Today we will be featuring businessman Jordi Soler who is originally from Spain but has lived in Eswatini for
more than 20 years. Soler had his first job when he was just 13 years old and has always loved cooking. Over
the years he has owned a number of food outlets and is still determined to offer good quality food to customers.
This inspiring businessman strives for perfection and leaves no stone unturned still trying to find the best ingredients. He says and I quote “it’s better to pay a little bit more and get good food”, it’s quite clear Jordi’s Pies never
compromises on quality. Jordi Pies outlet is based at Industrial Site in Mbabane? I had the chance to interview
this exceptional businessman and find out more about his drive and passion.
Give me a brief explanation about yourself. How was life growing up? Have you always been cooking?
I was a naughty child growing up so mom figured I should get a job so to avoid getting up to shenanigans. I have
always loved cooking and have worked in numerous restaurants and food outlets in countries across the globe
such as Spain, Portugal, France and England. So yes cooking is my passion!
BEGINNINGS ARE NEVER EASY,
WORK HARD NONETHELESS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP MATTERS
Mr Jordi Solera – (Founder Jordi PIES
19
Did you ever see yourself as businessman who specializes in making pies? When did this idea originate?
I have been in business for over 20 years, I had a
restaurant in Manzini but had to sell it last year and
start a pie business here in Mbabane because the longer working hours required by owning a restaurant
were getting to strenuous so I making pies became the
obvious choice. Making pies was also the best decision
because now we have a pool of supermarkets that get
their pie supply from us and we also provide pies for
functions and gatherings.
Surely you have a secret ingredient that makes your
pies taste scrumptious. Care to share what they
might be? (Jokingly)
The secret to good food is quality ingredients so we
make it a point we get the best of the best every time.
Sometimes it’s better to pay a little bit more and get
good food than to pat a little and get horrible food. So
the secret to our good pies is quality, quality and quality. We never compromise on quality and that is why
our customers keep coming.
Currently how is the market responding to the
product?
The market is difficult at the moment for there are so
many food outlets that are operational and provide different kinds of food items. Also the cost of living is
very high which makes it difficult for people to afford
purchasing ready make food.
The business seems to be based in a not so busy spot.
What means have been done to ensure the product is
out there and many people are aware of it?
There are lots of people in this side of the town however I know it’s not as busy as the city center but I have
made quite a name for myself so the customers really
do not mind travelling long distances so to get a taste
of my pies.
Ever since the business started how many people
have been employed?
Only three ladies have been employed but the two ladies have worked with me for 12 years. When Ramblers
was sold the two ladies stayed on so we may continue
in the business of making food.
Most business people struggle to get their businesses off the ground and often give up on the dream
because of the many challenges they face, what has
been your motivation? And please share tips as to
how you overcame those obstacles?
Beginnings are never easy so they just have to work
hard and make use of every social media platform
available to market the business. One other trick is deliver the best at all times and never ever compromise
on quality for one bad review can bring the company
down on its knees.
You are competing with big brands out there, does
that in any way make you feel intimidated or does it
push you to work harder and reach for the stars?
I believe our product is the very best so I will once
again emphasize on quality. We are the very best when
it comes to great value and our pie fillings are satisfying and mouthwatering.
What does the future hold for you and where do you
see yourself in the next 10 years?
I will be retired by then (laughs hysterically). We hope
our pies will be found in a number of supermarkets
and food outlet in the country for the clients’ base will
be firmer.
Do you think the financial institutions in the country
are doing enough to offer support for small medium
enterprise businesspeople?
It’s very difficult to get funding from financial institutions nowadays. I feel the reason behind is they have
supported many businesses in the past that crushed
and suffered losses so they need assurances that the
business will not fail, which sometimes is very hard
for one cannot predict what the future holds.
Which of the two is the easiest, starting a business
or getting a job?
It is easier to start a business than to get a job because
jobs are scarce lately.
Please offer words of encouragement to struggling
business people out there?
With whatever customers you have be sure to build a
good relationship. Businesses that do well have loyal
customers. Lastly, always uphold higher standards.
It was lovely chatting to you Mr Jordi. I wish you the
very best in your future endeavors