Ritsa Darsinou talks to us
Ritsa Darsinou talks to us about her business activity in the area. Ritsa Darsinou is an innovative entrepreneur, who contributes in the area of Poros and Troizinia-Methana for the last thirty years. Her company, Darsinos Services, in Galatas, contributes with two ferry boats in the line connecting Poros and Galatas. Also, it is involved in boat trade and supplies, cars and scooters trade and rentals, and green energy photovoltaics and batteries trade for small and large units.
Tell us about your work.
I am a local entrepreneur for over thirty years, the twenty last of which I work on shipping. I believe that private initiative contributes to the local economy and if it is innovative as well, then it can offer many benefits to the society. That’s why, in 2000, my husband and I built our first, double-ended, ferry boat, ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ. A pioneer boat, even today, let alone twenty years ago. With this investment, we upgraded the local ferry line. Because, besides launching a new technology boat, we managed to entice other companies having boats in this particular line to lower the median age of their craft. Then, we built our second boat, ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ Δ., which is the biggest in the terminal, based on a beautiful design and with advanced engineering for lower emissions.
As you may have realized, I have always the concern how to not burden the environment. So, when my next entrepreneurial plans were to rent cars and mopeds, I had to give a good example. I chose to work with clean energy, electromobility. Despite the fact that electromobility is still very expensive for exploitation in cars, I dared to do it. I bought electric cars and mopeds and I offer them for renting in our area. I am also the Argo-saronic representative of Eco-car, which are small, fully electric cars, ideal for our islands, with their narrow streets. Cars that don’t create pollution or noise-pollution and are very efficient (1 euro per 100 km), without road or other taxes.
What is your relationship with the local area?
The local area, and particularly Galatas, is where my husband, Nikos Darsinos, comes from. Initially, together with Nikos, I fell in love with his birthplace. But, now, after 40 years, I love the place and I wouldn’t change it for any other. Besides, it’s proven by the fact that I live and operate here for so many years.
How have your work and your life been affected by the financial and now by the health crisis, and how do you deal with it?
The financial crisis affected us a lot, like everyone else. But with sense and hard work, we managed to get through it. I believe that we’ll be able to get through the health crisis as well, only with individual RESPONSIBILITY and following the special scientists’ instructions.
Which of your knowledge and personality traits have been most useful to you in your professional life?
For every job, you need to know the subject with which you are going to work, at least the basics. My whole family is a nautical family. We have nautical training and experience. But in order to succeed, you need vision, love for what you are doing and hard work.
What would you like to improve in your personality or work? What are your weaknesses and how have they influenced you?
It is human nature to get better as you get older. I hope that I have also managed that.
What would you do differently and what do you consider as right steps in your career?
If I could turn back time, I don’t think I would act differently. In all my life, I was walking the tightrope between family and my entrepreneurial endeavors. I don’t know if I was doing everything right… all I know for sure is that I loved and took care of my family on the one hand and that whatever I have done professionally, I did it with a lot of zest and honestly.
What piece of advice would you give to a young person who would like to do what you do?
My motto, which is “Don’t treat anyone unfairly… but also don’t let anyone treat you unfairly”, is my advice to all young people. The rest, every person must set targets, which, with work, patience and perseverance, will be able to reach.
What are your plans for the future, short-term and long-term ones?
I think I have laid the foundation for long-term entrepreneurial activities beyond my physical presence in them. I also believe that I have two capable successors to my endeavors, my sons Yannis and Yorgos. So, in a few years, I’m going to retire from hands-on action. Upon my retirement, I will pass the torch entirely to my children. Now, in my little spare time, I do wood-carving and painting. Then, if I am physically and mentally healthy, I want to dedicate any time I have left to art, which I love. This is also a target; I hope I will make it.