I was told that Stephen is a difficult guy to track down. He’s busy with a contract for Seriti Coal Mine, taking care of their 57 strong Ford Ranger Bakkie fleet in the area and it is taking up much of his time to be on site. Mining contributes a large part of the GDP of South Africa and is a pressurised space. The service of bakkies needs a quick turnaround time, one of the many pressures in Stephen’s Sasolburg workshop. Stevinator Auto has become an essential cog in that industry, ensuring uptime.
Stephen’s dad was a teacher by day and a mechanic by night, needing the extra money to take care of a large extended family.
“I fell in love with the process of fixing stuff…it just grew from there”
Stephen would watch his dad fixing cars, dreaming of one day following in his path. As a kid, he would pass spanners to his dad. There’s a petrol head in Stephen as I notice a baby blue Ford Escort XR3 which has been turbocharged, standing in the driveway next to a Mazda RX8 which is not in running order. “Apex seals?” I question, to which he laughs, “Yes”. Both Stephen and myself are kindred travellers, it seems.
Opposite the workshop entrance, a meat delivery van drops off whole pigs while the mine’s bakkies occupy the workshop space. Despite the ash-rich environment due to the residue of coal from the mines, the workshop is always kept neat and orderly. Everything is in its place or is at work, and the lifts are all occupied. These are good signs of a business going places, and of an owner who has committed to the entrepreneurship process Filpro has encouraged.
“The helpful attitude of the filpro community has helped in more ways than imagined. “
Two of Stephen’s workers are refitting a Ford Ranger’s gearbox despite load shedding, while a third, his brother, is multitasking outside, repairing a rear axle while discussing plans on the phone. There is coal everywhere.
Stephen refers to the earlier days when he entered the Filpro program, knowing a little about fixing cars but less about business management. The program opened his eyes to a part of running a business that is as important as a mechanics’ hard skills. Bookkeeping, handling finances and cash flow management.
These are all skills your typical artisan shies away from. So often in entrepreneurship, you find yourself at the top of your hierarchy. It can be a lonely place. A by-product of the program was grouping like-minded individuals who were on the same journey and having the same experiences. This common ground is what Stephen referred to when he needed help understanding something. Either from Filpro directly or from his newly found peer group.
Stephen is a skilled guy, someone who listens intently and has a keen interest in learning and growing. At 22, he was operating from his garage at home. The Filpro intervention proved to be the jumpstart that Stephen needed. Before that, he felt like he was running in the dark, not going anywhere. His first move was to an abandoned warehouse costing R2,000 per month with only his father’s toolbox and one staff member who believed in Stephen’s dream.
“A reason, season or lifetime”, I mention. Stephen says that it’s not a bad thing when people leave. “Everyone needs to grow”, and he realises that is a part of business. He says there is a big struggle retaining good staff who tend to leave, starting their own business.
There was, however, a moment of darkness in the journey when Stephen had to pause operations due to the building being sold, meaning that the original Sebokeng workshop needed to close. Sometimes doors close for other doors to open. Stephen’s story is a perfect example of that. Throughout the Filpro process, these individuals appreciate the opportunity that’s been provided and show that. What they also demonstrate is the willingness to take on more.
Take on more lessons and opportunities. I see that not as greed but as ambition, and Stephen symbolises that. Along with this, the program has allowed valuable lessons to be learnt. “Have good relationships, don’t step on too many toes and do follow ups” Stephen remarks when asked about the most important lessons learnt in business. Stephen has a team that works on-site for the mining vehicles that don’t need to come back to the workshop. There are six permanently employed staff who come from the Sasolburg and the nearby Parys community and there is a structure for helping the community. Even though the majority of work comes from one source, the mining sector, he dedicates one day a week to helping people from the community with their mechanical needs.
The mining community has expressed gratitude for the quality work that Stephen and his team produce. Backing this is the steadfast approach of only using quality parts in the repair process. This sense of gratitude is greater than the paycheck, Stephen comments. Stephen’s got the type of growth mindset that says he’s not afraid of a challenge and wants to improve a situation no matter how good things may be. He plans to expand the business, opening a branch in every province and doing what he loves. That sort of ambition is linked to the vision the Filpro program has created and has enormous potential to unlock. They have created something truly special in South Africa.
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Wow I really can relate to Stephen’s story…. also learned basics of mechanics from my father, also started working from my garage at home. Love the part that people need to grow and move on, I also share my knowledge and proud to see staff move on to bigger and better things. Well done Stephen, hope you dreams come true of been able to open more branches.
incredibly motivating, hard work pays off
Well done once again inspiring
Well done Stephen,looks and sounds like a very busy workshop,inspiring how you started first in your garage,then to the abandoned warehouse with one staff member and your dads tool box,then Filpro steps in and you are so sucessfull,well done.You sound very positive and I believe you will be able to expand your business in each province,all the best Stephen.
GLAD YOU STILL LIKE YOUR JOB. GOOD LUCK
Well done Stephen, keep up the good work
well done!!!!
Well done Stephen, keep up the good work!
Fantastic. Well done Stephen. All the best for the road ahead.
Well done Stephen.
When one door closes another opens because of hard work and commitment.
People like you give us hope.
Fabulous. Well done.