When Mo Khan started his business, his daughter was his only employee. He now has 17 staff members under his watch. Photo / Bevan Conley
When Mo Khan started his business, his daughter was his only employee. He now has 17 staff members under his watch. Photo / Bevan Conley
A local renovation outfit has seen substantial growth over the last 12 months, with no sign of slowing down.
When Mo Khan started his business, Mo's Home Improvement four years ago, his daughter was his only employed staff member.
He now employs 17 staff, all with a variety of skillsfrom floor layers, to builders, tilers, painters, a full-time plumber and more with demand for his services skyrocketing post lockdown.
"We only had three guys plus myself after lockdown. After that, business just went crazy."
Khan moved to Whanganui from Auckland in 2012 with his wife and daughter.
He said as people can't travel due to Covid-19 restrictions around the world, they are investing their money into their properties.
Offering plumbing, electrical work, tiling, painting, kitchen and bathroom renovations, Khan said his vast range of services under one roof has been the key to his growth.
He has close to 20 investors on his books as out of towners tap into the booming Whanganui property market.
With the range of services their business provides, Khan said it gives investors an easy "one-stop shop."
He said kitchens and bathrooms have been among the most popular renovation options from locals.
"We love helping people get their jobs done. My price is not crazy. All businesses have to make a profit, but my margin is less so I get more business.
"Whanganui is a small place and word of mouth is very fast."
He said the demand from both locals and investors has his team fully booked for the next few months.
"May, June and July, we are all booked out. We are full on, it is completely crazy."
He said the success of the business over the last year has allowed him to grow and expand, purchasing a commercial site on Glasgow St where his carpet laying team will be based in the near future.
The business has boomed following the Covid-19 lockdown. Photo / Bevan Conley
"This Saturday we are starting the renovations, so that is exciting."
He said it is remarkable to look back to when he started the business and see how much it has grown over the years.
"When I started, I wasn't sure if this would grow. When I was in Fiji, I had a passion for doing renovations. I moved here and I acquired new knowledge and learnt how Kiwis do it.
"We have just been prospering. Business is crazy."
