Why Building a Brand is More Important Than Just Running a Business – A Lesson from Fish Magnet’s LegacyFood entrepreneur Gladys Adija Markus, CEO of Adija Foods, has shared powerful insights on the importance of building a lasting brand rather than just running a business. Reflecting on the recent passing of Fish Magnet—a beloved food vendor whose influence is still felt even in death—Gladys highlights why building a structured brand matters.Despite Fish Magnet no longer being alive, popular influencer VDM encouraged the public to continue patronizing his business. This alone shows the power of a strong brand. But the bigger question remains: will the business survive in his absence?Here’s why building a brand is essential:- A brand has systems and structures that guide operations even when you’re not there.- A well-structured brand can outlive you, continuing to serve customers and create wealth for your family.- With clearly defined roles, someone else can easily step in to manage the business effectively.- A sustainable brand creates generational wealth—it can be passed down to your children and theirs. People may support a business out of sympathy today, but long-term patronage depends on consistency and delivery. If Fish Magnet’s business is well-structured, it can thrive beyond his lifetime. If not, the sympathy-driven support may fade quickly.This is a wake-up call to all entrepreneurs:Your business should not die with you. Build a system. Train people while you are still around.
Create something that can sustain others even in your absence—not because you’re expecting the worst, but because you’re preparing for the best future possible.At Adija Foods, we operate with this mindset. Even though we sell food items like tomatoes, we don’t function like typical market vendors. We’re digital, structured, and have trained staff in place to manage every department—even if it’s just one or two people per role.That’s why we’re excited to announce that Adija Foods will soon unveil its first brand ambassador—a move toward growth and sustainability as we count down to our 5-year anniversary and sales celebration.*Build a brand, not just a business.* That’s how you leave a legacy.
