Our Corporate Partner DICMA Trade is an architectural firm focusing on bamboo, based in Mexico. Their services range from industrial maintenance, construction, design, with attention to both the public and private sector, employing professional and specialized personnel. We asked DICMA Trade to share their thoughts on their successful bamboo business. It should be mentioned, too, that one of our World Bamboo Ambassadors from Mexico is Martin Mortera Abdi, of DICMA Trade. 

Q. How did the idea for your business come about?

A. As young creative people, we wanted to be a part of a work environment that allowed us to fully express ourselves, yet still be an environmentally-conscious community. We did not find it elsewhere, so we decided to take the leap and create it ourselves. Resulting in a place where: bringing inspiration to people through our work at the same time as reducing the environmental impact our sector causes to be possible.

Q. What is your company mission statement?

A. At DICMA TRADE we prefer this mantra: “Listen, ask, discover, understand, create.”

Q. How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the company mission?

A. We believe in the law of attraction and find that being motivated, consistent and having an eye for beautiful eco-friendly designs draws like-minded individuals that share our passion. We are thrilled to be part of this movement and understand that it can only be done with a strong team.

Q. What are the challenges to running your particular bamboo business?

A. In Mexico, vernacular architecture methods are still present, but for newer constructions, “more solid” materials, such as concrete blocks are taking over, causing skepticism about the durability and functionality of the use of bamboo. We aim to combine the beauty of old construction methods with the innovation of today.

Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in your bamboo business?

A. Being able to grow and learn from our experiences and peers which led the way to finally founding our own. Therefore, unfolding a new alternative to customers and leaving a positive effect in the environment whilst making a living at the same time.

Q. How do you build a successful customer base?

A. Having a reliable work ethic and following our mantra to guarantee our customer’s satisfaction. Not being shy to request feedback, and being honest before offering our expertise. Believing in the snow ball effect, allowing our work to do the talk.

Q. What three pieces of advice would you give to entrepreneurs who want to start a bamboo business?

A. ~ Don’t be frustrated, failure is something that happens when you try, so keep on trying.

    ~ Look for the greatness in people, not things; be humble and don’t rush.

    ~ And finally, don’t do hard work, do intelligent work. Keep it simple and listen to people’s advice. Good ideas come around when least expect it, so be prepared and have your principles on hand.

Q. Who has been your greatest inspiration?

A.  As being a team that celebrates differences, our greatest inspiration is just that: the uniqueness in people, cultures and nature everywhere.

Q. How do you go about marketing your bamboo business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?

A. As we mentioned it above, letting our work do the talking has allowed us to implement the word of mouth method. Nowadays applying the same but to larger scale through social networking has proved as our most successful form of marketing.

Q. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?

A. TIBA, < Intuitive Technology and Bio-Architecture> because they care not only about the end product but about everything in between, also their environmental consciousness is contagious.

Q. Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?

A. We would like to position ourselves and our business as a team who takes on new challenges and keeps learning to expand and share the knowledge. Hopefully having reinvented and adapted to meet new demands.

 

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