Mr Fredrick Magadi. FILE PHOTO | NMG
Tenants, both commercial and domestic, keep shifting from one premises to another looking for the best location for a home or business.
Fredrick Magadi realised he could tap into this constant movement as business venture. So in 2014, he started Proteam, a startup that moves households, offices, machines, containers or any other products for customers within and on the outskirts of Nairobi in 2014.
While there are scores of firms already in the business, Mr Magadi was convinced he could provide better services than his competition.
“Proteam’s ability to handling customer’s properties with much care besides ensuring they arrive at the preferred destinations safely has earned us a niche,” he says.
Mr Magadi always wanted to be in business. He, however, was not initially sure which field to pursue, and potential for growth lied. His friend recommended him to join the current venture, and once he started the enterprise he realised it was a field with plenty of opportunities that he was looking forward to.
Earlier, he had tried his hand in various businesses that included M-Pesa as well as wines and spirits shops.
Having decided on cube movement business and realizing its potential for success, Mr Magadi made the bold decision of quitting the comfort zone of employment and jumping into the deep end of enterprise river, where success is by no means assured.
He resigned as accountant, a position he had held in several institutions in Nairobi. Some of the institutions that the Strathmore university alumni worked for before starting the business include the Matter hospital, Nairobi Women hospital and at the Aga Khan University who was his last employer
Looking back at the decision he made, Mr Magadi says he has nothing to regret about.
“I always admired becoming an engineer while growing as a high school student. I never imagined joining business or studying business. However, after entering into business, I can confidently say that it’s a fulfilling venture,” he says.
Since the money he had saved to use as capital was not sufficient, he brought a partner on board so as to pool resources.
“Our capital was purely meant for administration only. We decided on leasing vehicles for transport on a need by need basis so that we could minimise the cost of running the enterprise at the beginning,” he says.
The entrepreneur is grateful to OLX who he says believed in them when no other company wanted to partner with his young venture. However, the firm has now grown and can now holds its own in the market.
Proteam, he says, is currently working in partnership with some corporations both locally and internationally.
Apart from moving materials and goods, the company gets contracts for moving workers for some companies after being relocated to other destinations.
Mr Magadi says efficiency is their strong selling point.
“After getting an inquiry, the information is integrated into our management systems and categorised as per the requirements. We have personal dealing with requests at each category and respond as per the laid down SOP (standard operating procedures),” he says.
“Thereafter, dispatching is done to give the client time to respond. Once booking is done, the logistics’ manager organises for the job card. Our quality control department ensures customer’s satisfaction.”
The company has 35 workers, five of whom are on permanent contracts.
What does it need to succeed in the business?
For one to succeed in the business, one should understand the business environment better first before venturing into it.
He reveals that Proteam has been nominated for the “real estate excellence awards as the “Most promising relocation” category.
“Any person with an eye into business shouldn’t give up on their business dreams because each opportunity offers a learning curve and experience. A newcomer should understand individual strengths and weaknesses before joining any business,” he says.
No comments :
Post a Comment