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