Innovation drives young entrepreneur of the year
THE 2018 Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Manicaland young entrepreneur of the year Silas Taunda Kaja has stood the test of time to become one of the most innovative, hardworking and determined businessmen whose quest for excellence is next to none.
Ever since he took over the reins at Top Quality Panel Beaters from his late dad, Silas has managed to stir the ship to dizzy heights despite socio-economic challenges bedevilling industries in Mutare and the country in general.
Top Quality Panel Beaters, the then Truck and car specialists, opened shop in 1985 and they have become Mutare’s trusted specialists in panel beating, spray painting and vehicle maintenance.
Kaja has managed to make the company a reputable brand thanks to his open mindedness, creativity and determination.
He revealed that despite being leading specialists in spray painting, diagnostics and vehicle maintenance, the company has been plagued by lack of foreign currency to import spares and other equipment, a situation that has led the company to advise customers to supply own spares.
Kaja added: “Insurance companies continue to prefer dealing with cheapest service providers shunning us who provide excellent service at a reasonable price tag.
Obviously we cannot offer such a top class service on very cheap prices. Our innovativeness has seen insurers settling for cheap service providers.”
The young entrepreneur leads a team of 14 competent and well-trained staff — among them panel beaters and mechanics. What has however made the company a cut above the rest is the introduction of new and sophisticated product called detailing. Detailing comprises performing thorough cleaning, restoration, and finishing of a motor vehicle as well as its interior.
The specialists can restore the car’s old paint as well as thorough cleaning of head lamp. They also do restoration of rims without repainting them as well as ceramic coating where the car’s body is protected by a thicker coating. In addition, they do an anti-stone chip.
“Detailing is a new product that we can safely say we are the only company in Mutare that is extensively conducting all the phases. We are hands on,” said Kaja who recently underwent a detailing course in South Africa.
“We have become a place of preference. In five years time we will be the only panel beater that delivers quality services in Manicaland. Customers are coming from everywhere as far as the neighbouring Mozambique.
“Clients are coming from as far as Harare for ceramic coating. I would like to thank my wife, Mutare market, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Cde Monica Mutsvangwa and President Mnangagwa for his robust policies particularly the “Zimbabwe is open for business mantra” as well as giving youths a chance to do business freely,” he said.