Worthwhile risk

“I’m willing to take a risk and back people, just like many have backed me to get me where I am today—I believe in making decisions,” he states. “As a small business owner you have to have faith that your fundamentals are absolutely correct. That doesn’t mean every decision will be the right one, but you need to believe in the way you do business.

“There is no greater accountability than carrying the future of your company and your employees in your hands. I like the fact that there is no safety net and at the end of the day it’s all up to me to keep things running.”

Within two years of launching, 113 East has established itself as a consulting and distribution business and ventured into manufacturing. Mr Rogers also plans to capitalise on the presence he has built in emerging markets to move into gaming operations and provide non-gaming consulting for the Indochina region.

“113 East’s first year was about survival, this year’s about reinvesting in our people, products and marketing. Next year we’ll take it to the next level with our existing clients and some new ones,” he predicts.

“I believe more companies want to be told how it is so they can make good business decisions and save themselves money.

“A good distributor should help its partners and work in their best interests,” he adds.

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