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From unemployed to entrepreneur

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Breezing along: Micah Smith has gone from being unemployed to training to service and repair air conditioning and major appliances, and now runs his own business (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

A few years ago he was unemployed, but Micah Smith has turned things around and now runs his own business servicing and repairing air conditioning and major appliances.When he started out he travelled around on a motorbike, but now owns a company van. He has used his skills to cover every aspect of the business, including graphic design, paperwork, social media and advertising.Mr Smith believes he stands out from the competition due to the level of service he gives and his ability to service and repair major appliances as well as air conditioning systems.He hopes his story will encourage others to set out and achieve their ambitions.Mr Smith was unemployed when he enrolled on an appliance repair course at the Bermuda College. He learnt how to service and repair air conditioning units, as well as other appliances, and was soon doing side jobs with other tradespeople.But he couldn’t secure a full-time position. That was frustrating, but it also made him decide to set up his own company, Breeze Air Conditioning and Major Appliances, and employ himself. That was two years ago.Mr Smith said: “I got tired of not finding full-time employment, so I ended up employing myself and forming my company. Then it just got popular.”He services, maintains and repairs all types of air conditioning and major appliances. He can install air conditioning systems and units, and he also sells the brand Gree.“I started from the bottom. I was unemployed at the time and just formed this company, and word has got around. I’ve had a lot of success and recommendations. So my name is out there, but there is still a lot of Bermuda who don’t know about me and the company,” Mr Smith said.As well as air conditioning, he can turn his hand to servicing and maintaining other major household appliances.He said: “I come and diagnose the problem, maybe provide a service plan. Most appliances need to be maintained, because they come up with dust and mould.“When I go to a customer I point these things out, resolve it, and they in turn see the difference in the performance of their appliance.”He said his way of doing business and the service he provides differentiates him from other appliance companies. He said: “I do a full repair and service job — and it has been working out for me.”Mr Smith, of Pembroke, added: “I want to share my story, where I self-employed myself from a situation where I was unemployed and was seeking work for two years. I became an entrepreneur and businessman and formed a company.“It has been a lengthy process, and it is something I’m still learning. I’ve always had God-given talent to fix things. To make money from your own God-given talent and knowledge is a blessing.“I’ve built a company, and I’d like to think I might possibly employ Bermudians in the future, if I can get that big.”• Breeze Air Conditioning and Major Appliances has an Instagram presence and is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BREEZEBDA/

Breezing along: Micah Smith has gone from being unemployed to training to service and repair air conditioning and major appliances, and now runs his own business (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Breezing along: Micah Smith has gone from being unemployed to training to service and repair air conditioning and major appliances, and now runs his own business (Photograph by Akil Simmons)