Q : Can you briefly tell us about Braintec Services. How it started and the motivation behind starting a cleaning services and chemicals manufacturing company?
A: Braintec is a wholly citizen-owned company launched in 2011. It was founded by myself alongside other individuals with vast experience, excellent management and customer service skills in the service industry. When this business started, we didn’t really know what we were doing. All we knew was that we were going to do whatever it takes to make it work. It was all about taking advantage of a promising opportunity and running with the idea at the time because the government had just started outsourcing cleaning services to promote local enterprises.
We also thought cleaning is an everyday job and people clean every day and so they need their laundry done and carpets cleaned. People need hygiene, and who better to give it than us? It then grew into a passion and a lifestyle. We now have over 80 employees most of whom are youth. We are currently located at Gaborone West Industrial but we have a bureau in Francistown and hope to branch into more areas across the country.
Q: What products and services does your company offer?
A:This establishment is well known for its impeccable service when it comes to all things cleaning. It focuses on delivery of exceptional cleaning services and hygiene supplies to our valued clients across different industry sectors. The services that we offer include landscaping, waste collection, disinfection, corporate laundry, residential and office cleaning, cleaning of upholstery and car valet. Over and above that, we have engaged ourselves in the business of manufacturing economical cleaning products and anti-septic detergents, gels and dishwashes. We also distribute premium cleaning chemicals for use in the kitchen, for laundry, for housekeeping and for personal hygiene.
Other than cleaning services and chemicals, we have broadened our scope to include include Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing (PPE), hand towels, automatic dispenser machines, refuse bags, gloves and various cleaning and laundry equipment and consumables.
Q: How does Braintec Cleaning Services sets itself apart from its competitors in the cleaning industry?
A: Braintec does not only offer cleaning services but has extended its offerings to accommodate provision of personal hygiene supplies, cleaning equipment and chemicals which it manufactures in-house. We have diversified into a one-stop shop for all your cleaning needs, which you will not find happening at most cleaning companies. The company has mastered the art of excellence in all of these services and has made it a norm to provide only the best for clients. This factor of customer satisfaction is another thing that really makes us stand out from the lot. It has allowed us to retain our existing clients and pull in many more through recommendations. Another aspect that makes us unique is our great value for money. You are guaranteed that you get what you want and what you pay for without an ounce of regret or complaint. As I said, customer satisfaction is our mandate.
Q: What are some of the challenges that the company has encountered since inception?
A: During the initiation of this business, we had a challenge of getting clients as we were competing with big brands. We would only get one or two jobs in the space of two to three months and it really was not easy. But in order to survive, we played aggressively in the market. We worked on building our brand, gaining recognition and striving for customer satisfaction. This kind of hard work and persistence is what helped us overcome our challenges. Another challenging factor is early increases in operations and production costs were eroding our margins.
Q: What can you say are some of the biggest achievements that you have made so far?
A: Our biggest achievement thus far is being able to penetrate the healthcare sector with our products and being synonymous with quality among our clientele in both the services we provide and the products we offer.
Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect Braintec Cleaning Services ?
A: The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously changed our way of life. It took away business, lives and normality. However, we pulled ourselves together as Braintec and made it our obligation to play a part in helping fight this pandemic. The increased need to disinfect and clean our surroundings more than ever had opened a window of opportunity for us. That was when our business introduced its disinfection service line and brought in more personal hygiene products like sanitisers, masks and more disinfection chemicals that curb the spread of the virus. We were able to attract a considerable number of clients through these new product and service offerings. I believe it is safe to say we have since become a more strategic and resourceful entity, having analysed the situation, strategised and implemented these innovative ideas for the benefit and well-being of both the company and our clients.
Q: What future plans do you have for Braintec Cleaning Services ?
A: I envision Braintec being recognised as the leading and most trusted hygiene supplies and cleaning services provider that consistently caters for its customers’ personalised needs. Our continued professional and quality service will guarantee client satisfaction and lead us to our vision within the set five-year target that we have set for ourselves. We plan on building brand awareness, efficiency, increased client satisfaction, employee growth and community engagement to fulfil our objectives. Having seen the swift expansion of our business over the past few years, there is absolutely no reason to doubt the possibility of our goal becoming true.
