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By Amanda Ellen Nicola Jojo
SINCE time immemorial, flexibility has been recognised as one of the ultimate way to achieve success in various aspects of life including business. Budding entrepreneur Gladmore Moses is one of those people that faced challenges head-on with flexibility and agility by looking at big changes as opportunities, not roadblocks.
Today he is stirring the wheel of Haven Agri-Construction (Pvt) Ltd, a company that aims to promote focused solutions in sustainable advanced construction models and precision agriculture which allows businesses to be more profitable, efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly.
The Entrepreneurial Magazine had an interview with him and below are the excepts of the conversation:
Early life and background
Gladmore Moses was born in a poor family in Mutoko, Zimbabwe in 1985, He is the sixth child out of seven siblings. Coming from the place of losing a mother at the age of 5, and his father at 8 years – life became so difficult for him in the rural areas. In 2007 and 2008 he also lost his 2 brothers respectively. Loss of parents and siblings, a lack of cash, and the need to balance school attendance with working in fields in rural areas were chronic stressors for him and his other two brothers and two sisters as young children.
Moses moved to Harare and got a job as an Assistant Builder “Dhaka Boy” and grown to be an Artisan. He gained extensive experience in Construction Project Management, Coordination, Estimating, Drafting & Design and Team Leadership.
Motivational forces that inspired the birth of Haven Agri-Construction (Pvt) Ltd
After mastering the art of critical construction works Moses took a leap of faith and founded his own construction company.
“I felt l needed to challenge myself and build my own construction company. On the other side l needed to be my own boss, managing my own team and building my own brand which supports clients from low earners,” he said.
Scope of Haven Agri-Construction (Pvt) Ltd activities
A company with a remarkable reputation is perceived as providing more value which allows it to retain customer loyalty, sustained earnings and future growth. Against this background, Haven Agri-Construction (Pvt) Ltd has earned an excellent reputation for excellence, quality and integrity in designing and constructing agricultural models.
These include; Pigsty, Goat Pen, Poultry Housing (Broiler Housing; Free-range Housing and Breeder Rearing Housing), Cattle Housing, Dairy Buildings, Equipment Storage, Milking Parlors, Sheds, Manure Storage and Equestrian/Horse Facilities and design farm layouts among other key features such as farmers’ education.
He said: “We also targets to strengthen rural and urban agriculture and smart designs through lean construction and introduction of evolving technology models. Furthermore, the company supports vertical farmers to utilize and construct more user friendly buildings and adopt smart designs that are more environmentally friendly to farming and animal husbandry.”
The company achieved this in a period of three years since its establishment.
….Of rebranding and restructuring
In a bid to implement the needed changes and boost business growth Haven Agri-Construction (Pvt) Ltd underwent rebranding and restructuring. It rebranded from Haven Construction to Haven Agri-Construction (Pvt) Ltd so as to address client priorities.
Commenting on that he said: “The speed of business today is incredibly fast paced. After a thorough research we discovered that most small scale farmers and rural farmers want to have affordable and sustainable structures which suits their budgets. Most of the agri-construction companies here in Zimbabwe only focuses on agri-commercial construction structures.
“That’s the rebrand we rebranded from offering residential and agricultural construction and fully focused on agricultural structures only.”
Smart investing
With a plethora of investment opportunities, Moses is of the view that smart investing is a gamechanger.
“Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. Smart investing may allow your money to outpace inflation and increase in value. It also provides for long-term financial security,” he said.
Rural communities transformation and improvement for sustainable economic growth
Through his venture, Moses is on a drive to recognize the potential and investment opportunities that can empower the rural community.
“Combatting unemployment in rural areas through agricultural projects is the way to go. If we have many of us with entrepreneurial skills and passion for supporting rural areas projects, productivity, and quality would increase, rural economies would take shape,” he stated.
Milestones and achievements
Some his achievements include, leading teams to deliver amazing projects (design and construction) comprising of Pigsty, Goat Pen, Poultry Housing, Cattle Housing, Dairy Buildings, Equipment Storage, Milking Parlors and Sheds.
He is a 2019 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme alumni. He featured also in entrepreneurial magazines such as MOTMAGZ, Zimbabwe entrepreneurial magazine, also featured on the Young Money Show on ZiFm radio and My own Boss programmes.
Trials and tribulations
Moses encountered many challenges in business and life but he came to realize that a successful, thriving business owned by a believer glorifies God.
“You must be aware that the enemy will do anything to thwart your business because jealous. The devil knows that where there is self-reliance there is weakness. It is so important to keep your business covered in prayer to protect the integrity and success of your business, but also to constantly keep your heart in the right place,” he stated.
Leadership styles and approach in tackling major projects and company culture
Moses executes a democratic method of leadership because it encourages collaboration as well as empowerment within his organisation.-
“To achieve the best results in projects, l always employ visionary and participative leadership styles and involve different departments.
“Use the participative style to achieve buy-in. Even if you have difficult deadlines, asking if there are better options may save you time and shows you are listening to the team. Coach during one-on-one meetings with team members to help them feel value. Use directive and pace setting sparingly,” he added.
The company culture is premised on;
- Setting- clear objectives to guide employee performance.
- Make sure employees understand the organization’s long-term goals.
- Establish diversity initiatives and promote inclusive practices.
- Encourage transparency and open communication among department heads, management and team members.
KEY TAKEAWAYS ON INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY: There are only a few times a person can use the phrase, “Take my way or the highway”! That marks the words of an entrepreneur! As a male Entrepreneur l feel honoured to have contributed to economic development via job creation, innovation through agricultural structures.
ADVICE TO ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS: As a new entrepreneur l was so enraptured by my “big idea,” and l worked without a solid plan. I have learnt that you must set realistic and attainable goals in order to succeed.
Make a point of setting both short- and long-term goals, and make sure they’re specific. Don’t just say, “I want to make $500k this year.” Set a reasonable goal, and then determine what specific steps you need to take to reach it.
