2020 was not the ideal year to start a business. This was the year that many entrepreneurs remember with a shiver down their spine. Businesses closed down as a health pandemic swept across the world, leaving behind a trail of lockdowns and economic ruin. But in the midst of every calamity, there emerges a few brave souls who defy odds to turn the tide. In the world of business, Dennis Mwangi was one of these. This was the year he took a leap into the world of business.

“It was not a good year to operate a business, leave alone start one. But a good business idea is like an itch that cannot go away unless it is scratched. I was convinced that I had a good business idea and I was determined to launch it despite the health pandemic storm,” he says. His idea was on upgrading of vehicles through modifications and customization. He registered his vehicle pimping business and named it Sir Outsourcing Customs.

“The business is based in Nairobi, and has installation garages in Ruiru and Karen. We also have networks in Dubai from where we purchase and ship all materials for the vehicle upgrade needs of our clients,” says Mwangi, adding that he also ships materials from China.

Mwangi’s decision to venture into car modification and customization was not so farfetched. He had long-running fascination with customized cars that had began in his younger years. “I have always been fascinated by customized cars, and the inspiration and thought that goes into modifying them without compromising on safety,” he says.

This fascination had fueled him to do a few personal projects that germinated into a his business idea. “I started by transforming my Nissan Caravan. I invested my savings into this project and spent days researching, purchasing and installing custom parts until I finally turned my Caravan into a masterpiece on wheels,” he says. At that time, he was shared a base in Dubai, which made it easier for him to access vehicle parts.

Through the upgrading process, he shared his journey with his followers on social media. This generated interest. He started getting inquiries with scores of vehicle owners in Kenya asking if they could have their vehicles tuned and modified.

“A friend asked if I could source a rare Mercedes Benz S Class Maybach grille for his vehicle. I did my research on where I could find the grille, and the costs it would take. Within a few weeks, I had secured the grille and successfully installed it, earning my first income from my business idea. From that point on, I knew that I had to turn it into a full fledged business,” he says.

Running the business, though, was not without challenges. “It was challenging. I started out as a simple online business making posters about my work which I posted on social media,” he says.

“Most people had no idea what products I was selling since the car upgrade business had just hit the market. It was hard convincing customers and getting trust to modify their vehicles.”

Mwangi recalls that when he started off and started getting business, he would hire mechanics from various garages. “The business has now grown and I now have my own professional mechanics and garages in Ruiru and Karen,” he says. “We have also advanced and have teams internationally. We are now dealing with all major vehicle models including Toyota Land Cruisers, Bentleys, Range Rovers, Mercedes Benz, Lexus, BMWs, Tesla, Lamborghinis, Feraris, Covettes, Rolls Royce, McLaren, Land Rover, Porsche, Volkswagen, Jetour, Skoda, and Mini Coopers,” he says.

With each successful project, Mwangi’s reputation as a customization maven grew, leading to a cascade of referrals and orders from clients grew. Within a couple of months, Mwangi was sourcing customization and modification parts for clients as far as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda, France, Armenia, United Kingdom, Pakistan and Italy.

Mwangi, who is also the chief executive officer of Ostaz Logistics Limited, says that his background in logistics has been a boon to growing his business. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in procurement and supply chain, and boasts of 15 years of experience in shipping, logistics, procurement and supply.

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He says that currently, his business products and services include upgrading of body kits and facelifts, all vehicle accessories, exhaust upgrades, engine upgrades, interior upgrades, wraps and tints, custom designs, performance upgrades, and all new and used vehicle parts.

“My driving force has been customer satisfaction. I saw a need and have been dedicated to fulfilling it. Customers choose to work with us because of the results we produce, our affordability and shipping rates,” he says. “We have successfully conducted over 100 installations with a perfect safety record.”

Mwangi says that the vehicle upgrading industry has become more competitive than it was five years ago. Upgrades have advanced and the higher the quality demand, the more the value price has increased. “This is the biggest challenge. It requires you to dig deep into your finances to ensure the customer gets the highest possible quality,” he says.

Mwangi adds that body kits and upgrades now range from Sh300,000 and go all the way up to Sh5 million depending on the type of vehicle, the modification and customization required, and the customer demands. “Because of the costs involved, we have made it mandatory that we must offer the best quality in the market to ensure we not only satisfy our customers, but also gain referrals. You will never gain referrals in business with substandard work,” says Mwangi.

Over the next five years, he shares that he is aiming to stablish one of the largest showrooms in Kenya dedicated to vehicle upgrades, combined with a vehicle pimping garage. “I am aiming at accelerating my growth. The business has overcome multiple challenges, and the sky can only be the limit,” says Mwangi with a smile.

Mwangi’s Sir Outsourcing Customs can be reached via +254743450007 in Nairobi and +971508214589 in Dubai.