When an opportunity comes, seize it

Kevin Ndirangu, 34

After completing high school, I studied for a certificate in electrical wiring.

My first job was as an assistant to a seasoned electrician at a building under construction in Nakuru town.

We would work as extras or subcontractors where extensive wiring was needed. I would also take up small contracts of my own to wire homes.

After a while, I realised that customers were buying electrical wiring materials and accessories from dealers that were of low quality.

I saw an opportunity and invested Sh10,000 to set up a small electrical appliances shop.

Sometimes clients would entrust me with their project money to buy what was necessary on their behalf.

As the business became more profitable, I decided to expand it to include a range of electronic items.

In the process, I also acquired a struggling computer training business and patiently turned it around and I thus run two businesses concurrently.

The shop has been in operation for 11 years while the computer training business is eight years old.

Competition is high from similar businesses in the neighbourhood but good performance in one cushions me when the other is not doing well.

Other than ploughing back profits in the two businesses, I have also invested in the real estate sector and I have several rental units currently.

What I have learned is that you do not need huge capital to start something; start small, keep adding and you will see the value of your business grow.