Augustine Addo, CEO of ‘Bouncers with Degree’, shared the story behind his transition from banking to full-time entrepreneurship in the security industry.
The idea for his business first emerged during his university days at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where he and a friend, both known for their muscular builds, began working as bouncers at campus events like Artiste Nights.
Balancing his studies, a banking job, and the bouncing gig, Augustine didn’t initially realize the potential of his side hustle.
One day, while still employed at the bank, he received a request for five bouncers.
When he quoted his fee, the client agreed immediately.
“Bouncers with a degree started way back in the university when I had joined the school, which is UPSA. On campus, we had something called the Artiste Night. I and a friend were the only machomen on campus at that time so whenever the artist arrived, we escorted him or her on stage. So that is how the whole thing started,” he said in an interview with TV3’s Giovani Caleb.
The amount he stood to earn from this single job far exceeded his banking salary.
Realizing the opportunity, Augustine made the bold decision to resign and pursue the bouncing business full-time a choice that initially angered his mother but ultimately earned her pride.
“While I was in school, I was working with the bank. I was in the bank one day and I received a message: ‘I need five bouncers; what is my bill.’ I mentioned an amount and the guy was like, okay, give me five. At that moment, I compared the amount I was receiving from the bank and the amount I was about to get from the offer so I decided to start something with it. I resigned from the job to start the business. My mother was angry but he is now proud of me,” he explained.
Watch video below:
The CEO and founder of Bouncers with Degree (@bouncers_with), Augustine Addo, also known as Lamar, has shared his early journey in the bouncer business.
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) September 23, 2024
He discussed how he left his banking job to become a full-time bouncer, despite his mother's opposition. pic.twitter.com/N9aU1BPRoL