Reaching the top with hard work

It’s been running for more than half a century. Y.Skembedjis and Sons was established in 1971 in Famagusta by Yiannakis Skembedji. It followed a fast upward growth, never relinquishing the values and principles of its founder.

The founder

Yiannakis Skembedji (1948-2014) was born in Famagusta on August 24, 1948. He grew up in the city with his parents and six siblings. He went to the Boy’s School of Famagusta and an evening English School.

Following his military service, he travelled to England for further studies, which were briefly cut short by news of his father’s death.

In 1977 he met his life partner Andri, in Cyprus. They had five children-Stalo, Fani, Costas and twins Nicholas and Yiorgos.

Early steps, the Turkish invasion and Sweden

Yiannakis Skembedji took his first business steps in 1971 by his father’s side in Famagusta, which involved ship loading and forklift hiring.

But the Turkish invasion of 1974 brought everything to a sudden, violent halt. The city of Famagusta was lost and its lawful inhabitants made refugees in their own country.

Uprooted from his birthplace, home and belongings, escaping with just two suitcases of clothes, Yiannakis Skembedji had to quickly rally, regroup, get back on his feet, as he needed to take care of his mother and siblings.

The responsibility of supporting his family forced him to travel as far away as Sweden. He learned the language and worked tirelessly to be able to support his family back home. He always had persistence and patience, virtues that greatly helped his cause.

His wife was right by his side. They left together for Sweden in 1977 with the common goal of building the financial backbone that would allow them to return to Cyprus and restart the business. Tough times, as the couple virtually needed to work day and night to make what was necessary to fund the company.

The return

The couple returned to Cyprus in 1979. Yiannakis and Andri had managed to buy their first forklift in Sweden and were quickly up and running in setting up their business on home soil.

Their first landmark was 1980, when they rented their first professional space, a small area of no more than 10 square meters, that was initially designed to be an elevator.

They only had a landline and the forklift they had shipped over from Sweden, which they rented for loading services mainly at the Limassol port.

Their next savings were enough to buy yet two more Swedish forklifts for rental, while they also taking their next professional step.

Beyond loading services, they also now forklift maintenance and repair.

Recognition

It wasn’t long before the company distinguished itself for quality of service. Clients in Limassol recognised the Skembedjis professionalism, responsibility, values and principles. But there were also many obstacles along the way.

Expansion and early sales (1985 -2000)

But the couple only thrived on difficult, it strengthened their resolve. Yiannakis and Andri forged ahead and boldly took even bigger steps in the years that followed.

Naturally the company grew out of the small room it started out and moved to larger, rented space.

By now, the business was well established and that showed in the sales numbers, as it won over peoples’ trust.

One of the early buildings now houses the Y.Skembedjis and Sons Ltd training centre.

Yiannakis Skembedji was never the one to rest on achievements; he always looked ahead to the next challenge. He continued extensive travelling to Europe and Asia to meet up with forklift suppliers.

By 2000, the company had reached great prestige heights and business was coming in thick and fast.

International recognition came hot on the heels of this success and that kind of acknowledgement was not easy at the time and definitely much harder than today.

The company made the papers both at home and abroad, with numerous articles commenting on its quality of service.

Expansion and more business meant a move to larger space.  The first plot of land was bought in Ypsonas and utilised as a crew area.

A 2^nd plot was soon needed and the adjacent one was purchased, expanding the original space. That developed into the company’s headquarters and today houses the central offices, the crew and the spare parts department.

The 2nd generation

The first member of the family’s 2nd generation joins the company in 2001. After her graduation, Stalo links up with her father and imbued with her parents principles, good training and a great drive to contribute, brought technology to the business and introduced innovative ideas.

Their son Costas follows in the same footsteps four years later, going into the sales aspect of the business, building on his father’s initiative. He often travels abroad to seek new supply chain machinery, participating in numerous exhibitions and negotiating with manufacturing companies.

At the same time, industrious Yiannakis Skembedji, now the most experienced, knowledgeable supply chain professional on the Cyprus market, expands to Nicosia. It was only to be expected, considering his extensive clientele and range of services and machinery.

Collective efforts brought international awards as the business climbed to the top in sales of new forklifts. That opened up many opportunities and secured cooperation with major companies, in recognition of quality, reliability and professionalism.

