On the Rise: Anthony Umezinwa

Anthony Umezinwa

Managing Director | Tyrepublic | Lagos, Nigeria | Age: 22

What was your first job in the industry?

Salesperson.

What attracted you to the industry?

I was born into it.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?

Setting up the business online and drawing traffic to the business site.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Iman Ghadzi

What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?

Successfully pulling 50-plus customers in three months.

Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?

I manage the day-to-day, overall activities of the company.

Tell us about your family.

I was born into a family of seven. I have four siblings, plus my parents.

What is the most essential professional skill for someone in your job?

Communication and marketing skills.

What song takes you back to high school?

Eminem’s “Cold Wind Blows.”

If you could start a new career tomorrow, what would you do?

Nutritionist.

Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?

Disaster.

In the next 10 years, what will be the biggest change in the tire industry?

Affordability, durability and accessibility.

What hobby or activity helps you unwind?

Driving.

If it was your job to persuade new people to join the tire industry, what would be your best selling point?

Everybody depends on tires, whether they know it or not. Tires will never go out of demand.

What’s one thing you would change about yourself?

Too stubborn.

Pick a celebrity and explain why you think he/she would be a great tire dealer.

Shaq.