Conductor Who Rose to Own Multi-Million Car Dealership Reveals Secret to Success

If you are struggling to define what success is, keep reading. Many of us chase career titles, money, or social status — and yet we don’t feel successful when we get those things.

That’s because you can only measure success in your life when you define what drives your happiness and helps you find purpose.

What is success to you?

Success is something that you have to define for yourself, and no one can do it for you. Success could mean a sense of giving back to the world and making a difference. It could mean a sense of accomplishment and career progression.

It could mean being able to do the things you love. It could mean being able to start that business or being able to provide for your upbringing for your children.

It’s entirely up to you. A one-size-fits-all approach is impossible. Kamau’s story today will probably give you a broader perspective on what success can look like.

At the heart of Umoja Three Estate along Kangundo Road, Kamau Kamaa ‘wa Tududuu’ has become a household name owing to his car yard selling hatchbacks popularly known as “kadudu” among Kenyans. However, behind the successful multi-million venture – Shaq Motors Company- is the story of hard work, toil and patience.

Speaking during an interview with Sikika Road Safety on Thursday, March 16, Kamaa – Kamau, his real name – revealed that he started working in the transport sector as a conductor – individuals tasked with filling matatus/buses with passengers.

He noted that he used to earn as little as Ksh10 – a move that pushed his desire to move up the ladder and own a car.

Kamaa indicated he still wanted to complete school as he had posted good results in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). “After raising some money I was able to raise money and enrol at the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) course,” he stated.

However, while pursuing his degree course, he also worked as a tout, landing a job with a Sacco in the city.

Nonetheless, while working as a tout, he met friends who were car dealers and incorporated him into the trade. At first, he worked as a broker and earned Ksh10,000 for each car sold.

“One friend of mine had a car-selling yard, and I was intrigued to know how much he was earning and therefore inquired and join the industry. At first, I started as a broker and earned commissions.

“Being a broker is quite difficult because someone can shortage you and you cannot do anything because there is no written contract,” he revealed. After being able to save, Kamaa asserted that he bought a Mazda Demio at Ksh390, 000 and later sold it for profit after making improvements to the vehicle.

He added that he settled for dealing with hatchbacks, given that they are in demand and can be sold faster.

“I did some improvements to it and finally sold it for Ksh550, 000 after 3 weeks. I target small-sized vehicles because they can be sold in a very short time and the target for the profit is also attainable,” he stated. Over time, given his business model, he was able to own a yard with over 25 vehicles and currently has five employees.

What we learn from Kamau’s Success Story…..

Success has no deadline.  In fact, according to recent surveys, on average, the people who founded the world’s biggest companies don’t start until age 35. Out of 539 founders, the average age of starting their company was 40. Many of the world’s most successful people don’t even start pursuing their dreams until their 50s or 60s.

Success doesn’t mean by a certain age, at a certain time, or by a certain deadline. It isn’t about any other person’s measures or metrics except your own.

STORY COURTESY OF: KENYANS.CO.KE