Business Profile: MFC Sports
Name: Sean O Neill & Fabian O Neill
Company: MFC Sports
Address:
D31 Omagh Enterprise Centre, Great Northern Road, Omagh and
4 Spencer Rd, Derry
Contact details: 028 7141 3258
Can you describe your business?
MFC Sports are specialists in designing, developing and delivering team and leisurewear for clubs and societies across the world.
Why did you start your own business?
Although not related, Fabian and I have been great friends from youth stemming from involvement in our local GAA club. After leaving school, I studied teaching at St. Mary’s College Belfast and took up a post in the primary School in Dromore. Fabian left school and served his apprenticeship in plastering and rendering before going on to establish his own sub-contracting business.
In an attempt to make ends meet during his college years, I set up a business selling merchandise to clubs called, ‘Mugs for Clubs.’ Through my dealings with clubs and organisations, I soon realised there was a demand for an alternative Irish owned brand to supply sportswear to clubs and societies.
Having been involved in his local club committee and coaching youth teams, Fabian further supported my vision and saw great potential in pursuing the idea and dream. Thereafter was the birth of MFC (Manufactured For Champions). With two young families we both took a huge risk and left their jobs to concentrate on MFC full time. We wanted to build a team with vision and passion to help make their business a leading brand in the Irish sportswear market and beyond.
Today, MFC have established themselves as an esteemed sportswear company who supply to customers worldwide. The team continue to grow as does the demand for the product.
What are the best things about running your own business?
We love when a customer comes to you with ideas for their sportswear and end up with a product even better than they had hoped for.
It’s great working alongside people you choose to have in your business and also fantastic managing your own diary.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
Keeping costs down and always striving for excellence with new garments and wears. Challenges we love!
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
Life’s no dress rehearsal.
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
We love it
