
Building a successful auto business in Nigeria is no small feat — but starting a sports car company from scratch? That’s next level. In this episode, Oluseun Olawore shares the raw, unfiltered story of how he turned his passion for cars into a thriving auto empire — and eventually founded a groundbreaking sports car company in Nigeria. From overcoming industry challenges to training skilled technicians, Oluseun reveals the hard lessons and key strategies that shaped his success.
Oluseun Olawore is the founder of Olawore Motor Company, Nigeria’s pioneering sports car manufacturer, and Rich Lustre Colours, a luxury auto detailing brand. His journey from customizing high-end cars to producing locally designed sports cars is nothing short of groundbreaking. Oluseun is known for his innovative approach to automotive engineering and his commitment to elevating Nigeria’s auto industry. Through his work, he’s proving that African ingenuity can compete on a global scale.
In this conversation, Oluseun and Bola dive deep into topics like:
Why mechanics are undervalued in Nigeria — and how to change that.
The key to training skilled auto technicians who understand modern cars.
How using local language and clear standards could elevate the entire industry.
The hard lessons that shaped his business philosophy.
How Oluseun’s vision is reshaping Nigeria’s automotive future.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: A Passion for Cars
01:26 Early Influences and Inspirations
04:15 University Challenges and Realizations
06:49 Starting the Automotive Journey
08:19 Building the First Workshop
10:49 Expanding and Relocating the Business
17:15 Creating the First Prototype
26:09 Launching OMC and Future Plans
29:54 University Struggles and Social Life
31:48 Funding the Lifestyle
34:03 Realization and Transition to Work
37:01 Early Career Challenges
40:36 Building a Manufacturing Company
43:57 Factory Visits and Inspirations
51:40 Balancing Passion and Profitability
01:01:50 Training and Skill Development
01:06:42 Understanding Impurities in Metalwork
01:06:55 The Importance of Proper Techniques in Painting and Mechanics
01:07:55 Bridging the Gap in Artisan Skills
01:10:06 Challenges in Training and Refining Artisans
01:11:57 Common Misconceptions in Vehicle Repairs and Manufacturing
01:15:27 The Need for Proper Training and Standards
01:19:15 Overcoming Infrastructural Barriers in Nigeria
01:28:06 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
PODCAST LINKS
- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jxKJw0iFz7WgkEYI34qPT
- Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idea-to-empire-with-byo/id1802606748
-Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/gKlX4tOkc9w
FOLLOW THE HOST:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bolayinkaobebe, https://www.instagram.com/idea2empirepod
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bolayinkaobebe
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bolayinkaobebe
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolayinkaobebe
CONNECT WITH OLUSEUN OLAWORE:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oluseunolawore, https://www.instagram.com/richlustrecolours, https://www.instagram.com/olaworemotorcompany
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluseun-olawore