When Eric Walekwate opened his technology shop in 2019, he imagined shelves lined with gadgets, not books.
But seven years into building Australian Direct Suppliers (ADS), Walekwate has discovered that his most impactful product may not be laptops or smartphones, but ideas.
Walekwate, 31, is the founder of the Vision Podcast, a platform where he speaks candidly about entrepreneurship, mindset and the lessons learned from building a business. As the podcast grew, however, he began to feel the limits of what he alone could share.
“I’m learning every single day,” he said. “So how do I break that limit? How do I give people access to the same knowledge that shaped me?”
His answer was deceptively simple: books.
A library born of necessity
Late last month, Walekwate launched the Vision Library — a modest collection of 30 to 40 titles covering business strategy, personal development and self-leadership. Within days, every book had been borrowed.
“People are hungry for knowledge here,” he said, noting the absence of a fully operational public library in the city. “Sometimes you dream, and then you actually see it. Watching people line up for books — that’s fulfilling.”
The Vision Library operates from ADS during business hours. Borrowers fill out a simple form and pay a refundable $50 deposit. The system, Walekwate said, was designed to be practical and accessible.
“Most people don’t have access to Amazon or online subscriptions,” he explained. “We’ll keep ordering books in batches, maybe every month, until we build a strong collection for everyone.”
Beyond business
For Walekwate, the initiative goes beyond literacy — it is about community and empowerment. He is now exploring the idea of offering free one-on-one coaching sessions for young and aspiring entrepreneurs.
His vision is to create a safe space where people can share ideas, receive honest feedback and learn how to grow small ventures into sustainable businesses.
“It’s not about money,” he said. “It’s about impact. I want to be honest with them and help them move forward.”
Through the Vision Podcast, Walekwate has already hosted institutions such as the Development Bank of Solomon Islands, providing listeners with practical information on financing options for small businesses.
A childhood shaped by reading
Walekwate traces his love for books back to his mother, who encouraged daily reading during his childhood.
“You would never see me without a book,” he recalled. “Back then it was Harry Potter and fiction. Now it’s self-development and business.”
“Reading is the secret weapon,” he added. “It gives you an advantage over everyone else who hasn’t read.”
That belief now fuels his mission to make books accessible to others.
“Business can’t just be about making money,” he said. “There has to be something that fills your soul. For me, it’s about impacting lives and changing lives.”
Looking ahead
Walekwate hopes to eventually expand the Vision Library into a dedicated space if demand continues to grow. For now, he is content watching the idea take root.
“It’s like a plant,” he said. “Now that it’s growing, I have to water it.”
His technology store may sell devices, but his library is offering something far more powerful — the chance to dream bigger.
By ANDRIANAH DELASALET KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
