Hello Mentor S2 EP4 | Afiq Hafiz (Grill Haven) - 7 Key Lessons on Business Partnerships

With practical advice on running a business partnership, the co-founders of Grill Haven offers insights every aspiring entrepreneur in Malaysia needs to hear.

By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-22 at 7:11 AM

Updated on 2024-10-22 at 8:03 AM

How to Run a Business with Friends: Insights from Afiq Hafiz of Grill Haven

When COVID grounded their flights, these pilots found a new way to soar by grilling up the best burgers in town!

But that's not all—Hafiz spotted something special in Afiq's lemonade stand and knew they could achieve greatness together. He extended an invite, and the rest is delicious history. Their story is one of friendship, innovation, and mouth-watering burgers that you won't want to miss! Tune in for their inspiring journey, from sky-high ambitions to sizzling success.

7 Key Strategies for Building a Thriving Business in Malaysia

Thinking about starting a business in Malaysia with someone? It can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a great deal of discipline and trust. Afiq and Hafiz—both former pilots—founded Grill Haven, a burger joint that began as a small pop-up during the pandemic. With backgrounds in aviation, they brought a structured approach to the F&B business.

In this episode, they discuss how they manage their business partnership, build team culture, and balance personal relationships with professional responsibilities. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or already running a business with friends, Afiq and Hafiz offer practical insights from their journey building Grill Haven.

1. Start Small and Scale Strategically

Afiq and Hafiz began Grill Haven as a pop-up stall, testing their concept before scaling. They recommend starting small to minimise risk and gather valuable feedback.

“Starting small gave us the freedom to experiment and adjust,” Afiq said. “It’s easier to scale once you’ve fine-tuned your operations.”

This low-risk approach allowed them to establish a sustainable business model while building a loyal customer base.

2. Play to Your Strengths with Clear Role Assignments

Success in a business partnership depends on recognising individual strengths and assigning roles accordingly. Afiq manages operations, while Hafiz focuses on marketing and public relations.

“We respect each other’s responsibilities and trust the other to manage their part of the business,” Hafiz shared.

Understanding your strengths is essential for effective collaboration. Tools like personality quizzes can help identify how you work best, guiding you to choose roles and tasks that align with your natural abilities.

3. Maintain Professional Boundaries

Afiq and Hafiz emphasise the importance of separating friendship from business. This ensures that personal issues don’t interfere with professional decisions.

“When it comes to the business, we leave personal feelings out of the equation,” Afiq shared. “That way, every decision is made in the company’s best interest.”

Setting boundaries early helps them stay aligned and maintain a healthy working relationship.

4. Build Trust Through Active Involvement

Being actively involved in day-to-day operations shows employees that the business owners are committed. Afiq and Hafiz regularly work alongside their team to build trust and foster a sense of belonging.

“When the team sees us working alongside them, it boosts morale,” Afiq said. “They know we’re committed to their success.”

Being present in operations also helps them identify and resolve challenges efficiently.

5. Foster a Collaborative Team Culture

Creating a positive team culture is essential to building a successful business. Afiq and Hafiz prioritise open communication, encourage feedback, and recognise employees' contributions.

“We listen to feedback from our team and reward their efforts,” Hafiz noted. “That’s how we grow together.”

Their approach aligns with the values promoted in our community—where businesses learn how to foster engaged, motivated teams that drive long-term success. If you're passionate about creating a thriving workplace culture, consider joining the community to exchange insights with other leaders!

6. Manage Multiple Commitments with Discipline

Afiq and Hafiz balance their business commitments with flying and family life. They avoid burnout by compartmentalising their responsibilities, focusing entirely on one task at a time.

“When I’m flying, I focus solely on aviation. When I’m at the restaurant, it’s all about the business,” Afiq said.

This disciplined approach helps them manage responsibilities efficiently and avoid burnout.

7. Embrace Continuous Learning and Adaptability

Afiq and Hafiz stay ahead by adopting a mindset of continuous learning. They draw inspiration from books, podcasts, and online resources to improve their business strategies.

“Running a business means constantly evolving,” Hafiz said. “The key is to filter what’s relevant and apply it to your situation.”

Staying curious and adaptable has allowed them to respond quickly to challenges and explore new opportunities for growth.

Conclusion: Build a Business That Thrives on Trust and Teamwork

Starting a business with friends can be incredibly rewarding when approached with trust, structure, and clear goals. Afiq and Hafiz’s story demonstrates the importance of clear roles, professional boundaries, and an inclusive work culture.

Their journey with Grill Haven shows that by starting small, staying involved, and continuously learning, you can build a thriving business without compromising personal relationships. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, their experience offers valuable insights into sustainable business growth.

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About Hello Mentor

Hello Mentor is a podcast offering candid conversations on entrepreneurship, career growth, and ambition. Each episode features inspiring individuals who share personal experiences and actionable advice.

Catch all episodes on Spotify or YouTube for more inspiration and career guidance from industry leaders!

By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-22 at 7:11 AM