Determination drives Jac Auto-Pro boss
When Joe Mbendana left his job at one of the country’s top automotive companies to start his own things, many wrote him off arguing that it was a bad decision considering the competitiveness of the automobile industry.
Armed with administration skills coupled with technical understanding of top-notch cars such as Range Rover, Land Rover and Jaguar, among others, Mbendana established Jac AutoPro.
The company has grown from strength to strength, thanks to Mbendana’s zeal and determination to be his own boss.
“I have always been ambitious in whatever way, hence my decision to leave my job and join the small and medium enterprises bandwagon,” Mbendana said.
“Jac Auto-Pro was born out of the zeal to succeed and I have never looked back.
“We have a professional team of Land Rover, Range Rover and Jaguar technicians on hand with the skills and equipment to handle all manner of maintenance and repairs, as well as a full stock of authentic parts.”
Mbendana boasts of a youthful and professional team that is eager to grow and make Jac AutoPro a big brand in the automobile industry in Zimbabwe.
“We are a dedicated youthful team ready to help and grow the Zimbabwean automobile industry,” he said.
Jac Auto-Pro offers vehicle servicing, suspension repairs — control arms, brake discs and pads, restricted performance faults, vehicle programming and calibration, roadside assistance, electrical and transmission faults repairs, tyre sales, engine repairs as well as auto exhaust system replacement.
However, Mbendana bemoaned lack of support for small and medium enterprises.
“When I started my company I had nothing and only relied on my family members, who chipped in and supported me,” he said.
“I tried to look around for capital to no avail.
“Small and medium enterprises need support so that they grow and contribute to the gross domestic product like big corporates.”
According to a 2022 Finscope SME survey, micro, small and medium enterprises contributed US$8,2 billion to national gross domestic product.
“We can help grow the economy if given the support,” Mbendana said.
The SME sector has grown to become the bedrock of economic growth and poverty reduction.
The sector now employs over 60% of Zimbabwe’s productive workforce, constituting 70% of business in Zimbabwe.
Mbendana said he was looking forward to expand his business and open branches in other towns.
“Our branch is in Msasa here in Harare and we are planning to open more branches in the capital city before we expand to other cities,” he said.
“We are also active on social media platforms and those interested in our services or would like to share ideas can join the engagements online.”