Hiko Electrical

Chris from Hiko Electrical answers some of our questions.

What is the most interesting part of your work/business day?

This is a tough one as our work is so varied. Today, for example, we have a hybrid solar system being installed in Pyes Pa.

We are also fitting off an architectural new build in Papamoa, wrapping up a beach front home in the Mount, in the middle of two renovations around town, finishing off a full home ducted air conditioning system and one team is on maintenance work.

I have spent the morning putting in the final preparations for a job on Motiti Island so hard to choose between them all really!

What is the most challenging thing about your work?

Striking the right life balance. In a new business, to be successful their does need to be sacrifices made with your time and I have spent many a long night working away on the computer to keep the business running as smooth as possible. Being able to say no to work is something I still struggle with but needs to be learnt to get that balance.

Did you have any mentors throughout your career and how did they influence your decisions?

I have had many mentors on my journey, but I am currently working with a business coach, Robin Olivier, who has really helped me over the past year.

If you are serious about your business, you should be working with

some sort of coach or advisor.

What advice would you give to a person considering opening up a new business?

It’s the same sad old advice really, draw up a business plan and do your numbers. A business needs to make money so make sure your new business is profitable and then work back from there.

If you don’t know your numbers you could be sleep walking your way into large amounts of debt and more importantly wasting your own time. I am also part of a few business networking groups. It’s a great environment for business owners, and anyone in business, to learn from other professionals and industries. A problem for an electrical business might have already been solved in the world of a real estate agent so you can learn a lot from each other. It’s also great to sit down with likeminded individuals and chew the fat.

If you are new to business these groups are an A to Z of people you need to meet who will help you on your journey. I have met some of my best friends, clients and mentors whilst attending these groups.

What support do you have to help you be successful?

I have been incredibly lucky in my upbringing coming from a supportive family. I had a grandfather that started his own business; my mother worked and managed that business until they stopped operation. My grandad inspired me a lot growing up with his stories and my mother showed her children what hard work can achieve and she has been living happily retired from the age of 57. Of course, we have an excellent team at Hiko and I can rely on everyone for their support which is massive in a small business, they each contribute and individually surprise me of what they are capable of.

Our clients’ continual support keeps us operating and referrals to friends and family keep us busy.

The most important person however is my partner, Catherine. She raises our three children, she runs the household and she supports me in the business. If Cat wasn’t around I would have a lot more free time, haha, but I wouldn’t have that underlying why either so some of the hurdles I have faced might have been too high to get over.

What do you believe contributes to your success?

Tenacity! Tenacity and self-belief… and being able to have fun in all situations. There are an endless number of hurdles, obstacles and challenges that present themselves in life and also in a business. The desire to never give up and adapting to a challenge will give you an edge but doing it all with a smile on your face and making people around you laugh makes it a whole lot easier.