Rifat Zukovic, construction company
- Professional bricklayer and master concrete worker since 2009
- Origin: Former Yugoslavia
- In Germany since 1993
- Self-employed since 2009
- Passion: Formula 1
Rifats world...That was
He was born in the former Yugoslavia, as Rifat himself calls his homeland. There he attended school and university until 1993, specializing in mechanical engineering. "And then in 1991, the disintegration of Yugoslavia began. There was unrest everywhere and no one knew what was going to happen. In 1993, when I was 22 years old, I made the decision to leave my studies and relocated to Germany." German language skills? "Absolutely none. Thank you, please, one two three - that was all I knew. But it was enough for a job as a labourer." For three years, Rifat kept his head above water in Berlin and Oberhausen, worked as a formwork setter and gradually learned German. "At some point I realized I was stuck. And this despite the fact that things were going really great for me in the company. I had already made it to foreman, the working climate was right and the wage too. However, what I lacked and what I really wanted was a recognised qualification. I was missing something that I could build on. Half a degree is not enough and does nothing." with the objective of 'vocational qualification' before eyes, Riphath to Dortmund to the training centre of the chamber of crafts. A consultation and a signature later, he was admitted and registered: to the master course in masonry and concrete work. "During the course, I was further advised by the Chamber of Trade Crafts on how to set up a business. What can I say is that everything went smoothly and I was given a start-up grant by the employment agency."
This is
As before, the construction site and concrete are Rifat's world. Today, however, he is the boss and says what is to be done, when and how. "quite so free as is perhaps the sounds, it is as a self-employed but also not. I usually work with my people as a subcontractors. This means that I usually get a job from someone who has an order from someone, who has an order from someone else etc. It is a long chain and I am just at the beginning or the end of it, depending on how you look at it. I am a long way off from big holidays and expensive cars anyway." And he says this not because he is envious but because he knows what it means to earn money as a self-employed person. "Finishing work? There's no such thing", as he himself says. "There is always something somewhere to do, to respond to or to plan. That is the way it is when you are self-employed. Although you can decide a lot, you also take on responsibility for a lot."
Apart from this, Rifat advises potential entrepreneurs: "You need a very specific idea of what you want to do and how you want to do it. People skills, discipline and a good vocational qualification, such as the master certificate, also provide a sound basis. Otherwise, you will be broke before even get your first order. In addition, a functioning network and good contacts can help you to survive at the beginning. I myself had already worked on construction sites many years and most companies knew me and knew that they could trust me. The best basis for a good business. Without trust, I know for sure that nothing would be possible within the construction industry. You must be able to rely on the services of others, otherwise it gets expensive and can also be really dangerous too."
This is
Rifats' world includes his family above all. He wishes he has a little more time for them and a little more peace and security. "Building up the operation took a lot of energy. You have to be careful not to overstretch yourself and to take a break from time to time, recharge the batteries and take care of the things your family needs." Apart from this, Rifat plans to take on an apprentice soon. "This is also an entrepreneurial responsibility. We cannot complain about a lack of skilled workers on the one hand and not train apprentices ourselves on the other. In any case, I would like to pass on my knowledge and experience. Who knows, maybe one of my sons will also be interested in the profession or the company." Because there is still some time left, Rifat briefly talks about the mistakes you can but do not necessarily have to make as a self-employed person: "Unfortunately, there is a lot you can get wrong as an entrepreneur, an awful lot. The only important thing is that you take responsibility for this and do not make others suffer for it. Dumping prices are a good example of how things should not be done in my view. Even if you really need a job, you cannot work for far below cost. This is how you not only ruin yourself but others too."
