Martin with his updated autobiography ‘A Self Made Brand — Francis Martin’. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
A POPULAR food caterer in Ipoh, Perak, hopes to inspire others through a second book based on his life, titled A Self Made Brand – Francis Martin.
In it, he writes about going through a rough patch in life.
The 66-year-old started his business in 1983, but the journey to success was filled with trials and tribulations.
“Coming from a poor family, I worked various jobs before having the vision to become a food caterer.
“My late father, Francis Joseph Lourdesamy, was a lorry attendant while my late mother, S. Philomena, was a domestic helper.
“I sold everything from magazines to food and drinks, and worked as a waiter and church caretaker.
“I even scraped off candle wax from graves to sell to factories for money.”
Martin was inspired to become a caterer while working as a waiter at Royal Ipoh Club.
“After working there for four years, I opened a small restaurant with two of my colleagues but went solo a year later.
“I managed to establish connections with the club members and they were supportive,” he said, adding that his mother was his first cook.
His toughest experience, he said, was catering a state-held Chinese New Year open house for 40,000 people in the 1990s.
On the challenges he has faced, Martin said he suffered a mental breakdown in 1983 and was in and out of hospital due to depression.
“When I told friends and relatives I wanted to start the catering business, they said I was mad.
“My father passed away that same year, which had a profound effect on me.
“Even though I was struggling with my mental health, I got myself out of hospital and assumed the role of head of the family.
“It was overwhelming, but I had to do it. It also forged a new strength in me.”
However, Martin admitted challenges when he neglected to take his medication.
“I got myself into trouble and had a dark period.
“But with the help of my family and the church, I saw the error of my ways and resumed taking medication.”
Martin said his three younger siblings were managing the business based in Jalan Silibin, Ipoh, while he was semi-retired.
“There are plans to expand but only if my nieces and nephews are on board. My family will decide.”
His latest autobiography is an updated version of his first book published in 1999 called The Rise of Martin – I Had a Vision.
“I’ve printed 700 copies to give away,” Martin said.
