Hunger for success driving Shem on

By Lorraine Jimal
SHEM Wangihomie started his business from scratch more than 20 years ago, and he has never looked back since.
“I have no regrets looking back at the past 22 years, to who I am today.”
Shem, 56, is from Yangoru in East Sepik. He is married with six children. He owns and runs his Kosaye Electrical Refrigeration Company.
Like many others, he tried out his hand at many things early in life, and finally settled down when he decided what he wanted to do.
After school in East Sepik, Shem wanted to become a primary school teacher in the province. But he didn’t make it to any teacher training college or university.
He however continued to improve his understanding and use of the English language, knowing it was the universal medium of communication in the ever-changing world outside Yangoru.

“ I have no regrets looking back at the last 22 years, to who I am today.”

After Grade 10, Shem was selected to study the electrical trade at the Port Moresby Technical College for six months.
He was then employed by the Panguna mine in Bougainville as an electrician. But he resigned in 1988 during the Bougainville crisis.
He worked with other companies before moving to Madang when he was offered a new job.
In 1998, Shem decided to start his own business using the skill, experience and qualification he had acquired in the trade.
His Kosaye Electrical and Refrigeration Company trained many Grade Eight and Grade 10 dropouts to become tradesmen. Shem knew that with experience and skill, the youths could support themselves and their families.
In 1999, his company was contracted by Divine Word University to provide air-conditioning work for its administration building. It was one of the breaks he needed.
Shem also trained more than 20 people in electrical work and fixing refrigerators. Some college graduates who had no jobs and living on the streets sought his help to teach them trade skills.
His company does jobs on air-conditioning and refrigeration contracted out by business houses.
Although he is based in Madang, he travels to other provinces for various contracted jobs.
His biggest challenge is the competition he faces, not from locals but foreigners engaged in a similar business.
“It is a struggle as a local running a business against Asian competitors.”
But Shem never gave up. He saved whatever he could and made sure he managed his finances well to meet his operating costs and to keep the operation afloat, taking into account the expensive cost of electrical items he needs.
He has been gradually building up his properties and assets, with a fully-furnished home, an office, a workshop for trainees and a truck.
“I have come a long way and will continue.”
He overcame challenges using his positive thinking and never-say-die attitude to succeed.
He looks forward to each day as another successful day.
His advice to locals wanting to start a business is not to be discouraged by competitors.
“Do not think you are not capable of it. I have done it for the past 20 years and you too can do it.”
He urged locals to help and support each other in the business world.
“Think, talk and act smart so that we will be successful together in business.”