware outlet in the area with large storage facilities. Now I have eleven trucks for cement delivery. Both these businesses have created more than fifty job opportunities so far.

2. How does your business differ from other competing businesses?

We are in the business world for 2 decades and we only deal with reputed brands in the country. As a result, we were able to build good trust among the customers in the area. We open the hardware store at 7.30am and close at 7.30pm every day except on "Poya days". We provide a friendly service and the customer trust and loyalty is what we have earned throughout is our identity.

3.  What challenges have you faced in this journey and are you facing any recently?

The major challenges we are facing are the increase in the price of hardware products after the import restriction and the adverse economic conditions in the country.

4. Let's talk about your future business dream, shall we?

We are an authorized agent of Lanwa Steel Corporation Products. I am planning to construct a large warehouse in my commercial property on Kandama Road. Also, I hope to start a new joint venture under the name of my daughter who is a lawyer and son-in-law. After the establishment of the proposed warehouse, customers will be able to purchase the materials required for any building construction from one place.

5. How was the support received from Commercial Bank during your journey?

Right from the inception, I started banking with the Dambulla branch of Commercial Bank and the bank helped me to buy adjoining lands and construct the hardware building at an exceptionally low interest rate. And the bank provided the necessary financial support to get every vehicle I bought without any trouble.

6. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

I personally believe that building trust among customers is the key to success in any business. To retain the customer base, we must provide special attention and unique service to each customer. Also, providing good quality products at reasonable prices will be an added advantage.

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