The building and construction industry will always be one that literally feels the effect of economically tough times. Hein Goosen owns the business ‘Your Home Renovations’. Hein worked in the motor industry for about thirteen years, but always had a passion for doing home renovations. Starting with his own house, he gradually renovated, and through that process built up many skills. This made him realize that he would love to do renovations as a full time job. He took the risk and step out as an entrepreneur. In 2017 his business was established, and been going from strength to strength. Hein is married to Margo, and together they have two beautiful children. Hein has been in Howick for ten years now. Any business owner will be able to tell you the stress and anxiety that 2020 brought. I spent some time with this business, to find out what they have been going through this year. What has been your biggest fear in 2020? ‘The biggest fear was definitely that the 2020 lockdown would kill our business. I had a fear of being forced to go back to an industry and job that I didn’t enjoy, just to produce an income for my family. Keeping head above water and generating an income has been really difficult this year.’ How long was your business in stand-still this year? ‘We were not allowed to do any work for two months, it was quite stressful. From there we were allowed to gradually start doing odd jobs, just to get some money in. We had clients, who at that time already paid deposits for kitchens. We were not allowed to enter their properties, because of the strict restrictions. Because of that, income was really limited. Fortunately we were able to still keep all our staff, although we were not able to pay them their normal salary. We tried helping where we could.’ What has been the biggest life lesson that you’ve learned this year? ‘Unfortunately I’ve had to learn the hard way that you can’t always just trust people. There has been more than one incident where I was doing work for clients, and they did not pay. It’s been difficult to get funds from those clients, it has been quite disappointing. This is not something that is only because other people are under financial pressure in 2020. In general, this is something that I’ve had to deal with from time to time. It has probably also been one of my biggest challenges this year.’ Any advice or encouragement to others in the industry? ‘If a customer picks up a problem, always go back. Make sure that the customer is happy with the end result. Referrals mostly come from other customers as word of mouth marketing. That has been working really well for me. I’m proud to say that my business has really grown in the three years, since we started.’ It was lovely spending some time with Hein and his team. This year has certainly not been an easy one for them. I have however really been amazed by the many people and industries in this community, and how business has picked up after lockdown. South Africans really do have a way of picking their heads up and facing the music. Hein is a genuine and humble man. From the time I've spent with them I can really gather that he absolutely loves his work. Whenever he does a project, he goes the extra mile, to do it, and do it well.
I would just like to take the opportunity to thank Hein and his team for allowing me to come and spend some time with them. I know God has mighty plans and I speak His blessing over this business. May it prosper and excel. In the words of Hein: 'Business has actually picked up after lockdown. All of a sudden everyone wants to renovate their homes now. We have really been busy, so blessed to be able to say that.' To God be the glory.
3 Comments
Shirley Hardwick
10/22/2020 20:14:39
Hein is a most pleasant and obliging young man. I enjoyed having him working in my home and renovating my kitchen. He made a grand job of it . To me it is fresh, different and delightful. I love it.. New flooring was a huge improvement too and his workers were busy and not time waters. Go for it Hein ..you will do well and I too say Praise the Lord!
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11/30/2023 15:33:12
Michelle van Eeden's insights into home renovations in the Midlands are enlightening. The article beautifully unearths the essence of Midlands home transformations, offering a delightful mix of practical advice and aesthetic inspiration. The local touch adds a unique flavor, making it a must-read for those considering renovations in the area.
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I'm a passionate photographer based in the KZN Midlands - enjoying life to the full and spending time with my awesome family and friends... photo credit: www.peartree.co.za
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