Vino Patel was born in Mombasa, of an economic migrant, who came to Kenya from India in search of better living standards and financial happiness. Having achieved reasonable grades but unable to progress further, Vino studied Electrical Engineering whilst working as a Salesman in a Retail shop and going to college in the evenings for three years. Like most new immigrants, Vino’s family faced a few hardships trying to settle in a new country, but they worked hard and Vino had to further his studies in Accountancy whilst working and eventually got a visa to settle in the United Kingdom.
After spending his early years being employed in various Industries and Financial Institutions and supporting a family, Vino entered into a Pharmacy business in 1986, which he pursued for 20 years before retiring.
After retirement in 2004, Vino started a Consultancy Company for Printing and Packaging, and has worked in India, Italy and Africa for a few leading printers.
In 2015, Vino re-entered into the Pharmacy business with a close family member. He is now semi-retired but still works part time in Pharmacy and continues to build up the business.
Vino enjoys helping people in different walks of life. In his leisure time, he enjoys swimming and cycling for Charity Organisations. Vino has done a trek to the Himalayas which he believes was life changing.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Although I was born in Kenya, I have spent most of my adult life in the West, so I feel United Kingdom is my home country. Although in Sports, I still support the Kenyan teams.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Being blessed with a beautiful wife and family from the man above.
At the age of 50, I also achieved an MBA with full support from my family whilst managing a hectic Business life and other Social Events.
3) What inspires you?
My family and their enduring support is a constant source of inspiration which I am ever grateful for.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Due to Open Door Society, whether business or otherwise, it has been a struggle to win the hearts and minds of everyone and to stand together on a single or similar platform for a common goal.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
It is hard to point a finger as to who has influenced me. It is the way we live in modern times, the competitions and challenges we endure every day that have influenced me to be on guard and protect your love ones and stay positive.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
As life is totally unpredictable, I like to deliver my ideas to the best of my knowledge that is beneficial to everyone at the end of the day.
7) And the worst?
Unable to win hearts and minds or convince people to see the opposite side to their point of view.
8) What are your long term goals?
To share and deliver some of my experiences in life to Society, that will achieve even bigger benefits and share this with the under privileged members of the Society.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Equal playing field for all. One for all, all for one. I would also introduce a system whereby the large corporate world must return some benefits to Society where there is need.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
Dr Livingstone. A great explorer of the African Continent. He had the courage to find his way to inform the world about the Continent.
He understand his role not as an Explorer, but how he made the rest of the world aware of life in the jungle and how his exploration would bring wealth and prosperity to the Continent.
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