Organico Vitamins growing strong in Naperville
An interview with Ahmad Khan, owner of Organico Vitamins in Naperville.
Q: Describe your business.
A: Organico Vitamins is a result of my vision to have a central place where consumers can find America’s premier brands with great one on one personal service. Selection and everyday value pricing are other key elements of Organico Vitamins.
Q: What do you do?
A: I am an owner, a CEO, president and whatever other title an entrepreneurial person has to run a successful business. In the end it is my responsibility for whatever it takes to provide a friendly and tasteful business environment for our patrons.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: Actually I have over 15 years invested in this industry. This is my fourth venture in organics & vitamins business. In year 2000 I started Organica Vitamin and Health Food store on Barrington Road in Streamwood. I sold that business in 2009 and took some time off. I missed this business very much and what it stands for. Today the products offered by the manufacturers are much to the need of what the customers are asking for. Turn around time for a product to come on the market is much faster. The packaging is first class. I also missed having interaction with my customers.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: Obviously there are usual challenges with governmental licensing process in establishing a new business. But the biggest obstacle is finding an effective way to reach to your target audience.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: To welcome the customer in my store. It is a great pleasure and delight when our customers compliment us on our service, selection and recommend our business to their friends and family.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young?
A: It was my goal and dream to be in the fashion industry. I did accomplish my goal with a very successful and rewarding career. I spent 18 years in corporate world. But it was a job and a career. On the other hand, this business is my passion and way of life. I look forward to coming to my store because no two days are alike. And at the end of the day I go home very content that I made a contribution toward the goodness of other people’s lives.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Power outage and breakdown of IT.
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: If you are planning to open a retail store, talk to a sign company about design, cost and lead time before you start to look for a store space. Get your outside sign installed as soon as you sign your lease. Let the customers know your business in coming to that location while you do your build out.
Ÿ Every Monday we feature a small, suburban business. We want to hear about yours. Contact Kim Mikus at kmikus@dailyherald.com.
Organico Vitamins
Address: 2960 Artesian Road, Unit 144, Naperville, IL 60564
Phone: (630) 946-6151
Owner: Ahmad Khan
Year business started: 2013
Website: www.organicovitamins.com