At just 28 years old, Ratu Jone Biukoto has made significant strides by establishing his own plumbing business, John’s Plumbing, which is celebrating its first year of operation. Hailing from Nabasovi, Koro Island, Ratu Jone embodies perseverance and ambition, striving to create a secure future for his family.
His interest in plumbing sparked during his studies at Fiji National University, where he gained essential trade skills. He then further honed his expertise through diverse roles at several companies, including Nadi Plumbing and Jacks’ Manufacturing. He realized that his desire for growth necessitated gaining experience across multiple workplaces.
After witnessing the undervaluation of skilled labor in Fiji and driven to secure a better life for his wife and young son, Ratu Jone started John’s Plumbing. Early on, like many new businesses, he faced financial hurdles, relying on borrowed tools. However, his creativity and determination played a crucial role in his business’s early successes. Sharing photos of his work on social media garnered him customer interest, leading to growth.
Currently, John’s Plumbing operates six days a week, providing an array of residential plumbing services such as meter installations and bathroom fixture repairs. Ratu Jone emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with clients, ensuring that every job receives his full attention, regardless of size. His commitment to quality has cultivated a solid reputation and a growing portfolio of referrals among local customers.
Balancing work and family life can be challenging for Ratu Jone, but he remains motivated by his vision for his family’s future. His unwavering support from his wife, an engineer, has been pivotal on this journey. He looks forward to teaching his son about the importance of hard work and responsibility as he grows.
Though John’s Plumbing presently focuses on residential services, Ratu Jone harbors ambitions of expanding into commercial construction. This aspiration will require securing proper licensing from the Water Authority of Fiji. Until then, he remains committed to expanding his business step by step.
Ratu Jone encourages aspiring entrepreneurs: “If you have the interest and the skills, just do it. Don’t worry about the finances; when you hustle and struggle, things will turn out. And most importantly, pray about it.”
Ratu Jone’s story is a testament to resilience and illustrates how passion and hard work can pave the way for personal and professional growth. His journey is an inspiring reminder that dedication to one’s craft and a strong vision for the future can lead to success.
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