Sergo Stepanyan: “My family is my small Armenia where my wife and I are providing our four sons with an Armenian upbringing…”

During the first Pan-Armenian Forum of Young Businessmen held in Yerevan on 15-22 July, many delegates, particularly the Russian-Armenian delegates talked a lot about the Tyumen-based Stepanyan Brothers as businessmen who have made great achievements and make great contributions to the organizing of community life for the Armenians of Tyumen. One of them, Sergo Stepanyan, was one of the participants of the forum. Hayern Aysor’s correspondent met Sergo Stepanyan and asked him a couple of questions after the forum.

Hayern Aysor: Who is Sergo Stepanyan? What is the sphere of his activity?

Sergo Stepanyan: I was born in 1977 in Armenia, but have been living in Tyumen since 1993. I graduated from the Faculty of Finance and Credit of Tyumen State University. I started pursuing my career in 2002 under the supervision of my older brother, Samvel Stepanyan, who is the chairman of the board of directors of ARBIS-AGRO Association. I have learned a lot from him. Currently, I am the director of one of the structural subdivisions of the company, which includes factories for the processing of meat and dairy products, companies producing fish and agricultural products, the chain of Rural Yard brand markets and more.

Hayern Aysor: Seeing our compatriots achieve such great heights abroad makes us proud. In your opinion, what attributes should young Armenians have in order to be successful businessmen?

S. S.: First, they should believe in the idea that they came up with, conduct comprehensive analyses, calculate everything, work hard, as well as overcome the difficulties and move forward. Of course, they also need to have the ability to communicate with people and establish the right kind of relations. They need to be persistent, consistent and goal-oriented.

Hayern Aysor: You are also the founding director of ROSARM Russian-Armenian Company, which is a company that supports and helps enhance business relations and cultural ties.  What major events has the company carried out for the Armenians of Tyumen?

S. S.: ROSARM is a Russian-Armenian non-commercial company for support to and development of business relations and cultural ties and was founded by six creative people who had the purpose of supporting the development of the business and cultural relations between the Armenians and Russians. The company has very broad and comprehensive programs and will surely make a contribution to the revitalization of the Armenian community of Tyumen. I have been actively participating in the activities of the Armenian community of Tyumen since April 2015. I have developed a broad strategy plan for the period between now and 2020, and we have already started implementing it. The first major event was the opening of the wonderful cultural center in March 2016. Currently, there are 200 students.

Hayern Aysor: In your opinion, was the first Pan-Armenian Forum of Young Businessmen a success? What did you get out of it? Were there any proposals or projects?

S. S.: Yes, of course. What Mushegh Avetisyan and the other organizers did deserves the highest appraisal. Such forums and conferences provide the opportunity to exchange information, establish new contacts and identify the limitations impeding the growth and development of businesses. The most important thing is that we are provided with information about the news, changes and opportunities in the world.

Hayern Aysor: What did you personally get out of the forum?

S. S.: It gave me an opportunity to represent ROSARM non-commercial organization and the Tyumen region and show what they are capable of. I met and established contacts with young Armenian businessmen from different countries around the world. I examined the potential for doing business in the Republic of Armenia that will allow me to establish the right kind of relations, if we do business together in the future. On July 8, ROSARM and the young employers of Armenia organized the first online conference that was devoted to the growth of tourism in Armenia and Tyumen. We saw the specific results during the forum when we reached an agreement on travel agencies of Armenia to invite the heads and employees of travel agencies of Tyumen region to Armenia for free in order for them to become familiar with the tourism sector in Armenia and the opportunities. We plan on carrying out this plan in October and November. I am certain that we will see the results. ROSARM and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tyumen region are also planning on organizing the visit of those who are involved in reprocessing the agricultural products of Armenia to Tyumen region in order to establish business relations with large importing companies. There is also a plan to carry out athletic events with the Aikido Federation of Tyumen, etc. In September, Vice-President of ROSARM Gevorg Melkonyan will visit Yerevan to participate in a medical conference with the purpose of exchanging experiences and finding terms for cooperation. So, there are many programs and desires.

Hayern Aysor: You fully have the spirit of an Armenian. Isn’t it hard for you to live far away from the Homeland?

S. S.: It was really hard when I first moved to Tyumen. I was far away from my friends and familiar places. I had to adapt to the new environment and atmosphere. My brother’s presence and my busy schedule helped me. Although I live in Russia, Armenia is constantly on my mind. Of course, distance is not a problem now. I am constantly in touch with my friends and relatives via long-distance connection and am always aware of their activities and Armenia in general. Besides, there are always flights to and from Tyumen. So, there is no lack of information and communication. I have a home in Armenia where I often meet with my friends and relatives. Generally speaking, my family is my small Armenia where my wife, Shushanna and I are providing our four sons with an Armenian upbringing.

Interview by Seyranuhi Geghamyan

Scroll Up