Former CEO finds new business model selling nasi lemak by roadside
SHAH ALAM: From running a company and earning a five-figure income to selling nasi lemak by the roadside, a former chief executive officer (CEO) has found himself starting over.
Shah Alam: A former chief executive officer (CEO) named Ade Azhar Ismail has transitioned from running a company to selling nasi lemak by the roadside. Ade, an entrepreneur for nearly 16 years, experienced financial difficulties that left his company operating at a loss since last year. Initially embarrassed to face family and friends, Ade drew strength from his past experience in direct selling and the support of his friends and other business owners.
At one point, he had only RM33 in his savings account, prompting him to return to street trading like when he started his business. Ade spent 2009 as the CEO of a company that distributed various products, but only 14 out of 60 employees remained loyal. With the remaining staff and business partners moving on, Ade decided to start selling nasi lemak from his car boot, turning the venture into a new business model.
The income from nasi lemak sales now supports the company, while Ade chooses not to draw a salary. Despite initial discouragement, Ade sold out on his first day and went on to profit RM9,000 in the first month. His business has grown to include car-boot sales at five locations, with staff and himself selling 1,200 packets of nasi lemak daily.
Ade emphasizes the importance of overcoming embarrassment and ego, drawing on God's blessings, and starting with whatever resources one has.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