Life Lessons (2011-2013)

The family went through its toughest of times; it took strength to face a personal trial as the health of the company’s founder Yiannakis Skembedji deteriorated from 2011 onwards. But once again, he showed his resolve, he was never the one to quit on life, looking forward to encouraging the family to do the same, both in their private life and professionally.

His illness did not stop him from working towards the company’s growth, but gradually stepping back, as his children took more initiative. But they always turned to him and their mother for advice and guidance. His experience and passion was an inspiration to everyone.

The family business came full circle when Nicholas and Yiorgos, the youngest sons, joined the business in 2012. Their vibrancy and enthusiasm created new prospects. They grew up with principles, ethics and respect and the awareness that nothing is a given, you really have to put in the hours.

In 2013, the company opened a training centre in Limassol, yet another achievement and further proof of a business that strives to evolve, away from stagnation.

The Loss

A few days before he passed, Yiannakis expressed deep gratitude to his wife for all they achieved in 35 years of togetherness. Their children and grandchildren were the greatest wealth he acquired in his life course. Yiannakis Skembedji passed on April 20, 2014, at 65. He bequeathed a great heritage of love, strength and dignity.

Today’s reality

Following on the solid foundation of their parents, their children proved to be worthy torch bearers. Their mother Andri continues to stand by their side, actively contribution in the organisational aspect of the company. Her presence and role remains notable. Together they have climbed to the front line of their business and the company has developed into a household name in the sector.

It started out inside ten square meters, without personnel. Half a century later it employs more than 50 people in privately owned facilities in Limassol and Nicosia. 7500 square meters house two crews, exhibition areas, equipment warehouses and a training centre, to name a few.

It’s cooperation with the best manufacturers and suppliers both at European and Asian level, are the key to a successful course.

It provides an island wide service of both new and used machinery, for general and specific use, as well as a complete range of warehouse material equipment and accessories, ideal for warehouses, packaging facilities, factories and supermarkets. The products may be sold, rented or offered for short or long term lease. Services include repair, maintenance, training for safe use of forklifts and frequent inspections.

Social Action

The company has been organising biannual blood donations in memory of Yiannakis Skembedji since 2014, always ‘collecting’ a good quantity of life, to those in need.

It also actively supports charity events.

Cooperating with the best manufacturers

• The company also offers a series of accredited training courses by ITSSAR UK for the proper and safe use of forklift trucks, whereas it has also been licensed by Forklift Truck Association UK to perform the Thorough Examination – an inspection for forklift trucks, similar to the MOT for cars – and issues the relevant certificate of accreditation.
• The company’s objective is to offer its partners the most suitable machinery adapted to their needs, at the highest quality and the most competitive rates.
• The company is currently the sole agent of HYSTER – leading manufacturers of supply-chain machineries – as well as of the lifting ramps EASYRAMPS UK, Trelleborg Wheels – Material Handling, the Italian chargers ATIB ELETTRONICA and HAWKER PLUS (ENERSYS) batteries.

Quality, stability, reliability

The company was established 50 years ago in Famagusta by late Yiannakis Skembedji. It supplies forklifts and warehouse equipment both in Cyprus and abroad along with the relevant operation services.

Y.Skembedjis and Sons is run by his four children. His wife Mary is always by their side, in the same way as she supported her husband Yiannakis as they were building a professional life in a tough market, away from his home, following the Turkish invasion and occupation.

They worked tirelessly for countless hours, never relinquishing their values and principles.

Their son Costas is CEO, with Nicholas, Yiorgos and Stalo also closely involved in the business.

Costas Skembedjis spoke to us about his family and parents, the company’s history, his own involvement, their father’s advice, today’s realities and future prospects.

How is the experience of leading a company that’s running for more than half a century?

It’s a good feeling, undoubtedly. You are safe and secure in your professional life, knowing that foundations are solid and people love you for your work and dedication. The sense of responsibility does bear its own weight, but it also gives me quite a bit of energy, a sort of positive and creative stress.

How do you feel in a position essentially created by Yiannakis Skembedjis, in tough conditions?

My father made a lot of sacrifices and went through many hardships to launch and develop the company, showing us that nothing is a given, you have to go out and take it. It’s a reminder of always being responsible. I want to expand the company and develop the business along with my brothers, pass on our own heritage.

Past experiences, today’s realities and tomorrow’s prospects

What does the history carry to present experiences?

The history carries stability, respect, reliability and quality and the future is all about vision, evolution, persistence and naturally, growth.

What determined the Group’s DNA?

