Three years of growth: a conversation with Mustafa Kadioglu (SADE’s first employee)

As SADE Containers continues to expand its global presence, it is important to reflect on the people who have been part of the journey from the very beginning.

Recently, we sat down with Mustafa Kadioglu, one of our Regional Sales Manager, who has just celebrated three years with SADE Containers. As the company’s first employee, he has witnessed firsthand the transformation of SADE from an ambitious start-up into a global container trading company.

In this interview, he shares his first impressions of the company, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, the milestones that have marked SADE’s growth, and the lessons learned along the way. He also reflects on the values and culture that have remained at the heart of the company throughout its evolution.

Read on to discover his perspective on three years of growth, determination, and innovation.

1. What was your first impression when you heard about SADE Containers?

I had not heard of SADE Containers before and at that time it was not known in the market. I did research and asked the opinion of people in the industry. Honestly, until my first meeting with Anne Rech (CEO), I was not sure about this new company and whether I wanted to make such a big change in my career.

2. What made you believe in the project so early on?

Anne’s positive energy, confidence, and determination impressed me a lot. I trusted her long experience in the industry and the knowledge she had gained from various companies. The SADE founders had a vision and a strong desire to make it happen which also motivated me.

3. What was the biggest challenge during your first three months?

Throughout my career, I was involved in shipping, and containers were always around me, but I had not realised how dynamic the container trading business really is. It was challenging to enter such a tightly knit industry where many traders already had strong positions. SADE did not have a depot, transportation, or customs partners at that time, and we built everything from scratch.

4. Was there a moment when you thought, “this could really work”?

We had ambitious goals and container trading was still a new field for me. After dozens of emails and phone calls, I clearly remember saying to myself after our very first sale of 10 containers: “This is going to work!”

5. What did you learn from working in a start-up which you probably wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?

Prior to SADE, I worked in large companies with thousands of employees as well as medium-sized companies and small family businesses. All have their pros and cons. Working in a start-up taught me the excitement of always moving forward and improving; the satisfaction of growing something step by step like raising a baby; the dynamic way of working when you handle everything yourself; and most importantly, determination and never give up.

6. If someone had told you three years ago where SADE would be today, would you have believed it?

I knew we would grow and achieve good things, but I could not imagine becoming a global player and selling thousands of containers.

7. Looking back, is there a moment you feel especially proud of?

There are many 😄. Opening our first office in Portugal; welcoming colleagues to our team in every new country we have added to our portfolio; filling up barges and moving containers between countries; and becoming a global container trader are all moments that make me proud.

8. What does it mean to you being SADE Containers’ first employee?

It is a source of pride and happiness for me. Witnessing every step of this journey, from zero to where we are today, is something very special. Seeing the results of all our hard work is extremely satisfying.

9. What have you learned about yourself over the past three years?

I am normally quite careful and like to stay on the safe side, but over the last three years, I discovered that I can also take bold steps when necessary. Also, if you create a good balance between work and private life, you become happier with your family and in your social life.

10. What’s one thing about the early days of SADE that you never want the company to lose?

At SADE, we are like a group of friends who get along very well and always support each other. No matter how much the company expands, I sincerely hope we never lose this energy and the dynamics between colleagues.

11. What would you say to someone unsure about joining a young company like SADE?

Being a young company is our greatest strength. That is where our energy comes from. We are always open to new ideas and projects; innovative thinking is ingrained in how we work. If there is trust and space, you have every opportunity to grow.