Duo bootstraps into success
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday May 30, 2022 08:46
According to Gobonetse, it was during COVID-19 demand for washing basins for schools that they decided to take advantage of the opportunity and started their own company. “We decided to quit our job and start our own company because we already had the experience, as we had worked as fibreglass engineers. Our plan was to supply the councils with washing basins for primary schools,” he said. The duo then rented a warehouse in Boatle where they built a temporary structure, procured materials, and started their journey. Despite producing quality products, their plans were disrupted as they had to register the business first and acquire a trading licence. “We then approached Local Enterprise Authority which then gave us an operating space in Gaborone at one of their incubation spaces.
They also assisted us to acquire the licence, which opened doors for us as we managed to supply washing basins and later expanded our business by producing toilet seats, bathtubs, and other fibre products,” he said. Currently, they supply hardware outlets like Builders World in Mogoditshane and Molepolole, as well as Hyper Home, Plumb World, small hardware outlets, and individuals. “At first the reception was slow but we are happy with the progress as requests have started flooding in. We market our business on social media through Facebook and Twitter. We also rely on 'word of mouth',” he said.
The company also believes in empowering locals as they have engaged a local company to supply them with materials. The company currently employs about eight locals. According to Gobonetse, they trained most of their staff as it is expensive to hire specialists. Touching on their prospects, he said they want to expand their operations and employ more Batswana as they have the capacity. He also shared their plans of opening more warehouses to penetrate the regional market. “We want to open warehouses across the country and widely distribute our products. We believe in the quality of our products and that we can compete in any market,” he said.