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Lewison Builders and Contractors CEO Mr. Lewis Ndichu used to ply daily along Limuru road via Muthaiga towards where he had a construction project along Thika Road. On his way back home in the evening, the highway towards Muthaiga, there are people mostly security guards in UN offices, and other residence along Limuru road, and Runda who always stop every vehicle they see with hopes of getting lifts. However, it is usual to see most motorists snub them.
Ndichu started habit of offering them lift. He could carry three to four people daily. It was during this period that Ndichu met a garrulous (story mingi) man.
One day he asked Ndichu “Mkubwa nikulizeko, kwanini huwa unatubeba. Nyinyi watu wa magari makubwa ni ngumu sana kupeana lift. Lakini wewe hujali ata wakati kuna matope?” (Boss, if I may ask, why do you give us a ride, yet you people who drive big cars it is not easy to give someone a lift, but you dont even mind when there is mud during rain?) the man wondered.
Ndichu humbly looked at him and asked his name. “Naitwa Otis nafanya security ya usiku kwa compuni Fulani”. (My name is Otis, I work as a watchman in one of the companies located here.
Ndichu smiled back and responded, “Otis mimi na wewe tuko kitu kimoja, tofauti yetu ni hii gari. Nimetoka kutafuta juu ya watoto, na wewe uko njiani ukatafutie watoto. Ndio nipate kazi yenye nafanya ni kwa huruma ya Mungu, na kwanini pia mimi nisikuhurumie angalao na wewe ufike kazini.” (Otis we are just the same, the only difference is this car. Am just struggling to fend for my family, you are also heading to do the same. For me to get this job is because of God’s mercy and why shouldn’t I be sympathetic so that you also go on your duty?) Ndichu narrated. They paused for some time then Ndicho continued. “Otis, huruma ya Mungu hupitia watu wanasaidiana.” (God’s favour are from those who help each other)
Ndichu introduced himself as an Engineer with Lewison Builders and Contractors and jokingly told Otis that one day he might be seeking a job from him. When they reached at UN intersection, Otis alighted with the Engineer driving home with the thoughts how he interacted with Otis.
The Engineer continued giving lift to security guards while the idea of printing business cards and
share with people he gives lift came to his mind and the next day he had a bunch of them in the car. Three days later he met Otis, gave him the card and asked him to reach him whenever he needs a job in future
“Days passed, months passed until early August 2020 when I received a call from a Mzungu, who wanted us to meet over a project. At the meeting I asked him who referred him to me. He smiled and said, his security guy spoke very high of me.” Ndichu guessed it was Otis
“So through Otis, I have landed a multi million project proposed to start soon.” Ndichu concluded
“I have promised myself I will repay Otis, maybe buy him a Motorbike, and some money to start a business for the wife. Just by saying he had worked for me, gave the client a confidence of hiring us.” Ndichu promised Otis
From the encounter, Ndichu has learnt that
1. Not all businesses comes from networking coffee or wine meetings.
2. Anyone can be a bridge to your success, learn to interact with people.
3. When you help, God always return the favour, what you receive today, you gave some time back.
4. Always be good, kind and generous to everyone, God might use them one day.
I have promised myself I will repay Otis, maybe buy him a Motorbike, and some money to start a business for the wife.
Just by saying he had worked for me, gave the client a confidence of hiring us
Tenda wema, mengine achia Mungu.
