A big interview with Vitaly Medvedev about life, childhood and the family brand “Three Bears”.
Today, “Three Bears” in North Cyprus is a brand that is always on everyone’s lips. This applies not only to the Russian-speaking diaspora, but also to English-speaking buyers and the local population of the island. If you pronounce the word bear, bear, then involuntarily associations pop up:
- something big, soft and warm
- And of course, good … Good bear, bear 🙂
A big interview with Vitaly Medvedev
“Tell me, what’s your name?” — My name is Vitaly Medvedev. I came from Kazakhstan. I am 51 years old.
— Tell me the annual, total turnover of the Three Bears group of companies.
“I don’t like to talk about that.
“Tentatively, then tell me…” Is it $500,000 or $1 million?
“Then so… Closer to the second day 🙂
— What is your profession?
— My first education was as a mathematics teacher. I studied in Soviet times, and I got it in the Soviet Union. This is a classic education! And in my opinion, it is quite good. At that time, it was impossible to buy grades and a diploma. You had to be friends with teachers, and thanks to this, you received additional loyalty. And your own results weren’t bought or sold. And this is a huge plus! My second education, again, is classical, and it concerns stock markets. What is happening now with the stock markets and what happened then are two different worlds. My two educations complement each other and I am extremely happy about it…
University and first job
— What were the names of your educational institutions? – The first is the East Kazakhstan Pedagogical Institute. The second (for stock markets) is the National Securities Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
— In those years, only they had this right to teach people about stock markets. The training lasted 1 year and 8 months. It was 1994. And in the entire region, only my company had the authority to carry out transactions with securities. What was a huge plus in the period of post-perestroika 🙂
— What was the lowest-paid job in your lifetime?
— My first work experience was when I was 11 years old. We picked strawberries in the gardens. And during my teenage years, there was not a single summer that I did not work. After working every summer, my parents used the money they set aside to buy me school supplies. And also, every year, a voucher for the winter holidays. Another my favorite work, after graduating from the university, I worked for 1 year at school. It was 1993, the period of transition from rubles to tenge. And when the exchange rate began to rise, my salary was $28 a month. Working as a teacher is a heartwarming, interesting job. I still love her madly. Although at the same time I had my own small business. Since I opened my first company in 1990. And as a student, I already had my own business!
Period before moving to North Cyprus
— In what other areas of companies or businesses have you worked? — In general, I worked as an employee only during my school years. And during my student years and beyond, I had a business. These have always been their own projects. This is trade and intermediary activity. Then there is a large segment, when we have really big money – these are transactions with securities. Then there was small privatization and large privatization in Kazakhstan. The next stage was gas stations. By the way, there was a period of time when we had an entertainment business – these are nightclubs. Then, for a long time, we owned companies in the field of Media. And since the early 2000s, we have had chains of motorcycle dealerships. These are the projects that fed us, put us on our feet and paved the way.
Remembering my childhood…
— What was interesting about your childhood? “I, like all Soviet children, ate tar, inflated frogs from a straw. Fishing rods and slingshots were made by themselves. We rode bikes with friends. They dug holes and covered them with grass. Childhood was cheerful and carefree… I also remember an incident from my childhood! My aunt lived in the suburbs and spent my entire youth there. There was a village canteen in the village, where weddings were held on weekends. And when tipsy people went out to breathe fresh air, on the porch. The guys around the corner were standing and throwing “scarecrows”. And we pulled the rope at the right moment. People fell, stammered… Ooh… And there was laughter in childhood… 🙂
Northern Cyprus
– How did you get to Northern Cyprus? Why did you move here? – To be honest, I have never thought of leaving Kazakhstan. We felt cozy and comfortable there. They never pressed the state bodies. And in one period of time, an unpleasant incident happened, after which I reconsidered all my life values. We built a house, and they just burned it down for us. And what did not burn out was stolen. After that, I saw people’s schadenfreude and this was the final straw in making the decision to move. My wife and I chose various destinations where we could go to live. There were several options, but we settled on Northern Cyprus. There were 2 reasons (at that time):
- Visa-free travel to Northern Cyprus
- Calm and measured life
“And we still get this peace of mind! The TRNC is a great place for family life. These two decisive factors became the main ones for us. We came here, saw it and liked everything. Then we bought real estate and after 1.5 years we finally moved to Northern Cyprus. — And what happened to business in Kazakhstan? “Some were sold, some were simply closed. And something was donated or left for charity. — Do you fly to Kazakhstan? “Before the pandemic, my wife and I flew home every year. We still have an apartment there. And of the relatives, my mother, sister and a few other people who are dear to me remained. “Do you want to move your mother here?” — Yes, we can’t even persuade her to just come and take a look 🙂 Where can we talk about moving… 🙂 She does not seem to want to go to get an international passport on purpose. So that we don’t take her here… 🙂 🙂 🙂 I have a good mother – a world mother. But he doesn’t want to come here 🙂
About the difficulties…
– What difficulties did you face in Northern Cyprus? — It is difficult to surprise me after the 90s. But the hardest thing, I think, is entering the local mentality and existence. There were no disappointments, to be honest! But sometimes there was anger, at the level: “Well, how come?”, “Is this possible?”. But, over time, this also passed, ground up and survived. Now, we are also angry, but in a kind way.
