Easy talk about business with Mova brewery co-owners
14 February, 2024
Oleg Gildin, Borys Gildin, Bohdan Tochka
- co-owners of the Mova craft brewery
My business idea was born when
Oleg: I was travelling and saw people drinking beer, talking, smiling at each other, not getting drunk and not showing aggression. Different ages, different genders, different statuses — beer unites everyone and helps them communicate.
Borys: After taking a brewing course at the VARVAR brewery in Kyiv. It turned out to be a rather interesting and promising idea, given the growing demand for quality products that differ from the existing brands of national and regional producers.
Bohdan: after we organised the first Craft Culture festival in Dnipro.
Useful skill/habit that helps in your work
Oleg: Punctuality.
Borys: In my opinion, one of my most useful habits is to always bring any business to a logical and maximally positive result. It doesn't matter what kind of business it is, small or large-scale, it must be completed on time.
Bohdan: Do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today. It is also important to do everything you are capable of and a little more.
The most important advice I have received
Oleg: Throughout my life, I have been receiving valuable advice, most of it from books. I can't single out any one most important piece of advice.
Borys: I really like the advice I received almost 20 years ago from the vice president of sales of a large brewery company - don't stand still, it will suck you in. This advice reminds me that both businesses and individuals need constant development.
Bohdan: Ideas are useless without their implementation.
Three main pillars of my business philosophy
Oleg: always moving forward, launching new products, building, developing; creating a team that can achieve the highest goals; being honest, being able to admit your mistakes.
Borys: I don't know if I'll be original in this matter, but, firstly, not to be afraid to go beyond, to think big. Secondly, to be brave, not to be afraid to take risks. Risk in business is courage, but wisely. And thirdly, do not be afraid of obstacles and mistakes. As they say, only the person who does nothing makes no mistakes. Everything that happens gives you the opportunity to grow.
Bohdan: The team, the area (we are from Dnipro and are very proud of it), and the care.
Crisis in business and how to overcome it
Oleg: For me, the crisis is a new opportunity, a point of growth in the future.
Borys: No one can rule out the possibility of a business crisis, but if you follow certain things (for example, described in the previous paragraphs 3 and 4), you can minimise it. But if you cannot avoid it, it is very important to analyse it, identify the problematic issues and fix them.
Bohdan: The first crisis we faced was COVID-19. At that time, the largest market share was occupied by HoReCa sales. After the lockdown started, we launched our own home delivery of beer a week later.
The best advertising is
Oleg: The one that evokes emotions in people.
Borys: the one that makes people want to buy the product/service again.
Bohdan: good consumer feedback.
Money loves
Oleg: when it works.
Borys: bravery.
Bohdan: velocity and flexibility.
MOVA Brewery
My business in 5 years
Oleg: World-famous.
Borys: Very confident, recognised not only in Ukraine but also far beyond its borders. This is a business that inspires you to create more and more.
Bohdan: 50% of our sales are exported. A large fan base in Ukraine and abroad.
Where I find inspiration/filling
Oleg: In reading books and travelling.
Borys: In my work, it is with me every moment. Even when I am resting, all my thoughts are there.
Bohdan: In communicating with new people.
Hot new product/technology/product of my business
Oleg: Instant beer.
Borys: There are several new products that are planned to be launched in the near future. But I don't want to reveal all the cards right now, I'll keep the intrigue.
Bohdan: Our dark non-alcoholic beer, which is currently the only one in Ukraine. By the way, we recently won gold at the prestigious European Beer Star beer competition.
A question I would like to hear to maximise the disclosure of my business
Oleg: Why am I doing this?
Borys: I don't even know what to say here.
Bohdan: why are you doing this?
My advice to entrepreneurs
Oleg: develop, learn, influence the world around you, believe in yourself.
Borys: Create, experiment, don't be afraid to make mistakes. Be confident in what you are doing and you will succeed.
Bohdan: Be honest and open with yourself and others.
Rules/Success/Business
The new column “Rules/Success/Business” by the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office expert Valentyna Liashenko will share with you a lot of breathtaking business ideas, advice, and insights from both Ukrainian and worldwide business owners. We will introduce you to the interviews of company owners from different fields and countries.
Easy talk about not easy situations, challenges, and joy from the victory.