114 60 1
Success Stories
EIC Survive 2024 EIC Survive&&Thrive Thrive 2024
JulyJuly 2024 2024
H HIG
LY PP y SU energ
Story type #service & solutions (main category)
High Supply
Benefits
An entrepreneurial success story with international ambition
Key findings
Alexandre Bastos CEO
How is High Supply thriving? After proposals for an innovative explosion-proof electric panel rental model were rebuffed by his former employer, Alexandre Bastos set out on his own to fill a significant gap he identified in the Brazilian oil and gas market. 15 years on and High Supply has sustained consistent annual growth of 30-40%, the company now gearing up to use its proven success domestically as a springboard for international growth in the years to come. The challenge - At EIC, we’re proud to be able to share the varied, successful and inspiring entrepreneurial stories of our members. Alexandre Bastos, Founder and CEO of High Supply fits well within that category. Back in 2009, Bastos went to his employers with an idea that he believed would capitalise on the demand for high quality, cost-effective and safe explosion-proof electric panels found throughout the Brazilian oil and gas market. He put his proposals forward, but was met with resistance as they were rejected. Maintaining belief in his idea, Bastos set out on his own, founding High Supply with the intention of reaching out to prospective clients and providing them with the high-quality explosion-proof electric panels that they needed. The solution - Today, High Supply specialises in renting explosion-proof electric panels. The company operates primarily in the oil and gas industry, providing comprehensive services and products to support offshore oil and gas operations throughout Brazil. However, like any great entrepreneurial story, it wasn’t an easy journey to get here. For Bastos, it quickly became clear that the company had to excel on several fronts to gain traction and establish presence. Critically, the firm’s unique selling proposition lies in its rental model, enabling its clients to purchase and leverage high quality equipment at a fraction of the cost of purchasing. The company doesn’t simply excel on price, however. Equally, it places quality and safety at the heart of its offering, providing state-of-the-art
▸ Annual revenue growth of 30–40%. ▸ High Supply plans to open a warehouse and fabrication unit in Texas.
equipment to its clients in order to deliver market-leading services and solutions. There have been several hurdles encountered along the way. Indeed, Bastos found he had to design his own explosion-proof electric panels after facing issues with fragile products sourced from other suppliers. However, in overcoming each challenge that has presented itself, High Supply has continued to excel in the market for a period of 15 years. During that time, the company has sustained annual growth of 30-40% while focusing on profitability and maintaining a well-structured organisation. This consistent expansion has seen the enterprise grow to a point where 33 employees are now book, the firm now also supporting key industry operators including Ocyan, Wood and Mota Engil. While High Supply currently only operates on a domestic basis in its home country of Brazil, with headquarters in Rio das Ostras – a twohour drive east from Rio de Janeiro – it is now actively working towards establishing itself in key international markets. Specifically, the company is exploring the potential of creating a regional division of High Supply out of Houston, Texas, as well as establishing a warehouse and fabrication unit. Looking ahead, further growth and expansion is now the priority. While this will not be rushed through, with Alexandre key to get the right staff in place with the skills needed to ensure the firm’s next chapter is a successful one, everything points to High Supply going from strength to strength moving forward. Having identified a gap and carved out a unique niche in the market that has facilitated high growth for 15 years now, there is nothing to suggest that High Supply won’t succeed in bringing its solution to new markets and customers.
For industry ▸ Perseverance over discouragement. Emphasise honesty, ethics and courage as keys to success.
High Supply at a glance: Key products and services: oil and gas equipment and installations. Main industries served: ▸ Oil and gas – 100% Headquarters: Rio das Ostras, Brazil Year established: 2009 Number of employees: 33