#WIB – Q&A With Charlotte Mosito Owner Of CPKM Services
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
CPKM Services is black female owned and operated. We pride ourselves with an approach that includes community consultation, local labour sourcing, innovation solutions, the use of quality products, material and rendering exceptional services. We are a driven group of individuals who’s focus is to deliver exceptional service to clients through confidence and effective communication.
Our vision and mission is becoming a well-recognised role player in the construction industry that’s highly recommended, Prioritising customer satisfaction by designing customised maintenance and programmes suitable for each client without compromising on the quality of services.
CPKM undertakes a wide variety of infrastructure developments such as general building works (commercial and residential), maintenance, renovations and more.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
I ventured into business back in 2013, traded informally, on a very small scale.
In 2017, when I registered CPKM, I was inspired by my passion for infrastructure development, and upon research I realised there’s minimal women participation in the construction industry, which I saw as an opportunity to contribute my acquired skills and business acumen.
It was only late 2019 when small business opportunities started presenting themselves and unfortunately, they were affected by the Covid pandemic. Lockdown was dreadful but I still pushed and sought for work as a subcontractor or anything that could get my hands on and I finally got recognition early 2022.
3. What is your role in the business?
I am the sole director of CPKM Group (Pty) Ltd, trading as CPKM SERVICES.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
I am a proud UNISA Alumni with a Bcom in Business Management. I have also recently completed a short course in Construction Management at UCT.
5. How did you finance your business?
Financing has always been such a daunting challenge which crippled me at times but I’ve mostly relied on my savings, took a few loans to fund work at times and also relied on my credit facilities as and when needed.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
One of my morning tasks is checking in on my team/staff, assessing progress on the current project, works completed the day before and planning our day according to our site programme. I then attend to all office administration, necessary procurement and confirming daily delivery schedules with suppliers, site walk throughs to check on activities taking place, engage with supervisors and check quality on works as often as I can. Most of my time is spent on site, in the office working on paper work compliance, and making sure that all tasks are completed and that I’ve honoured all necessary communications via email and in person.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
I honestly do not have the perfect work life balance, it’s been extremely challenging being a business owner. My Monday to Fridays are centred around work, I spend most of my time at work and I’ll normally take the work back home with me, try get as much work done whilst busy helping my son with homework and, I have tried setting boundaries but it seems to be rather impossible during weekdays and I hope to achieve this as time goes by. I do however, dedicate my weekends to family, there’s no exceptions whatsoever.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
I am driven by the many women who are changing the narrative for societal standards, the ones that have paved way and proved that it is possible to strive and succeed in male dominated industries, the autonomy, passion and desire to impact, change and contribute to people’s livelihoods. My main inspirations are to make a difference in my community and to achieve a long-lasting legacy.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
My best ideas always occur as and when opportunities present themselves, this happens everywhere and at any time. During social and formal engagements, after reading certain interesting articles and books, watching TV shows and the people I interact with.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
As an SMME, my primary marketing strategy at present is through networking with relevant industry players (potential clients, suppliers and investors) and CPKM is currently developing a more comprehensive strategy as more opportunities present themselves.
11. What is next for your business?
CPKM is now in the position to compete with other well-established construction firms, increase productivity and exposure through forming more strategic partnerships that bridge the gap in expertise, impart knowledge/skills and new business perspective. My goal is for CPKM to be fully sustainable and bridge the gap between technological advancement in the construction industry and impact on job creation.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
My advice to other females would be to fully comprehend their dream, to have a clear vision that’s attainable irrespective of how fanciful and improbable it may sound or seem to others and to develop a business process that speaks to the relevant industry. I’d further emphasise the importance of one’s commitment and sacrifices because there is no life/work balance when you really want to achieve something. Seek advice, knock on different doors and never be discouraged by rejection.
Connect with Charlotte: linkedin.com/in/charlotte-mosito-88411177