Many business origin stories involve a legendary big idea written on a napkin or a perfect elevator pitch heard by the right person at the right time. Whether it’s a great idea that doesn’t work out as planned, hours of sales calls, or a tough but necessary 180-degree turn a company might make before finally establishing itself in the market. , less legendary.
As CEO of Versofy SOLAR, Ross Mains Sheard led the company through a myriad of changes, opportunities, tipping points and a pandemic to become a business that is reshaping the way South African consumers access solar energy solutions.
Versofy SOLAR’s story is one of transformation. Since its founding in 2014 as a self-storage aggregation website, the business has reinvented itself through various industries, eventually finding its calling in the renewable energy sector.
“The idea of a self-storage aggregation website has morphed into a professional services marketplace platform with over 350 categories covering everything from dog walkers to interior decorators for service providers in the property management space. Refined again. Then, as we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and everything fell off a cliff in 2019. There are still some gaps in the business model, and the pandemic has given us an opportunity to stop and think. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start, and all the gains we’ve made so far come when we narrow our focus. “Given the already growing demand for alternative energy, it was a natural choice to focus on solar power,” explains Maynes Shea.
A moment of reflection, adaptation, and intensive refinement resulted in the Versofy SOLAR you know today. The business honed its vision and transitioned into a leading solar energy solutions company, demonstrating that adaptability plays a vital role in an entrepreneur’s success. “My 10-year journey has been full of learning experiences.
Some key concepts and passions remain the same. Networking and forming good partnerships early on can be of great benefit to entrepreneurs. Another big lesson was the importance of financial management.
Our early marketplace business model allowed customers to pay us with credits or subscriptions. But once the money was in the system, we couldn’t control it and liability issues arose. The revamped model handles all financial transactions from start to finish, ensuring accountability and quality of service. ”
With a background in civil engineering and a passion for sustainability, Maynes Sheard, along with co-founder Angus Henderson, identified a critical gap in the market. They recognized that while there is a high demand for renewable energy solutions, access to these technologies is often hampered by financial barriers.
“Traditionally, solar power has been the preserve of only the lucky few who can afford to pay the R200 000+ price tag upfront and in cash. As a long-standing partner of ours, we have access to the best installers and With flexible payment options, Versofy SOLAR has begun its journey from the few to the many,” says Mains-Sheard.
Today, Versofy SOLAR’s mission goes beyond profit to make a tangible difference. The company has installed more than 50,000 solar panels, bringing solar energy to more than 4,000 homes. It not only lights up homes, but also makes a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions, generating more than 35 million kWh per year and helping local economies, households and small businesses mitigate the worst effects of load shedding. I did.
Mains-Sheard believes Versofy SOLAR’s journey reflects South Africa’s unique entrepreneurial spirit. It is characterized by a deep-rooted sense of purpose and community. He said the country is fertile ground for entrepreneurs, especially those who can see South Africa’s serious challenges as opportunities for innovation and impact.
“If the definition of entrepreneurship is being able to solve a problem for someone else and get paid for it, then the opportunities for entrepreneurs in South Africa are many, and they can help make a difference in people’s lives in a direct and tangible way. The more we can improve, the more opportunities we have. I think South Africa is one of the best places in the world to be an entrepreneur. We have our challenges, but we have to operate quickly and efficiently to support our customers. There is room for satisfaction. Many people have accepted poor service for granted, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”
Networking, persistence, and a dedication to learning are the pillars of Mains-Sheard’s entrepreneurial philosophy.
He believes that for anyone considering becoming an entrepreneur, having a vision, staying committed in the face of adversity, and leveraging digital technology to streamline operations are important factors. states. “Small businesses need support from both government and business. Focusing on transactions is important for small businesses, but technology plays a key role in optimizing operations. Versofy SOALR has its roots in Being in technology and having always occupied the online space, our goal as a technology company is to make people’s lives easier and more efficient, and to eliminate waste in our everyday homes. combined use to create smarter, more cost-effective homes.”
The importance of focus, the courage to pivot when necessary, and the value of learning from disappointments while having a greater purpose all combine to make Versofy SOLAR a leader in the rental solar and photovoltaic space. We have grown to become one of South Africa’s most trusted companies. service. But Mains-Sheard and his team don’t stop there. Versofy SOLAR’s latest means of creating meaningful value-added services that help customers live lighter lives is with the recent introduction of the proudly local Versofy HOME app and the solar-powered smart geyser and home Future releases of water supply solutions.
“I think there is a common misconception that to be successful as an entrepreneur, you have to invent something completely new, something groundbreaking, or change the world. It’s about creating value in ecosystems and economies. The core of entrepreneurship is not just about making money, but also about purpose, people, and the positive impact we can have on our immediate situation.”
