The Durban Chamber is Vivian Reddy, Founder and CEO of Edison Power was the guest speaker at the first of the Minara Chamber of Commerce's series of Young Entrepreneurs Coffee Connections in 2017. The goal is to provide a platform for entrepreneurs to meet with leading business icons in order that they may progress their businesses with one of the many success stories.

Vivian Reddy, founder of the Edison Power Group, is an astute businessman with the drive to achieve perfection in all that he does. He said, "Success doesn't happen overnight - it is patient consistent effort".

In a recent interview Reddy said that as a leader you must decide what you want and do everything that it takes to achieve this. He added, “You need to think about the small things in your business and put in the extra effort.”

Reddy commented, “My core strength is my focus in everything that I do.” He said that he has always dreamt big, has had a vision for what he aims to achieve and is passionate about the projects he embarks on.

One example is Oceans Umhanga, a mixed use development, which has been described as the most outstanding project in South Africa. The development sold 93% of its units within four hours of being put on the market - a South African record. Reddy said, “Oceans Umhlanga has the wow factor. It has been developed as something that people will aspire to own. We have created an appetite for something exceptional.”

Over the years, the Edison Group has continually provided service excellence and put in the extra effort to achieve results. Reddy commented that building relationships in business is essential. He said, “We still have the same clients as we had 35 years ago, too many people fail because they don't value clients. I started off my business, Reddy Electrical, in the apartheid regime and answered the telephone as 'Mr Edison'. As I was a perfectionist, I soon got lots of work and was recognised by the quality of my work, not by the colour of my skin.” From these small beginnings, the Edison Power Group grew into the largest and the most diversified electrical contractor in Africa.

"When we start making money we start buying things that we can't afford - that's how business fails."

For more information on future events visit http://www.minara.org.za