Gary Roux’s father founded Aerial and Satellite City in 1995. Gary’s company supplies and installs copper and fibre infrastructure. They also install and supply connectivity to entertainment and information services, like DSTV. Gary says, “My father and grandfather both owned their own businesses. With over 15 years of installation experience behind me, it made sense for me to go into this business so I can be my own boss.”

One of the challenges Gary faced when he first joined the business was not having access to finance. “Capital is hard to come by, but determination makes all the difference,” he says.

In 2021, Gary was fortunate to be selected for an Octodec-sponsored business-development programme powered by Raizcorp. He learned a great deal about strategy and finance on the programme. “If you want to succeed in business, it is important to constantly document, implement, measure and adjust your strategy. The knock-on effect of this is that my staff are working more effectively,” he says. “I am learning so much about financial literacy which is driving my business towards profitability.”

Gary’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is, “Don’t ever give up. Make sure you pace yourself, work hard and smart and always be willing to dive into the deep end.”

In a thank-you message to his sponsor on the programme, Octodec, he says, “Thank you for stepping in at a time when we needed a fresh perspective. You helped us renew our business acumen during our most difficult time to date. Please keep on doing what you are doing! You are truly “Raiz-ing” the bar with the impact you’re making to business in South Africa!”