The BBC features the story of Sanmi Adegoke, whose life story unfolds from facing racial abuse at a fast-food chain to becoming a celebrated property tycoon in the United Kingdom. Adegoke’s unconventional path highlights the power of resilience and the importance of leveraging one’s community.
Early Struggles and Inspirational Beginnings
Sanmi Adegoke’s journey began upon his arrival in the UK from Nigeria in the early 2000s. As a teenager, Adegoke encountered racism firsthand in his first job at McDonald’s in south London. Confronted with customers who refused his service due to his race, Adegoke found solace and strength in his Christian faith, responding to hatred with messages of love and tolerance.
It was during this time that a colleague, recognizing Adegoke’s entrepreneurial spirit, introduced him to the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki. This book, advocating for the investment in real estate as a means to societal advancement, ignited a spark in Adegoke, setting him on a path toward the property market.
The Rise in the Property Sector
After university, Adegoke began investing in the property market, initially buying and selling flats off-plan. Despite suffering setbacks during the 2008 financial crisis, by 2013, he had founded his own company, Rehoboth Property Group. However, breaking into the property business was challenging without the right connections, a hurdle that many, including Priya Aggarwal-Shah, founder of BAME in Property, acknowledge as a significant barrier to entry for those outside traditional networks.
Leveraging Community Connections
Undeterred, Adegoke turned to the connections he did have within London’s black-majority faith communities. His involvement with these communities since moving to London provided a unique avenue for business development. He began by renovating old entertainment venues into worship spaces for these congregations, transforming locations like a bingo hall in Camberwell and Woolwich Magistrates Court into vibrant community hubs.
This innovative approach not only filled a niche but also capitalized on the increasing demand for such spaces in south London, where the number of black-majority churches has surged. Through his company, Adegoke has led over 20 major renovation projects, amassing £35 million in property assets and expanding his workforce to more than 20 employees.
Breaking Barriers and Building Diversity
Recent reports highlight improvements in ethnic minority representation within the UK property sector, yet challenges remain, especially at the executive level where diversity significantly drops off. The experiences of racism and microaggressions are not uncommon, reflecting a broader issue of inclusivity within the industry.
A Legacy of Change
Sanmi Adegoke’s journey from facing racism at a fast-food job to becoming a property mogul is more than just a success story; it’s a testament to the possibilities that arise from determination and community engagement. It signals a slow but ongoing change within the property sector towards greater diversity and inclusivity.