A commitment to excellence is the best promise one can make personally and professionally. It is the fundamental prerequisite quality of every kind of leadership, including successful modern business leadership. When Yvan Ngomirakiza – an entrepreneur and business strategist with over a decade of experience in the global used goods industry – founded Vany Trading Company in the year 2013 in Dallas, Texas, United States, he made that promise of commitment of excellence to all his future customers.

In the last 12 and a half years, Yvan has been constantly fulfilling that promise by achieving $50 million in sales from over 100 million pounds of textile moved out of landfills, demonstrating expertise in strategic planning and market penetration. He says, “We,”

• Are an expert team of professionals, fostering a collaborative environment that encouraged innovation and drove the company’s success in competitive markets.
• Developed and implemented innovative marketing strategies, resulting in a 150% increase in customer base within the first two years.
• Negotiated and secured valuable contracts with major suppliers and vendors, improving profit margins by 20% through cost-effective procurement strategies.
• Drove regional sales initiatives that contributed to a 25% year-over-year revenue growth by cultivating new client relationships and strengthening existing ones.
• Implemented a customer relationship management system that increased repeat business by 30% and significantly improved customer satisfaction scores.
• Orchestrated cross-functional team efforts to optimize the supply chain and logistics, enhancing the ability to meet high-volume sales targets efficiently and profitably.

Vany Trading Company–Making Thrift Economy Mainstream

Since its inception, Vany Trading Company has been a rapidly growing company in the used textile sector. It specializes in sourcing, exporting, and reselling used clothing and shoes across multiple African markets. “We provide the best products and services to institutions and businesses working in the thrift business,” shares Yvan.

A Champion on a Global Mission

Also, for the eight months from Dec 2023 to July 2024, Yvan was a Business Development Representative for Bank & Vogue Ltd/Ltée. While there, he, with his skills in sales management, account planning, brokerage, complex sales, business development, sales operations and international sales,

• Oversaw the expansion initiatives across North, East, and West Africa to enhance the organization’s footprint and business impact.
• Leveraged his expertise in international trade laws affecting East and West Africa.
• Led projects in the formulation and execution of entry strategies into Southern California, Southeast Texas, and Africa
• Facilitated compliance with import/export regulations, reducing legal risks and ensuring a smooth entry process.
• Provided critical support in market entry training for teams, delivering formal presentations and 1:1 advisory sessions to enhance understanding of African market dynamics and operational challenges, and,
• Conducted field trips to meet with clients and suppliers to facilitate sales closure.
• Yvan’s direct business development efforts increased the company’s revenue through strategic market analysis and partnership development.

Furthermore, in two years, from 2010 to 2012, Yvan educated himself in accounting, business administration, and management at the Fox School of Business at Temple University.

With a proven track record of building efficient and scalable systems, Yvan is deeply passionate about circular fashion, sustainable trade, and creating business models that empower local economies.

Leadership Reflections

In a world driven by fast-paced consumption, Yvan stands out as a visionary leader with a mission rooted in sustainability, circular fashion, and inclusive trade. As the founder of Vany Trading Company, he’s not only built an efficient, scalable business but has also become a beacon of values-led leadership that empowers communities across borders.

“I want to be remembered as someone who built a business that empowered people across continents — connecting resources where they’re abundant to places where they’re needed most, with honesty and impact,” says Yvan. It’s a bold aspiration, yet his journey thus far is a testament to the quiet strength, resilience, and clarity that fuels it.

A Leadership Journey Born from the Ground Up

Yvan’s story doesn’t begin in a boardroom or at a leadership summit. It began on the ground — in the bustling world of secondhand goods trade, where logistics, negotiation, and trust intersect daily. Navigating this ecosystem, Yvan found his leadership voice not through titles but through influence.

“My leadership journey began as an entrepreneur navigating the secondhand goods industry,” he shares. “I learned to lead through influence, not authority — by building trust with partners, suppliers, and customers through consistency, clear communication, and reliability.”

It’s this ethos — leading with integrity, not instruction — that has shaped Vany Trading Company’s culture and contributed to its growing success.

Stepping into Leadership: Vision Meets Action

For Yvan, the decision to step into leadership was not born of ambition alone but of insight. He recognized a gap in the market and saw the opportunity to build something deeply impactful. But the path wasn’t handed to him — he forged it.

“I saw a gap in the market and knew I could build something impactful,” he explains. “I prepared by learning from experience, building relationships across the supply chain, and constantly refining my business instincts through trial and error and customer feedback.”

This mix of vision and humility, of trusting instincts while remaining open to learning, became foundational to his approach — and continues to shape how he grows as a leader.

