As someone with experience in diverse fields, Gordon Maeta has a sharp understanding of the importance of spreading investments in different sectors, as long as it is viable. He has come to appreciate that, as a rule, when, due to some unanticipated circumstances, some businesses underperform, others can act as a cushion.
Maeta has translated this broad outlook on investing into the management of Eyethu Enterprises, of which he is both majority shareholder and managing director. The company’s business interests span civil construction, designing and building trailers which are sold or rented out, insurance services, and the maintenance of shopping malls.
Though barely six months with Eyethu Enterprises, Maeta is content with the direction towards which the organisation is heading. “I feel as if I have covered what someone normally does in ten years as an entrepreneur in the short stint that I have been with Eyethu Enterprises,” he says contentedly.
Maeta’s mentality is informed by the on-the-job training he underwent in various institutions that he worked for, backed by his education at Gibbs Business School. He has had a career-enriching spell with Old Mutual iwyze and Outsurance for over 17 years where he was responsible for building assessments and claims investigations, as Head of the Claims Call Centre Department. This was an organisation whose mandate was to add value to people’s life savings under its custody.
“My responsibilities included saving costs and money, employing the right people, getting rid of people who the company felt were not central to the core business, and to ensure that only the company hired professional and experienced people. In addition, I had to ensure that the company adhered to high service excellence standards,” Maeta reminisces.
One thing Maeta has learnt to value the most is the importance of making tough decisions for an organisation’s good – something not easy to execute in an era when workers’ rights are just as important as a company’s right to exist. He also credits his stint in the insurance industry for honing his management skills.
All things considered, was the decision to swap the corporate world with a guarantee of a princely salary and associated benefits for the unknown wilderness of self-employment not taken in haste?
Maeta, who has just turned 40, deems the move he made as a calling akin to Moses’ experience in the Bible. “God appeared to Moses at the age of 40 so he could lead the Israelites to Canaan. I just turned 40 and somebody told me that life begins at 40,” he remarks.
He reveals that he felt that he was due for a new challenge. Of the two main options available, either joining another company or venturing into business presented themselves, the latter was more appealing.
“I wanted to be in a position where I could be able to build business brands create jobs and help alleviate poverty, and saw Eyethu Enterprises as the perfect platform.
“I was particularly touched when I listened to comments by a Professor from Germany who said that the 80% of the economy (GDP) was ran 80% by SMMEs,” he says.
Maeta is confident that, rooted in the business ethos that it stands for, Eyethu Enterprises is ideally positioned to grow its investments.
“At Eyethu Enterprises we speak quality. We speak affective workmanship. We are an efficient service provider.”
Eyethu Enterprises has a head office in Uitenhage, but is able to reach seven provinces seldom with hassles. Most of the organisation’s clients are based in remote areas which involves continuous travelling. This is where commitment to clients is demonstrated.
Although the company has been experiencing considerable growth relative to sluggish economic conditions, Maeta says, at Eyethu Enterprises, there is no room for complacency. “We ensure that we go beyond clients’ expectations in whatever we do. We communicate to find out what the client really wants then we assist accordingly.”
Maeta sees Eyethu Enterprises’ making an impact in society beyond profit through facilitating small business development and charity causes.
Passionate about small business development, Maeta is keen to be mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. He is impressed by the growing interest of young people in business, describing it “as a step in the right direction”.
Maeta tells young South Africans about the importance of building their self-esteem to succeed in business or in any pursuit in life.
“Don’t let other people form an opinion about you. Don’t wait for someone to tell you how good you are. You are the one to decide to which path to take. You are the one who decides which path to take, whether is wrong or right. As long you will have a way to deal with the destiny/ outcome.”
The organisation has partnered with a special school in Uitenhage, where it provides learning material and runs a feeding programme.
Besides, on occasion, the school’s students are taken to the company’s promises as a form of inspiration. “We do this so that they too can have belief that there are opportunities for you in the future,” Maeta explains.
Maeta confesses that, even though, the ultimate prize of the industry that one puts into a business is invaluable, the compromises made can take their toll on one’s life, if not managed properly.
“It can be a lonely place, with nobody to confide to, as I am always on the road. You can imagine…we do projects with clientele in places that are far-flung, difficult to access,” he says. Thankfully, precious moments with his supportive family gives him the right balance.
Eyethu Enterprises’ contact details:
Office: +27 41 922 4647/8
Mobile: +27 76 049 5812
Fax2Email: +27 86 720 4544
Email: gordon@eyethuent.co.za
Our vision is to Continually strive to provide excellent and honest business practice and being the Service Provider of choice. Our ambition is to go beyond customer’s expectations and satisfaction. We pride ourselves in our work and communication levels including our business ethics.
