Grow

Some have more talent to grow their businesses than others, but healthy growth is a vital indicator of success, with over 80% of the learners successfully running their businesses a year after the initial training.

Paul’s Dream

Paul Kagiri attended the BFL training in Nairobi Kenya in 2007 and became a trainer in 2008. His wife Patricia attended the training in 2008 and became a trainer in 2009. In Kenya all of the BFL trainers are required to have their own successful business, which contributes to their effectiveness as business mentors. Paul is an electrician and Patricia has a business doing interior design.

Paul had a dream to one day open his own hardware shop and in August 2013 that dream became a reality. Paul and Patricia saved for 3 years in order to have what start-up capital needed. They conducted thorough research in order to determine the right place to set up shop.

There is plenty of competition, but they have a few strategies that help them to beat their competitors. First of all, they buy only quality products, which are more expensive but many customers have come to buy their products after having to replace cheaper products multiple times. Secondly, most of their competitor’s stock supplies primarily for carpenters while Paul and Patricia stock electrical and plumbing supplies as well. And thirdly Paul and Patricia invested in a key duplicating machine which is the ONLY one in the area.

Patricia works in the hardware shop full time. For the first 2 months she worked without taking a salary, but now is able to be paid a small monthly salary. Meanwhile Paul’s service business (electrician and plumber) has soared since he can now be his own supplier! They continue to research their market by keeping a record of anything a customer requests that they do not have in stock. Once at least three customers have asked for an item Paul and Patricia begin to stock it!

Paul and Patricia have faithfully and continually put into practice the business principles they learned on the BFL Training. They’ve never taken a loan, and never been given a grant. They’ve just done the right things over and over again without taking any shortcuts. They and their family are reaping the rewards of their hard and smart work!

Paul and Patricia are also generous with their profits. Whenever a need has come up in our group of trainers, they are the first to contribute and encourage others to follow their lead.

Paul and Patricia