Micheal Shobukola, CEO and Group Managing Director, Strongmas Group
In an ever-evolving business world, only those with a forward-thinking mindset thrive. It takes more than ambition to succeed; it requires resilience, innovation, and a clear vision for the future. Michael Shobukola embodies all these qualities and more. As the Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of Strongmas Group, Michael has skillfully navigated the dynamic landscapes of real estate, property development, and the automotive industry.
From a young boy captivated by the mechanics of automobiles to the head of a thriving multi-sector company, Michael’s story is one of curiosity, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to customer-centric growth. “I’ve always been fascinated by how machines work,” Michael recalls, a passion that would lay the foundation for his future success. In 2013, he founded Strongmas Group, starting with the automotive sector. Seeing the growing demand for high-quality vehicles in Nigeria, he recognized an opportunity to make a difference by providing top-tier automotive sales and maintenance services.
Through hard work and strategic leadership, Michael scaled Strongmas Group within five years, establishing it as a market leader. But his entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. He diversified into real estate, founding Strongmas Residence and Development Limited, where his innovative vision and commitment to excellence now drive both the automotive and real estate arms of the business.
Navigating Challenges and Leading with Vision
Of course, no entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges. Transitioning from the automotive sector to real estate meant learning the intricacies of property development, construction management, and real estate marketing—each with its own set of hurdles. “It was a steep learning curve,” Michael admits, but his problem-solving abilities and adaptability allowed him to thrive.
Scaling the business while maintaining exceptional service quality was another challenge, especially as Strongmas expanded into multiple sectors. “Ensuring consistent quality across all services became critical,” he says, emphasizing the importance of recruiting and training the right talent to maintain the company’s high standards.
Economic fluctuations, from exchange rate variations to inflation, also presented significant obstacles. However, Michael’s flexibility and forward-thinking approach allowed him to navigate these challenges, adapt strategies, and find opportunities amid adversity.
Customer-Centric Growth: The Foundation of Success
For Michael, customer satisfaction isn’t just a priority—it’s the cornerstone of Strongmas’s long-term success. “At Strongmas, the customer is at the heart of everything we do,” he says. His focus on providing personalized solutions, maintaining proactive communication, and ensuring rigorous quality assurance has earned the company a reputation for excellence.
Michael has implemented a feedback-driven approach, actively seeking client input after every project or service completion. “Listening to our customers helps us continuously improve and keeps us aligned with their expectations,” he explains. Strongmas’s commitment to after-sales support further strengthens the client bond, solidifying the company’s status as a customer-centric organization.
Inclusive Leadership: Empowering a Winning Team
Michael’s leadership style is grounded in inclusivity and empowerment. “I believe in creating an environment where every team member feels valued, heard, and empowered,” he says. His collaborative approach encourages input from all levels of the organization, fostering a culture of openness and innovation.
To motivate his team, Michael focuses on empowerment through responsibility, trusting his employees with autonomy while providing the support they need to succeed. Leading by example is crucial to him, and he believes that setting the right standard of work ethic and dedication inspires his team to follow suit.
Celebrating achievements, both big and small, is also key to maintaining morale. “Recognizing the team’s efforts keeps them motivated and committed to the company’s high standards,” he adds.
Balancing Personal and Professional Success
As a driven leader, Michael understands the importance of balance. “Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustaining high performance,” he notes. His day begins with a workout at the gym, which helps him stay physically and mentally fit. “Exercise clears my mind and gives me the energy to tackle the day ahead,” he says.
He is also intentional about structuring his day to make time for both professional and personal commitments. By delegating tasks effectively, Michael ensures that he can focus on high-priority items while also enjoying time to unwind with reading and other hobbies.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Strongmas
Michael’s vision for Strongmas is bold and ambitious. Over the next five years, he plans to expand the company’s operations beyond Nigeria, entering key international markets across West Africa and beyond. “We have the expertise, and we aim to replicate our success in underserved regions,” he says.
Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of Strongmas’s future growth. Michael envisions expanding into eco-friendly developments and affordable housing projects, leveraging sustainable building technologies. “We want to offer smart, sustainable solutions that meet the growing demand for green living,” he explains.
Investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI and automation is another key focus, as Michael sees technology playing a pivotal role in the company’s continued success. “By embracing innovation, we can offer more efficient and cost-effective solutions to our clients,” he adds.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders
For young professionals aiming to lead in the automotive or real estate sectors, Michael offers three key pieces of advice: resilience, continuous learning, and relationship-building. “The journey isn’t always easy, but if you stay resilient and committed, success will come,” he encourages.
He also emphasizes the importance of being open to learning, especially in fast-evolving industries. “The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to lead effectively,” he says.
Finally, Michael highlights the power of strong networks. “Building meaningful relationships with clients, peers, and industry leaders is key to unlocking opportunities and resources that will help you grow both personally and professionally,” he concludes.
Michael Shobukola’s journey from a young boy fascinated by automobiles to the CEO of a thriving business empire is a powerful reminder of what passion, perseverance, and innovation can achieve. His story inspires anyone with the drive to turn their vision into reality.