Progress Report

Marketing material provided by the DDA

Starting a small business in a foreign land has been a true trial by fire. There are processes and traditions that you simply can't prepare for unless you've spent time in-country. For example, the tradition of "Local Council's" in Uganda has been an aggravating experience. My patience is going to be forged of stone after my time in Uganda, but I digress. There are three layers of Local Council's: LOC1, LOC2, and LOC3. Essentially, these are village politicians who give you approval to set up shop in their neighborhood. In order to advance up the ladder of approval, you must kiss their butt, sign a few documents, and pay each one a "negotiated" fee to move on. I thought I left bureaucracy behind when I left the corporate world!

I've also found that it's the little things that truly create hiccups along the way. For example, take budgeting. It's near impossible to establish an accurate budget when the currency exchange rates fluctuate every day. One dollar can be valued at 2,200 Uganda Shillings one day and can suddenly change to a value of 1,900 the next day. Fortunately, this is another lesson that I have already learned and experienced playing athletics. Taken lightly, the "little things" will get you beat every time. Taking the "little things" seriously will set you up for huge successes down the road. 

Fortunately, a day in Africa feels like a week, allowing for plenty of time for progress. We are off to a good start and on pace to fulfill our two major goals of launching Mary's Milk and Sunday services. Here are some key updates: 

• Hired our first milk supplier - AWAMU Fresh Milk Suppliers, Ltd. According to the Dairy Development Authority, AWAMU is the most trusted and reputable supplier in Uganda.
• Introduced ourselves to the Dairy Development Authority (DDA) and set up inspection appointments. We are required to obtain a license from the DDA. The DDA also provided us with some freebee marketing materials as seen above. 
• Hired our first employee for Mary's Milk. Her name is Angela. More on Angela in a coming post. 
• Hired an artist/painter who is currently drafting up proposals for painting our store and office. The final product will be a surprise in a coming post. He is also going to work with us on marketing materials. 
• Met with the lead woman in charge of Heifer International in Uganda, Dr. Margaret Makuru. Heifer operates in 120 countries and is one of my favorite organizations. They provide many services, but they are most known for creating the concept of "Passing On The Gift," in which families who receive donated animals sign a contract to pass on the first female offspring to another family in need, and also agree to pass on the training and skills they acquired. We hope to establish a long term partnership with Heifer. 
• Had "dairy training day" with our new supplier, AWAMU. I want all of the directors to be experts in operating a retail shop before we open the doors. They have to know how to run the show when I am gone. The day included learning the different ways of testing milk for quality and purity and learning the best practices for storing and handling the milk. 

 

Training Day. Two ways to test milk for quality and purity: lactometer and boiling. A lactometer reveals if there is any water or dilution in the milk. Boiling milk in a test tube reveals whether or not the milk is drinkable. If any deposits are formed you have to pitch the milk. 

Dr. Margaret Makuru and Henry Ibanda of Heifer International, Uganda. This meeting hopefully set the stage for a long-term, successful partnership. 

Thanks to everyone for your support. I will try my best to provide a weekly progress report or at least keep you posted on key advancements (or set backs).