Local entrepreneur keeps on cycling
He had been working for McDonald's for about six years, and one day while watching YouTube videos of people building trailers that can be used as extensions on bicycles, he became fascinated by the innovative designs.
“It is the same with people as it is with riding a bike. Only when moving can one comfortably maintain one’s balance,” said Albert Einstein. When life almost knocked down local resident, Raymond Risseeuw, he took the words of this well-known theoretical physicist to a whole new level.
He came up with the initiative of starting a gardening service on two wheels, and as in life he’s had to equip his bicycle with the tools needed to keep moving.
He had been working for McDonald’s for about six years, and one day while watching YouTube videos of people building trailers that can be used as extensions on bicycles, he became fascinated by the innovative designs. He typed in ‘bicycle trailers, business-wise’, and that’s when the idea struck him.
“I was thinking about starting my own gardening service, then I saw these videos. I was thankful for the experience at McDonald’s but I knew I had to keep on moving forward. I started saving up and each month I bought a piece of equipment,” he said.
Raymond shared his idea with a friend who agreed to build the trailer for his gardening equipment.
“The trailer was made out of metal. My good friend did all the cutting and measuring. We just put all our ideas together and got a very practical and unique result,” Raymond said.
Dedicated to his three-year-old business, Raymond generally leaves his home when it’s still dark, and sometimes only returns after dark. Most of his clients are in Roodekrans, Helderkruin, Wilro Park and Krugersdorp.
Even though he faces many ups and downs on his bicycle, just like in life, he chooses to enjoy the ride.
“You always have to keep on going. You will always face an uphill, but it’s all about the people you meet along the way. I meet new people almost every day when I’m on my way to or from work. Everyone is different and it’s all about their attitudes and respect for their fellow man. I enjoy the conversations down the path. It keeps me happy,” Raymond said.
Luckily the daily pedalling isn’t too strenuous on him since he has completed the 947 Cycling Challenge 11 times. Since he can remember, cycling has been part of his every day life.
“I’ve always liked being active, to keep the action going and to see the smiles on people’s faces along the way. To see other people happy makes it all worth it,” he said.
His love of gardening stems from his love of nature and animals. “It makes me happy to see the plants, flowers, butterflies and bees every day, especially in Spring. Everything is just so alive, and that’s what’s nice about gardens,” Raymond said with a broad smile.
“I also enjoy implementing new ideas and give my gardens a new look. And it’s so nice when the pets get to know you too. When you see they are happy, it makes you happy too.”
He encourages other entrepreneurs to try something different as well to explore all the possibilities a bicycle has to offer.
“It always looks hard at the beginning, but as soon as you start pulling the weight, you’ll get used to it and work smarter to keep the balance and keep on moving,” he explained.
“A road may seem bumpy, but that’s when you look at the possibility of alternative routes. You do whatever is needed to get to your destination.”
He dreams of expanding Ray’s Garden Service and having different teams dedicated to landscaping, garden maintenance, tree felling and irrigation.
If you would like to find out more, feel free to contact Raymond on 072 224 2095 or send an email to risseeuwgardenservices@gmail.com.
