Introduction
In 2016, South African entrepreneur Galo Maarohanye founded GVM Holdings (Pty) Ltd in Sasolburg, driven by her passion to not only shape the landscape of construction but also to prioritize transparency, sustainability, and community engagement. The journey of GVM Holdings, a women-owned Level 1 BBBEE construction company, is a testament to Galo’s vision of excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction in a traditionally male-dominated industry. With a robust business model, unwavering commitment to empowering women, and a future-focused approach, Galo is setting new standards in civil and built construction across South Africa.
The Inspiration Behind GVM Holdings
For Galo Maarohanye, the motivation to start GVM Holdings was deeply rooted in her desire to transform the construction industry. She noticed a gap in the market for a company that could deliver high-quality construction projects while being grounded in sustainability and community development. “I saw an opportunity to build a business that could set new standards in the industry,” she explains. Her focus was not just on profit margins but on creating value through transparency and ensuring her projects contributed to environmental responsibility. Her entrepreneurial journey started with a simple idea: to establish a construction firm that would lead with integrity, empower women, and elevate communities.
A Vision for Excellence
GVM Holdings has quickly become a trusted name in South Africa’s construction landscape, known for its dedication to delivering top-tier civil and built construction services. The company’s mission is clear: to excel in providing client-focused, innovative, and budget-efficient solutions. Its vision aligns with Galo’s goal of being at the forefront of South Africa’s construction industry, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment.
At the core of GVM Holdings are values that set it apart from competitors. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement, high client satisfaction, and the empowerment of women in construction reflects its belief in doing more than just building structures—it’s about building futures.
Products and Services
GVM Holdings offers an impressive array of services that cater to the evolving needs of property developers, contractors, companies, and private clients. The company is divided into three key service areas:
- Civil Construction – Specializing in road and highway construction, bridge and overpass projects, water and sewer infrastructure development, and large-scale earthworks and excavation.
- Built Construction – Offering expertise in commercial building construction, residential development, industrial facility construction, and public infrastructure projects.
- Maintenance Services – Providing ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, structural assessments, and facilities management to ensure long-term client satisfaction.
Each of these service areas is grounded in GVM Holdings’ core value of client-focused excellence, ensuring every project is tailored to meet the needs and expectations of its customers.
Revenue Generation and Business Model
GVM Holdings sustains its profitability through a well-defined business model that leverages tenders and requests for quotations (RFQs). The company operates on a 10% profit margin for tenders and a 20-40% markup for RFQs, striking a balance between maintaining competitive pricing and ensuring profitability. Galo’s business model is designed to deliver value not just for the company but also for its clients, who benefit from cost-effective, high-quality construction services.
Attracting and Retaining Customers
For Galo and her team, understanding and meeting the needs of their target market is paramount. Through briefing sessions and site visits, GVM Holdings ensures it has a clear understanding of each project’s scope, allowing them to offer tailored, turnkey solutions. The company maintains strong relationships with clients through regular follow-ups, ongoing advice, and customer service that goes beyond the completion of a project. This client-centric approach has helped GVM Holdings build a loyal customer base and attract new business through word of mouth.
Standing Out in the Industry
In an industry known for stiff competition, GVM Holdings distinguishes itself through innovation, expertise, and community engagement. The company’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its processes has streamlined operations and ensured that projects are delivered on time and within budget. Galo explains, “AI has made things a lot faster, innovative, and futuristic,” helping the company stay ahead of industry trends and offering clients cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, GVM Holdings’ partnerships with community leaders, churches, and hospitals allow the company to have a far-reaching impact, ensuring its projects contribute to the greater good.
Key Achievements
Since its inception, GVM Holdings has celebrated several milestones. The company’s successful completion of civil and maintenance projects, particularly its affiliations with SERITI Coal Mine and Sasol, has solidified its reputation in the industry. Furthermore, GVM Holdings has expanded its operations, creating jobs and empowering communities through its work.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Like any growing business, GVM Holdings has faced its fair share of challenges. Financial constraints and limited opportunities were two major hurdles Galo encountered early on. However, she navigated these challenges by securing loans and negotiating upfront payments before commencing work. These strategies have allowed the company to overcome financial difficulties and continue its growth trajectory.
Long-Term Vision
Looking to the future, Galo Maarohanye’s vision for GVM Holdings is ambitious yet grounded. She envisions the company becoming one of South Africa’s top civil engineering and building construction firms, known for providing turnkey solutions. To achieve this, Galo plans to invest in development programs, mentorship, and a business advisory board that will guide the company’s growth. She is also committed to establishing a solid succession plan to ensure GVM Holdings thrives for generations to come.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Galo’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Just start. If you are dedicated, you will deliver.” She emphasizes the importance of letting faith fuel your hunger for success and remaining true to your business ethics, regardless of the challenges you may face.