Yavaş-Yavaş, so to speak… 🙂 This anger just needs to be, probably, to splash out internal emotions. But it will not affect the solution of any issues in any way. And when I am consulted about starting a business, I always say one thing: “If you can get into the mentality, then try. If you can’t, it breaks you from the inside. Then it’s better, don’t even try – don’t open a business here. Because there will be internal hard labor. Someone will live in penal servitude, and someone will carry parcels to this very penal servitude 🙂
— What other difficulties did you face?
— With documents. It’s hard to get them here. Getting all the steps right and right is not easy. And the attitude of state bodies to Russian business, for example, 6 years ago was different. They didn’t trust me, if I can say so. Now it is changing for the better! Thanks to the “Three Bears”, in particular, the attitude has changed.
Brand “Three Bears”
— How did the brand about bears appear? Why “Three Bears”? “I’ve always wanted a family-based business. And since our last name is the Medvedevs. Therefore, “Three Bears” is a logical decision on the brand. This logo, which is known to everyone, we have been coming up with and drawing for a long time. We created the logo in such a way that it was kind. The idea of a good trademark has grown into a good company, and, accordingly, into logically good business conduct. We have been moving towards this and are moving towards it now. Many note this, many do not notice it – and this is also normal. But the majority of our customers feel our warmth and kindness.
What we have been dreaming of for a long time, in Northern Cyprus we were able to realize it. “Three Bears” is a registered trademark in North Cyprus. To date, we have received all permits and documents. I saw the mentality of doing business by personal example in different countries. For example, I worked with China for about 20 years. But in Northern Cyprus, the mentality is completely different. It is just different from other countries. As for our brand, we found customers ourselves. This market did not exist here, in principle. There were no products of this segment. So, I want to tell you the following, “Three Bears” is our pride! — How many employees does the company have? “At the moment, not counting me, 17 people are working. If you count the people who are doing internships, you get 22 people. All people in our company are officially employed with white salaries and work visas.
I am surprised…
— What surprises you now? — The attitude towards Russian business has changed in Northern Cyprus. As I said earlier. Now they meet us, advise us something, help somewhere. Even sometimes, they are consulted. I consider this to be our great achievement and plus. — Are the Three Bears a local business? “Now the state bodies consider us “close” to local business. We had one story when we were denied benefits as manufacturers. They said that you were visitors. You are foreigners. This story happened 4 years ago.
- “We intend to support the local producer,” is the official response from the state body.
- “Do we pay taxes here or on the moon? Are we creating added value on the Moon or here?”
And as you can see, through a personal example of kindness and honest business conduct, we were able to prove that we do business here. We now enjoy benefits on an equal basis with other local companies. And we did it! We signed all the documents. By the way, I want to note that everything went without bribes. Our company works only in white, and we do not pay bribes, from the word “at all”!
Consumer market segment
— Who are the main buyers of your products? – The Russian-speaking population (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus), including the CIS, is 50-55%. All our other clients are English, or even English-speaking. And also, local Cypriots. There are a lot of Turkish citizens from the continent. And other nationalities that live here are Chinese, Filipinos, or, for example, citizens of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and other nationalities. Now we have an international buyer. Which is very pleasing. There are no excesses for one or another market segment. This gives freedom of action. We have been coming to this for a very long time. This was our primary task and goal. And the place in which we are now, “The Three Bears & Drink House”, also adheres to the principle of internationality. On the opening day, there were many British, Cypriots and Russians. And there were also 3 owners of local restaurants. And at our prices, they drank 700 TL 🙂 🙂 🙂
— What directions does the company “Three Bears” have?
— The main direction is production. We have our own retail: 2 brand stores (Alsancak and Karakum) and 1 brand section in Iskele. The Three Bears (Karakum) is our first trial franchise. If it gives a positive result, then 3 more markets will open according to this principle.
The Three Bears & Drink House
— Tell us a little about the Drink House in Alsancak… — This is our new project. The Three Bears & Drink House. The opening day was November 12 at 16:00. We have been working for only a week. On the opening day, there were 270 people. And for all the other days there were about 250 people. A total of 500-520 visitors per week.
