Continuing with the “Meet the Linemen” theme that was started in late January, I want to introduce you to Emmanuel Thera.

Emmanuel comes for the “Bobo” people group and lived in the bush until he was 12. His dad, Daniel, was working for the government in various roles throughout Emmanuel’s childhood so they moved a few times. He ended up in Bamako and did all his schooling there. And, just as his father, he went to college to become an international lawyer.

Emmanuel’s role at Sababu is large. His official title is Manager of Inventory & Logistics, but his role extends much past this title. You see, besides his father, Emmanuel has been on board the longest with Sababu. For many, the ribbon cutting at the grand opening was the launch of something new. For Emmanuel, it was the summit of a mountain he’d been climbing for 18 months.

One of the most memorable stories about Emmanuel was during the 3 month employee evaluations. To gauge the level of respect for the management team and get true, honest feedback from the employees, we spoke to the employees in private and away from the management team. When an employee was asked what he thought of Emmanuel, his response was “I just don’t get him. He is a manager and I’m a guy from the bush who can’t read, I can’t write, I have no education and yet Emmanuel treats me like I’m a brother to him. I just don’t understand.”

This is Emmanuel.

A few facts about Emmanuel:
– 26 years old
– Single
– Has a side business of used car sales
– Favorite soda is Dr. Pepper

Question: In what Malian city is Sababu located?
Prize: “The Coulibaly” (Sababu branded tee)

Martin reigns from the country of Madagascar. Madagascar? Yes, Madagascar. The southeastern island of Africa. The obvious setting of the Disney film, “Madagascar.”

Martin is the production manager for Sababu. He has been with us since June 2010 and hit the ground running immediately. I distinctly remember picking Martin up from the airport and taking him to his house in Mali. I told him I’d pick him up the next day at 1pm to start working in which he replied, “why so late?” I liked him immediately. Never-mind the fact that he just traveled across the continent of Africa the day before, he wants to do work. So, he designed the work flow of production, did the hiring, trained the workers and the list goes on and on. Martin is the brains for all the technical side of the production.

I’ve often asked myself why a guy like Martin would come all the way up from Madagascar. The guy has over 20 years experience in the industry, speaks 4 languages, is a professor of textiles and wanted to move to Mali to be part of Sababu. He says Sababu is different and he wants to be a part of this. I’m ok with this.

A few facts on Martin
-Martin is married with children. Most of his children live in countries other than Madagascar.
-Does things with Microsoft Excel that would make actuaries drool.
-Sababu is the first place he has worked at where he actually got to build the production floor to his specs/desires.
-Always travels with a business suit on.

Meet Martin Ferdinand.

Question: What does the word “Sababu” mean?
Prize: “The Keita” (Sababu branded tee)

Tuesday. Mardi. Tarata. One day after the dreaded Monday.

Here’s the deal. Every Tuesday we will posting a question on our site about Sababu, Mali, etc. The first person to respond with the correct answer will receive a Sababu t-shirt at their doorstep.

Complicated? Not so much. Good way to learn more about Sababu? Absolutely.

This is the part that is usually in much smaller font and has a lot of fancy words that state all the rules, disclosures, limitations…..aka the fine print. The only rule I have is that the same person can only win once every month. This means that if Johnny BeCool answers correctly on March 4, he can’t win again until April 4. He would have to login as Susie BeCool (his darling wife) and pretend to be her. This isn’t the highest integrity move but the truth is, we’d never know the difference. Johnny, you’re one tricky fella.