Dario Licul is well known across Broken Hill for his commitment and experience in the mining industry and along with wife Sarah also runs import business, ACJK – Australia China Jian Kun.
Mr Licul says Jian Kun means to grow larger and stronger – something the business has consistently achieved since opening its doors in 2016.
Primarily focusing on imports of goods and products from China, Mr Licul supplies goods and technical services to the community.
Enjoying more than 30 years in the mining industry with a trade background as a fitter and machinist, Mr Licul works as a consultant for several clients in the asset and maintenance management area.
He also holds a Masters degree in Asset and Maintenance Management.
Sarah holds a degree in finance and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). She is looking to expand her field to incorporate international tax law.
ACJK initially opened with the primary focus of the shop front to be for safety supplies and general consumables. Products are available at the store for both the public and larger organisations.
In addition to the shop front, other services include asset and maintenance management, project management, client mentoring, and finance advice and management.
Mr Licul says, “business gratification and satisfaction, and the ability to offer mentoring services” were among the greatest benefits of being in business.
Conversely, “the competitive markets, including online sales, and the shortfall of skilled personnel for staff requirements,” were listed as his top challenges operating a small business.
Covid, as for so many other business owners, significantly altered the business environment, with price increases, staff availability, and stronger competition against online sales some of the greatest catalysts of change Mr Licul has seen in the last five years.
All that said, Mr Licul has no regrets on entering the small business industry, telling the Truth, “operating and owning a business is very dynamic, as you need to be able to read what the customer wants and continually change your model to suit”.
“I don’t think there is one model you could follow, and you should always concentrate on what you are trying to do and not follow businesses in your field,” he added.
Mr Licul advises anyone who is considering small business ownership to, “do your homework, know your product, know your client base, and do the long hours to start”.
While he also recommends getting “a simple functional website,” he most importantly urges small business owners to “look after your own backyard, as they say”, in other words concentrate on your own business.
Mr Licul’s business is on Facebook at ACJK Broken Hill Safety Supplies, and can be contacted via email at [email protected], or by calling 08 8087 2255.
