ARMED with a passion for sales and marketing and a degree in Mass Communication, Usha Gopalan ventured into an industry where few women would go into \u2014 starting her own scrap metal company.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I like about sales and marketing, is the challenges I have to deal with, like approaching companies to try to get a tender and communicating with different people of different levels,\u201d said the 39-year-old graduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang.<\/p>\n
The owner of Empire Tradelines Sdn Bhd said her firm deals with \u201c100% scrap metal\u201d, mainly with oil and gas companies.<\/p>\n
\u201cScrap metal is a very competitive business that depends on volume, so it is challenging having to juggle the price and service war,\u201d said Usha, adding that there are over 2,000 big and small companies involved in the industry alone.<\/p>\n
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No easy task:<\/strong>\u00a0Usha is inspecting some beams and channels at a client\u2019s workplace.<\/div>\n\u201cI was the only female in the business when I ventured into scrap metal five years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest challenge I had to deal with was perception. The initial years were tough, but I was determined to break into the male-dominated industry,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Usha said the nature of her job is physically demanding \u2014 something that requires on-site visits and walking in the hot sun \u2014 which is not something most women would jump into.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was lucky I had industry veterans to serve as my mentor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people in the scrap metal industry are harder to convince compared with outsiders.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs somebody different who stood out, my \u2018disadvantage\u2019 as a woman opened up opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat gave me an edge as clients who were initially surprised were willing to try out my company\u2019s services,\u201d she said, revealing that she still receives mixed reactions from people within the industry.<\/p>\n
Summarising what she does, Usha said she would buy high quality scrap metal that would then be sold to smelters in Malaysia or India.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe metal, which is either melted or used in its original condition, is used for fabrication purposes, usually as materials in the construction and transportation industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cScrap metal is a relatively recession-proof industry, as there will always be waste,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Usha is proud that Empire Tradelines has grown from a team of two to a company of six, all of whom are women.<\/p>\n
\u201cNone of us had any background in scrap metal, but I believe that women are as equally capable as men. Women are focused, hardworking and particularly good with follow-ups.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I started off, I was negotiating with 50 tonnes (50,000kg) per deal. Now I am handling 2,000 tonnes (2mil kg) per deal,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Usha\u2019s Kuala Lumpur-based office presently deals with both Malaysian and foreign companies in Perth, Melbourne and Fiji.<\/p>\n
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Usha Gopalan<\/div>\n\u201cIn terms of future plans, I hope to work with other industries that have scrap metal like construction and electronics, and expand my business internationally by venturing into the Middle East.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe challenges and profits I make are what continue to excite and drive me in what I do,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Usha expressed hope in seeing more women in the scrap metal industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen would be able to offer a fresh perspective.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that their meticulousness and determination to be able to execute their job are what make women more competent,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The mother of two girls credits her success to her husband Quentin Andre Louis and family\u2019s support.<\/p>\n
\u201cI owe a lot to his understanding and support, without whom I would not be able to do what I am doing today.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would also like to pursue my first love for aeroplanes,\u201d said Usha who spent a one-year stint as an air stewardess and is now working towards earning her private pilot\u2019s licence.<\/p>\n
\u201cAviation is another male-dominated industry with a lot of opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been fascinated with aeroplanes since young, and my dream is to own my own hangar and single-engine planes one day,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n