MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
worst of the inflation occurred between 2008-2009, leading to the abandonment of the currency. “Money wasn’t available at the banks,” said Marques. “Every day was a constant battle to change that money into product. I remember it was cheaper for me to get on an airplane, fly to South Africa, buy my paint, put it on a pallet, and get it transported to Zimbabwe rather than having the money locally and buying it locally, because the rate of inflation was so high.” Now, the US Dollar and the Zimbabwean dollar are being both used as currency. “My biggest challenge is being able to attain real foreign currency in order to be able to acquire materials outside of Zimbabwe,” said Marques. “With all the movements and changes in monetary policy, I’ve learned to not get nervous about it and look for the opportunities in the situation as opposed to getting worried. We no longer look at it as an obstacle.”
As far as sourcing, Harare isn’t far from Johannesburg, South Africa, so Mike’s Radiator is able to get most of the product they need. “We do have the option of buying some items in Zimbabwe, but most of our products are imports from South Africa,” said Marques. “We also get cores and complete units from the UAE.”
Mike’s customers have also changed over the years. “When I joined Mike’s Radiators 17 years ago, a lot of the things were brass and copper back then,” said Maboreke. “Our main customers were the panel beaters and panel shops.” Panel beaters are also known as auto body mechanics. “As the terrain started to change, we started to see an influx of plastic and aluminum radiators,” said Maboreke. “Copper prices started going up. We started doing research. What has helped us here in Zimbabwe is that we
Darren Maboreke, Mike Marques, Sr., Mike Marques, Jr., and Miguel Marques.
November/December 2021 | THE COOLING JOURNAL | 11
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