We are the 2^nd generation and we step into the future with the same principles. The most important aspect of our work is respect to the clients, whether smaller or bigger projects and naturally, our personnel. Evolution and multi-faceted growth is equally important; robotics and smart technology are notable examples, as the machinery we work with, now use these methods.

Landmarks

Which development stands out for you in this 50 year history?

Well, they’re all important, but that said, 2007 and 2019 were landmarks, as our company received sales awards from the Global Dealers Conference in China. We had the biggest sales in relation to population. That was a significant achievement at the time, as Cyprus was going through a major financial crisis. And naturally, there was 2016, when we signed a cooperation agreement with Hyster Europe, one of the largest supply chain machinery companies globally.

Ace up their sleeve

Any memorable times?

I remember travelling with my father in Holland to close a deal on the purchase of a large number of supply chain machines.

The negotiation was conducted in English but at some point the sellers started conversing with each other in Swedish, mentioning the cost of the machinery in the process. That’s because they thought we couldn’t understand the language.

But you see my father was a fluent speaker of Swedish and with the knowledge of the prices we were able to close down the deal with quite a favourable price.

It was an ace up my father’s sleeve and he used it at the right time.

What was his most important advice?

He often told us not to stress during tough times; honesty and a low profile will get you there. And it’s something we cherish.

What was your first experience with the company?

I was just a child when I begun finding out about the business, through various conversations in a family setting. It is kind of inevitable when both of your parents are working in a family owned business.

What do you remember from that time, what first springs to mind?

My parents couldn’t really stop talking about work, even at home, so I knew all their hopes, thoughts, problems and success, early on. I was virtually there with them.

A united family

Five family members are working in the business. What does that mean to you?

We’re all professionals when working, it’s a principle. I don’t have such sensitivities in the business, I don’t even realise I am working with family. Each of us are excellent in their field, so no guidance is needed. I am certain that everything runs smoothly, as all of us are perfectionists.

 

A family business is a principle

Do you consciously follow a family business model? What are its advantages?

To me, the term family business essentially means a single pocket or wallet, or tsenti as we say in Cypriot dialect. We all work towards the common good, with specific roles, without personal benefit. Naturally major business decisions are discussed and decided collectively. All for one and one for all.

Social action

What does corporate social responsibility mean to you?

Both as individuals and as a company, we share a strong feeling of social responsibility. Biannually we organise a blood donation in my father’s memory with great success, providing much needed blood for those in need. There’s great participation in this donation and we’re really happy about that.

We are also actively involved in various environmental and social issues, making our own contribution to a better future.

 

The future

The pandemic has hit us on the back of a financial crisis, before we even managed to recover fully.

It is indeed quite a tough period. The economy is a chain and when a link is damaged, we all suffer. Shortages and major increases in products have significantly impacted the business world and beyond. What’s more, health experts simply cannot be specific about the future of covid; but there’s always hope as well as opportunities arising in times of crisis.

How do you see things post-pandemic?

In the pace we’re running, we’re not even in a position to predict tomorrow and more so in a distant future. We don’t know when the pandemic will end and what damage it leaves in its wake. We are living in unprecedented times for our generation.

There will most certainly be many changes in the way we conduct business and possibly many jobs will be lost.

But we do hope it will be over as soon as possible and as painless as possible for everyone, so we can start recovering.

VISION, VALUES AND MISSION

Our vision is to maintain a leading position in providing supply chain products and services in Cyprus, with a client-centered approach.

The fundamental values of Skembedjis and Sons Ltd:

Safety: Keeping high standards of safety and encouraging its clients to do the same
Quality: Implementing quality standards for products and services rendered
Communication: Approaching clients at a personal level as a family business
Reliability and trust: Strives to be reliable in client relations

Personnel respect: The need for mutual respect, as the company recognises that success depends on the commitment of its people. In that framework, there is respect for diversity, promoting teamwork and a timeless motto; ‘together we can’.
Leaders: Maintain a leading market position through high quality products and excellent performance, including time sensitive complicated projects
Skill: On-going development through a skills and know how based strategy

Commitment: Growth and profit making remains at the forefront of a healthy business organisation

A client satisfaction mandate:

– Providing low cost high quality products and services for the supply chain that are custom made to the needs of every client

– Immediate, effective and reliable response to after sale requests

– Well trained, experience and committed personnel

– Keeping up with changes, new developments and techniques in the supply chain industry