I guess everyone does something at times they're proud of themselves for and I'm no different.
As some may know I have been working very hard to build the businesses in my sig. as Director and GM of Plumbers NZ Ltd. It's been a very tough six months of time and money, putting everything I have into it. I've been working for pretty much free and relying on a (very) small allowance from WINZ and my wife's income, (not to mention her patience!) to survive.
I have become an importer of the Femit from Germany, supplying major merchants such as Mastertrade/Mico and Franklins with others coming on board soon, and have negotiated deals which mean I can now offer our own brand Hot water cylinders made by Superheat in Chch. Best quality in NZ and at prices no-one can beat.
I have also reactivated my account to sell the Pelican brand of torches and lights once again as well as fire-extinguishers etc. from PSL the biggest company in NZ who supply NZ Fire Service for example with much, if not most of their equipment. www.firemaster.co.nz
I have learned a huge amount in the last 6mths and have met some very nice people from all manner of business and industry and formed significant contacts in banking, legal, Govt. manufacturing, shipping, and the plumbing/gasfitting/solar energy industries.
There are so many opportunities out there to anyone who wants to pursue a dream or a goal. From banks, (if you know the right people and have a good business plan), to IRD who have been extrememly helpful and understanding to overseas manufacturers, (Fermit have really gone out of their way to assist me in importing their products!) as well as Customs who cleared the shipments immediately without the checks they may impose on new importers and the shipping agent, DSL,... so many people and companies who are willing to give their advice and the benefit of their experience to help.
As the websites grow in popularity and significance in NZ we are now being approached by international companies and manufacturers both local and overseas, (even the UK is calling me!)
We have been asked by an MP with an educational background to consider becoming a PTI, (Private Training Institute), for plumbing due to the popularity of www.plumbers.co.nz as a forum for assisting apprentices where we have Craftsman, (Now referred to as Certifying), plumbers and gasfitters and access to exam questions and answers. We have the resources to do so, but not the time at the moment.
My newest venture, the Pelican range I have advertised in the May Farm Trader mag who were generous in offering me a great deal on a 1/4 page ad and 3/4 page editorial which I wrote and they edited to the third person perspective. They took my ad design and adapted it to fit the 1/4 page. It looks great! Page 89 of the new May issue! Reason the the Farm Trader? I was last selling Pelican to farmers back in the '90's who loved their power, durability and long battery life. I was the biggest reseller of Pelican in NZ at the time so PSL were happy to have me back. Now I hope to become once again the biggest by reaching the whole country. As time and money allow I will expand the advertising.
So while this is a wee skite, I know I couldn't have done this without the help of many people in many spheres and I will be ever grateful for the encouragment and support I have received from so many! Especially my wife, who has had to carry the financial burden in the main and go without so much that she deserves and endure the stress of embarking on a venture that could have gone wrong. (Fortunately we didn't have to sell her MX5 and I still have my bike, albeit currently unregistered until I can afford it).
So we're broke as, but can see the light ahead and if anyone here needs anything I can supply, I'll do the best I can for you.
Cheers and all the best to anyone doing a similar thing!
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I didn't think!!! I experimented!!!
Originally Posted by mashman
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