Startup Story
Ruth Butaumocho is a 48 year old physically disabled entrepreneur who runs Zalando Perfectors T/A Zalando Rock Drilling and Blasting, a Zimbabwean based company that offers rock drilling and blasting services. She realized that there was a yawning gap in the market for prospective home owners and small companies that could not afford to engage big companies for blasting and drilling services. So, in 2013, Ruth bought a small diesel compressor and immediately started offering drilling and blasting services to individual property owners. Her hope is to grow the business so that it becomes a regional player in the sector.
LoA spoke to the inspirational Ruth Butaumocho about her personal journey, her pioneering business approach, and her tenacity in a traditionally male-dominated business sector.
What does your company do?
We drill and blast rocks at private properties. We are also engaged with municipal organisations, intending to work on both the water and sewer systems, when planning for new urban settlements. We also hire out compressors to miners who may want to engage in mining activities.
“I felt civil works were an area where there were many opportunities, but that sector did not have many women. I also wanted to create a space where women would thrive.”
“What makes my service special is that it is run by a woman in a male dominated sector. The fact that I am operating alongside well-established big companies with state of the art equipment, with my archaic and obsolete equipment, and limited financial resources.”
What inspired you to start your company?
The realization that there were not many women who were engaged in civil works in Zimbabwe. I felt civil works were an area where there were many opportunities, but that sector did not have many women. I also wanted to create a space where women would thrive.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
What makes my service special is that it is run by a woman in a male dominated sector. The fact that I am operating alongside well-established big companies with state of the art equipment, with my archaic and obsolete equipment, and limited financial resources.
Tell us a little about your team
My team of 8 consists of 5 ladies and 3 men. Three of the ladies are single mothers, with basic Ordinary O Levels. They received on job training, because drilling and blasting courses are expensive and requires someone with good subjects on Ordinary Levels.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Before I started the drilling and blasting project, I was in farming where I specialized in livestock rearing. I am also involved in commodity broking. I don’t have an entrepreneurial background because it was considered to be an area for people who would have failed academically.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To grow the organization and be listed on the country’s Stock Exchange. With good resources, we aspire to go regional and establish branches in other countries in the Southern African Region.
“What gives me the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur is creating employment for the marginalized people and being able to work flexible time and get an extra income for my family.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Creating employment for the marginalized people and being able to work flexible time and get an extra income for my family.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Establishing a good start up as a woman is not a joke and requires consistency, hard work and a good mentor who can assist you to grow your product. You need to set goals, which you need to review periodically so that you will not lose track of what you want to achieve.
Contact or follow Zalando Rock Drilling and Blasting
FACEBOOK | EMAIL chinhemaruva@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
Tenacity is a key trait needed by every woman entrepreneur, and Ruth Butaumocho has that in large quantities. Her ambition to build a successful, growth business in a tough, traditionally male-dominated industry sector is inspirational, and she is carving her own path, literally, for success. She is proof positive that with enough ambition, tenacity, and drive, there are no boundaries that cannot be overcome. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa