John Ochieng’s story
Born in Bondo, Rarieda Constituency, John Ochieng’ knew from an early age that he would venture in the panel beating and vehicle spraying trade in his future.
As a young man in high school, his holiday breaks were spent at his uncles who owned a garage in Ruiru, Kiambu County. He would accompany his uncle to his garage every day to help fix vehicles. Ochieng’ picked the interest in panel beating and spraying from his frequent visits and over time he learnt some skills.
He enjoyed seeing what came to the garage as badly damaged vehicles restored to their former glory . Young Ochieng’ made up his mind that he would venture in this trade once he completed high school.
From his high school days he clearly saw the potential that was in this sector but even more importantly he was excited about the opportunity to be his own boss, “the idea of being employed was not something I ever wanted”, Ochieng says.
When he completed his high school, he came to Nairobi and went back to his uncle’s garage in Ruiru where through an on-job apprenticeship he was able to perfect his skills and after about a year, he was confident enough to venture on his own.
Ochieng’ together with a few of his peers decided to rent out a space in the heart of Ruiru where they have operated from 2013 to date.
LESSONS LEARNT
Cultivating a good relationship with your clientele
As a business owner you have direct contact with your clients hence you are able to cater to their individual needs.Cultivating and gaining the trust of clients is what keeps one’s doors open. Ensuring that customers get value for their money ensures longevity in this business.
Delivering what you say you will and at the agreed time is key.
Prudent management of resources
Unlike in formal employment, this sector presents its unique challenges. As a business owner you wear many hats, you are the CEO, the accountant, the administration and human resource manager and sometimes the therapist. Knowing how to manage all the money that comes into the business wisely but also manage your employees and be sensitive and empathetic when certain issues come up, are important skills that one must learn and quickly.
Self-drive and discipline
Running a business can be very challenging. All the days do not present the same opportunities. Learning to trust that tomorrow will be better, despite the prevailing circumstances is key for your survival. You also learn to show up for yourself and everybody else depending on you in the business.
CHALLENGES
One of the major challenges is the cost of doing business has been going up over the years. This has severely affected our profit margins. The cost of renting a place like this one for example, is not cheap, what makes it easier for me, is that we have come together as peers in this business and share the cost of rent otherwise doing it alone would almost be impossible. The cost of paints and equipment that we use is also very expensive making it very difficult for start-ups.
WHAT IS PANEL BEATING?
Panel beating is a skilled automotive trade focused on repairing, reshaping, and restoring damaged vehicle bodies to their original, pre-accident condition. Practitioners use specialized metalworking, welding, filler application, and alignment techniques on panels made from steel, aluminum, and plastics.
VEHICLE SPRAYING
Vehicle spraying in Kenya is a thriving automotive refinishing trade, blending artistry with technical skill for car restoration and customization. In Kenya, skills in both panel beating and vehicle spraying can be acquired through vocational training or on-the-job apprenticeship, with opportunities for certification.
NB:John Ochieng’ is a panel beating and vehicle spraying specialist based in Ruiru Kenya. If you would want to reach him for work ,internship or apprenticeship contact vocation hub Kenya.Our contacts are on the website.