In the world of business, success often begins with the identification of a gap in the market.
For Habil Amwayi, a former employee of a weighing equipment supplier company, this realization became the catalyst for an inspiring entrepreneurial journey that led to the establishment of Scales Technology Solutions.
His venture has not only filled a void in the industry but has also brought innovation and convenience to the world of weighing equipment.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
With a background in mechanical engineering, Habil had a keen eye for recognizing opportunities.
He noted a significant gap in the weighing equipment market – the need for accurate measurements, remote monitoring, and data recording capabilities.
“I came up with scales that users can monitor remotely using a mobile phone app and get reports real-time,” the 36-year-old mechanical engineering graduate from the National Youth Service says.
This breakthrough technology not only empowers business owners to track and monitor their scales from anywhere but also revolutionizes how data is collected and utilized in various industries.
This leap in convenience and efficiency has positioned Scales Technology Solutions as a pioneer in the field.
“I had fears when leaving the comfort zone of employment to start this business because I had not done any business before. But my seven years experience in this industry gave me surety,” says the entrepreneur.
He recognized that entrepreneurship demands patience and hard work, particularly when establishing credibility in a competitive market.
Offering solutions in a professional and thorough manner was his strategy for building trust and fostering lasting client relationships.
The success of any business often hinges on customer satisfaction, and Habil Amwayi understands this principle well. He shares that the growth strategy he values the most is having happy clients.
Cultivating strong relationships with clients has been the cornerstone of his journey, with some loyal clients choosing to stick with his company for as long as five years.
This not only speaks to the quality of his products but also the exceptional service his team provides.
A distinguishing feature of Habil’s entrepreneurship is his decision to eschew external funding.
Instead, he opted for organic growth, reinvesting profits back into the business.
This fiscally prudent approach allowed him to maintain control and ownership of his company while steadily expanding operations.
Starting with a small team, Scales Technology Solutions has now grown to employ around 20 people across multiple countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Of course, no entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges, and Habil is no exception. Financing remains a significant hurdle for many entrepreneurs, and he acknowledges this obstacle.
“Sometimes you get an order but don’t have the financial muscle and stock, so you ask customers for a down payment,” he says.
Reflecting on his career, Habil credits his employers with teaching him invaluable lessons. One of the key takeaways was the importance of a dedicated team.
He realized that neglecting staff could hinder organizational growth.
Armed with this insight, he advocates for active engagement with employees, valuing their opinions and perspectives.
After all, they often see things that leaders might overlook, contributing to a more holistic decision-making process.
