Harley: An entrepreneur with vision

If you were looking for electronic gadgets in Mwanza today, you would likely meet Patrick Brown Harley, owner of Kalimbwemkhonde Investments which deals in electronic equipment.
Unlike many people who venture into business just because they have lost a job or cannot secure one, Harley is a passionate businessperson who cannot see himself earning a living any other way apart from doing business.
His shop stocks various items, including laptops, television sets, DVDs, cellphones and phone accessories.
Harley started his business in 2003, but before opening a shop at Mwanza Boma, he operated as a mobile vendor in Lilongwe, Mwanza and other districts.
“I was just selling DVDs then, but as I travelled to Mwanza often, I discovered that I could grow my business in the district because I had more customers here than in any other district. This is what prompted me to settle in Mwanza,” says the 40-year-old who comes from Lirangwi in Blantyre.
Harley has never regretted the decision he made, as he explains that since he settled in Mwanza, his finances have improved tremendously enabling him to support his wife and four children.
“Through this business, I have been able to look after my family properly. One of my children finished secondary school. I was able to pay his school fees. Another child is in Form One and school fees is not a problem for me.
“I have also managed to buy a piece of land and very soon, I will be constructing a good house,” he said.
With the rise in demand for technology, Harley says his business is growing from one level to another.
“The good thing about this business is that there is always demand for new gadgets. Many people do not want to be left behind when it comes to technology,” he says.
But like any other businessperson, Harley faces various challenges, one of them being the ever-changing prices of goods.
“This affects me in terms of planning; there are times I plan to buy a lot of stuff in Blantyre, only to come back with few things because prices have been adjusted upwards…
“Another setback emanates from customers who get stuff on credit and fail to honour their debts,” he says.
Harley plans to grow the business in the district where his clientele is growing before he can expand to other places.
“Mwanza is a good place for business because it is one of the busiest districts due to the border that sees all kinds of people travelling in and out of Malawi,” he says.