The Three Bears & Drink House is an establishment that we have opened in Alsancak. It’s not about money, it’s about loyalty to our brand. Yes, we plan that it will not be a loss-making project, but in the future it will earn something. We have invested our finances, our strength and our kindness here. If it shows itself on the positive side, then we will replicate it in the future in two more copies. Namely, in Reader and Iskele. — Whose idea is it to open a Drink House? “Mine.” All (crazy) ideas are born in my head. We have always been guided by a distinctive feature when we have done something throughout our lives. Something that is different from others. Not like everyone else. And the format we have chosen it includes:
- yes, there is a kitchen, but Drink House will never be a restaurant
- there will be booze, but Drink House will never be a banal bar
- you will see entertainment here, but Drink House will never be a disco
— Then The Three Bears & Drink House, what is it? “Drink House is a soulful institution of cultural drinking. This is our main concept. And we will apply everything else to it to support it. This is a place where you can sit sincerely, have a heartfelt conversation and sit with friends or make new friends here. There will always be 3-4 cultures that will find something in common and they will be interested in us.
Curious situations in Drink House
— Were there any curious situations in the new institution? “On the first day, visitors tried to fight, but we did not allow it 🙂 This is not a place where fights are appropriate. It’s about kindness and heartfelt gatherings with friends. Or there was a funny incident… Young (local) Cypriots arrived and immediately ordered 40 (shot) Tequila shots. “Are you mistaken, friends? Are you sure 40?” the bartender asked. “No, no. We can still drink as much,” the guys laughed. As a result, they drank 70 shots of Tequila 🙂 🙂 🙂
Rubric “Jolly Cypriot”
Vitaly, I suggest you play with me. The rubric is called “Jolly Cypriot”. I start a sentence, you finish it. Condition: you need to answer without hesitation. One part of the thought is positive and the other is negative (or vice versa). The more delusional and funnier, the better… 🙂
- Interviewer: Every morning I…
Interviewee: I’m trying to wake up. - Interviewer: My wife, the other…
Interviewee: The coolest and most beautiful, cockroach 🙂 - My cats…
Favorite 🙂 - After a sweet meal, I…
I want to sleep sweetly, but I can’t do it 🙂 - (As you know: For our mothers, we always remain children). And when I get big, I will definitely …
Become big, smart and wise… 🙂 I am always told: you must be wiser. Me: where else…” 🙂 - If I were a sultan, then…
Then, for sure, he would not have had three wives. - Pushkin in our time would not only…
Not only would he go nuts and give up many things, and then he would shoot himself completely… 🙂 - If Grandpa Lenin had seen how I…
He changed from a communist to a capitalist, he would definitely turn in his grave a couple of times 🙂 - Black glasses and a beard, these are…
Some kind of garbage, it seems to me… 🙂
Let’s move on…
- At the disco, my right leg…
She dances differently from the left one… 🙂 - Joe Biden shook my hand and…
I realized that I was mistaken. Apologized. And I went on my way 🙂 - My joint business with Elon Musk in Northern Cyprus…
It will be a failure… 🙂 - I’ve already made an offer to become Britney Spears’ new guardian, only she…
At first she was glad. I saw her joy and realized that I had to refuse 🙂 - Leafing through the third volume of the Kama Sutra, I said to myself in surprise: “Vitaly…
Not a damn thing, and there were 2 more volumes that I did not see in my eyes?!?!? 🙂 🙂 🙂 - New Three Bears Lollipops Excite Inside…
Genuine interest. Ahhh… What chocolates were last year 🙂 - Every day I repeat to myself that I…
Woke up. Thank God for this morning. I definitely need to give something to this world today. Remember, friends, not to take, but to give! This is the key to success and happiness. Life is good. And it’s good to live, even better 🙂 - I advise all readers to #VelesNews…
Guys, I really want to have a foreign business in Northern Cyprus. So that it is good and of high quality. And most importantly, kind! By the way, I would like to take this opportunity to say that we have registered the organization of a legal business for foreigners in Northern Cyprus. Goal: Russian-speaking business should become a prominent segment and a big part of life in Northern Cyprus.
Looking to the future…
Our near future is the launch of a new production facility in Nicosia (Lefkoşa). It is already 90% ready. There are still technical issues for setting up equipment and obtaining final permits. I love Alsancak very much, but it just so happened that we have become cramped here and we cannot fully realize what we want so much today. There are no such areas that we need. In short, we will be able to produce 3-4 times more products than today. For us, this is now a huge problem, since with the opening of new outlets, there are not enough products for everyone. And the new production will cover all the needs with their heads. By the way, I want to add that we will add another product line – these are canned products from fish, meat and poultry. — What are your investments in the Three Bears project? “Initially, we invested $370,000 in it. And now we invest another $600,000.
Parting words for readers
Always carry only good in you. Open a Russian business on the island, but focus not only on the CIS. Always be an example of quality, responsiveness and positivity. I wish you all the best. Well, we will definitely meet you in the Three Bears retail chain. Until next time, friends… 🙂 Source: Veles Enterprises Article prepared by: Valerii Veles Ask your question directly to the experts at Veles.
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