Defining a Leadership Style That Adapts and Includes

Over time, Yvan’s leadership style has evolved — from a hands-on entrepreneur to a strategic leader who sees the big picture. He describes his approach as collaborative and adaptable, rooted in mutual benefit and long-term thinking.

“I focus on aligning interests and building win-win partnerships,” he says. “Over time, I’ve become more strategic, emphasizing long-term value over short-term gains.”

This evolution reflects not only personal growth but a deep understanding of sustainable business: that partnerships thrive when everyone gains and that leadership isn’t about control — it’s about creating shared momentum.

Values That Anchor Every Decision

Behind every decision Yvan makes are three core values: trust, transparency, and mutual benefit. These principles aren’t buzzwords — they’re the foundation of how he builds relationships and steers his company.

“I make decisions that create value for everyone I work with,” he says. And in moments of difficulty — such as managing delayed shipments with limited capital — these values have served him well.

“A defining moment in my journey was when a major shipment was delayed, and dozens of customers were waiting for updates,” he recalls. “I had to step up, communicate clearly with suppliers and clients, and take full responsibility for finding solutions. That experience shaped how I approach leadership today — by staying calm under pressure, being transparent, and focusing on building trust through action.”

It’s this calm under pressure, paired with a fierce commitment to trust, that continues to earn him the loyalty of his partners and clients alike.

Motivating Through Vision and Systems

One of Yvan’s strengths as a leader is his ability to translate vision into systems — to turn a big idea into a shared goal and then into repeatable processes that deliver value.

“I inspire others by showing up consistently, delivering results, and creating systems where everyone benefits,” he explains. “I share the vision clearly and communicate how each partner plays a key role in the bigger picture.”

This clarity isn’t just inspiring — it’s empowering, allowing others to see their role in something larger than themselves.

Balancing Vision and Execution

As founder and leader, Yvan juggles both the long-term vision and the daily demands of running a company — and he does so with intention.

“I set aside time each week to plan long-term while using checklists to manage daily tasks,” he says. “It’s a constant balancing act, but prioritizing what truly moves the business forward helps.”

By staying grounded in the practical while carving out space for the strategic, Yvan ensures that his company is not only productive but purpose-driven.

Innovation at the Core

Innovation isn’t a separate department at Vany Trading Company — it’s the lifeblood of the company. From improving customer experience to experimenting with new supplier partnerships, Yvan remains open to ideas and quick to test them.

“Innovation drives everything I do,” he says. “I stay open to new ideas and test them quickly.”

This agile mindset, combined with a deep understanding of market dynamics, allows the company to stay ahead of change rather than react to it.

Inclusivity, Mentorship, and Global Perspective

Operating across borders, Yvan naturally engages with diverse stakeholders — and he sees inclusivity not as an obligation but as a strength.

“I prioritize fairness and make sure all stakeholders — suppliers, customers, and partners — are respected and heard,” he says.

This inclusive approach extends to mentorship as well. He shares his story openly, offering real-world wisdom to aspiring entrepreneurs.

“My advice: start lean, build strong relationships, and stay resilient,” he says. “You don’t need a big team to lead — just clarity, grit, and vision.”

Resilience as a Leadership Superpower

In a rapidly shifting world, resilience isn’t optional — it’s essential. For Yvan, staying resilient means staying close to the ground: listening to customers, staying flexible, and embracing change as part of the process.

“I see change as part of the journey and keep refining my approach,” he says.

This perspective has helped Vany Trading Company shift its weather industry while continuing to grow and innovate.

Redefining Success: Impact Over Income

While financial metrics are part of any business, Yvan measures success in broader terms — impact, empowerment, and sustainability.

“Helping customers all over the world access quality goods, creating business for suppliers, and building something sustainable from scratch — that’s how I measure real success,” he says.

This legacy-driven mindset fuels everything he does and serves as a powerful example for leaders seeking to create businesses that matter.

Habits of a Lifelong Learner

As a leader, Yvan remains a student of his own journey — always learning, always improving.

“Reflecting on mistakes, asking questions, staying organized, and constantly learning — whether through books, mentors or feedback from people I work with — that’s how I keep growing,” he shares.

This habit of continuous learning is perhaps his greatest strength — one that ensures he evolves right alongside his company and the communities he serves.

In closing, Yvan Ngomirakiza’s leadership isn’t just about trade or fashion — it’s about building bridges. Bridges between continents, between supply and demand, and most importantly, between purpose and profit.

His story is a reminder that true leadership is not about how loudly you speak but how deeply you listen, how clearly you act, and how consistently you show up for others.

In a world looking for business with heart, Yvan is already leading the way.