Crafting a Reputation: Renan Fretes Pinto Discusses Oakberry's Success in Australia
Getting the scoop on Renan Fretes Pinto, the ingenious CEO of RFP Master and Oakberry Australia, is an absolute treat! His exceptional journey from graduating in International Business & Management in the Netherlands to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Australia is nothing short of inspiring.
Renan seized an opportunity he spotted in the burgeoning acai market, partnering with Oakberry Inc's founder, Georgios Frangulis, to launch Oakberry in Australia in 2018, marking the brand's first international venture. Under his leadership, Oakberry flourished and became a beloved name across the country. But Renan's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there; he also established Bar Copo and Smoov Australia, making the vibrant Bondi Beach scene even more exhilarating.
In this riveting interview, Renan details his journey of introducing a new brand to a competitive market, both the laughs and challenges he experienced during those initial days, and his guidance for aspiring global entrepreneurs. We dive into how he managed multiple ventures, kept his work exciting, and what exciting developments are on the horizon for Oakberry. Plus, Renan shares his secret to maintaining a balanced lifestyle with a daily routine that keeps him energized and grounded.
Q: Renan, you transformed Oakberry into a household name in Australia. Most of us love a good success story. Can you share a bit about the rollercoaster ride of bringing a new brand into a competitive market like Australia?
After completing his studies in International Business and Management, Renan landed in Sydney seeking business opportunities within Australia. After a year honing his skills in the hospitality industry, he found himself on a trip to Brazil, where he reconnected with Georgios Frangulis, Oakberry's founder, and the initiative to bring Oakberry to Australia was born.
Recognizing a gap in the market, they saw incredible potential for Oakberry in Australia's lifestyle and food scene. Fast forward to 2018, and Oakberry Australia blossomed in the heart of Bondi, marking the beginning of its international expansion spree.
Q: Launching Oakberry's first international venture must have been a wild ride. Can you share one intriguing story from those early days that our audience would enjoy?
With limited funds, the team took on the monumental challenge of constructing the first Oakberry store in Bondi, armed with little to no building experience. They went about it like true innovators, roping in anyone skilled in construction and repaying them with a case of beer. It was a steep learning curve, but they pulled it off, and the resulting shop in Bondi holds a special place in all of their hearts, marking the inception of this fantastic journey.
Q: As someone who's navigated international business waters successfully, what's your top piece of advice for those dreaming of taking their business global?
Renan emphasizes the importance of dreaming big, trusting oneself, and following one's intuition. Even when doubts clouded the acai market's potential in Australia, Renan stayed confident and continued to strive for his vision. Today, with more than 45 Oakberry stores across Australia, the brand has made a lasting impact on the country's eating habits, turning acai from a weekend treat to an everyday consumption.
Q: You're not just the CEO of Oakberry; you manage multiple ventures like Bar Copo and Smoov Australia too. How do you keep things fresh and exciting, and what's your secret to juggling it all?
Renan's passion for fresh challenges fuels his creativity in the business world. With a dedicated team backing him, taking on new projects comes effortlessly. They ensure their staff feels cherished, fostering an exciting work atmosphere, for instance, by organizing team-building trips like the recent office visit to Bali for the opening of the first Oakberry Bali store.
The secret to their acclaimed success lies in creating unique working environments, blending authenticity with a touch of Latin flair to capture the Australian market in a different light.
Q: Looking ahead, what exciting developments or expansions can we look forward to from Oakberry?
Oakberry is ready for growth, planning to dive into more locations in Australia, Bali, and New Zealand. The brand is keen to introduce acai to a broader audience, both in new markets and supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers. A significant project for 2022 is to bring The Oakberry Tubs to households throughout the nation.
Q: Despite the hectic schedule of a busy CEO and entrepreneur, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? What routines or hobbies help you unwind and stay centered amidst the corporate universe?
Renan believes in the importance of starting each day with a refreshing morning dip and a vigorous workout, followed by spending time with his family. Socializing with loved ones and exploring Australia contributes to his vitality. To unwind further, he fosters a lively office atmosphere, dedicating time for weekly team lunches and Friday evening gatherings at Bar Copo or in the office itself (one employee even has a pizza oven!).
On top of that, Oakberry participates in some of the nation's most significant sporting events, offering an opportunity to immerse in the joys of leisure amidst the hustle of CEO life.
Renan Fretes Pinto, the renowned CEO of RFP Master and Oakberry Australia, ascribes his success to dreaming big, trusting oneself, and following intuition. Despite venturing into a competitive market with limited funds and construction knowledge, he took on the challenge of opening Oakberry's first store in Bondi with a team of eager personnel.
Renan's passion for fresh challenges and unique working environments, coupled with a dedicated team, keeps his ventures exciting, fostering an atmosphere of creativity in the business world. In the coming years, Oakberry plans to expand to new locations across Australia, Bali, and New Zealand, seeking to introduce acai to a broader audience and reach households with products like The Oakberry Tubs. Yet, Renan maintains a balanced lifestyle by beginning each day with a morning dip and workout, spending time with family, and fostering a lively office atmosphere with weekly team lunches and Friday gatherings.
