Racers Paint and Panel officially opened its doors in 2020, however, for the founder and owner Lewis Mhembere, embarking on the path towards realizing this vision began 23 years ago in Harare. In this article, we detail the unique history of Racers Paint and Panel and his epic journey.
The History of Racers Paint and Panel – In his own words:
The roots of my journey trace back to the year 2000 when I crossed paths with Val and Carol Pereira at Living Waters Fellowship in Arcadia.
In 2003, Val and Carol Pereira, directors of Vals Panel Beaters, one of the best and biggest paint and panel shops in Harare, Zimbabwe, presented me with a life-changing opportunity. At the time, I was a young man and eager to learn, so I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and got stuck in, starting as a stores boy, handling materials for the technicians.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a willingness to go beyond my assigned duties, I soon found myself assisting the Workshop Manager, Asaph Khan.
Working with Khan, empowered me to observe the intricate process of how cars were booked in, disassembled, and meticulously repaired by panel-beating technicians and this fueled my passion. I absorbed the nuances of every stage, from the workshop to the paint shop. Little did I know that these experiences were shaping me into a future leader and business owner.
Val Pereira’s unique mentoring style plunged me into challenging responsibilities, I continuously put my abilities to the test in every situation, pushing myself to new limits and proving my skills at every turn. As I showed my capabilities, Val generously expanded my roles, allowing me to grasp the intricacies of running a successful panel shop. Three years into my journey, I was promoted to Workshop Manager.
Val Pereira’s mentorship was pivotal. He provided not just a skill set but an invaluable understanding of every aspect of the business. In 2008, I bid farewell to Harare, carrying with me a diverse range of experiences and skills that would lay the foundation for Racers Paint and Panel.
I am forever grateful for the doors that opened by that seemingly small window of opportunity, and it was through this, that I recognized that my calling is to serve and connect with people. I found the platform in the art of panel beating.
Today, as the owner of Racers, I continue to make a difference in the lives of many different people and strive for impact and value every day.
Coming to South Africa
In 2011, I had the privilege to meet Ravi and Lorraine Chetty at City Life Church in Lonehill, Johannesburg. As the owners and directors of Auto Bonn Sandton, Auto Bonn Vereeniging, and Amalgamated Panel Beaters in Germiston, they became pivotal figures in my journey. The turning point came in 2012 when they generously offered me the chance to expand my knowledge and refine my skills at Auto Bonn Sandton.
Auto Bonn Sandton, at the forefront of innovation, was among the first shops approved to repair Audi aluminum vehicles, including iconic models like the Audi TT and the Audi R8. Specializing in Audi and VW, Auto Bonn provided me with extensive insights into these brands, covering everything from mechanical components to body parts. The experience extended to Lexus brands as well, further broadening my expertise.
Under Ravi’s mentorship, I delved into the art of classic car restorations, learning, and honing my skills. South Africa uses different quotation systems than those I was familiar with, and this experience further enhanced my skills, knowledge, and abilities. Direct dealings with brokers, insurance companies, fleet, and rental companies provided a comprehensive understanding of the diverse facets of the panel-beating market and best practices.
Ravi Chetty’s business acumen is unparalleled, marked by a unique mentoring style, that profoundly influenced Racers Paint and Panel. During my training, he instilled values of prudent spending, prioritization, unwavering emphasis on quality, and a strong work ethic. His calm demeanor in challenging seasons and difficult business moments left an indelible mark, showcasing the importance of composure under pressure. Through Ravi’s mentoring, the foundation of my career was laid, and his guidance erected a solid structure.
Doors open in magical ways – VMS Paint
I then had a pivotal encounter in 2018 with Malcom and Nadia Perumal, the visionary owners of Vag Motor Sport. Specializing in engine modification, vehicle performance enhancement through top-tier software brands, and exterior aesthetics, Vag Motor Sport offered a unique perspective.
Opportunity knocked in 2020, and I had the privilege to join forces with them, collaborating with VMS Paint. The experience of working with Vag Motor Sport, with its unwavering commitment to detail, excellence, and a distinct style of presentation, provided valuable insights.
Working with high-performance vehicles, capable of achieving remarkable feats like 9 to 12 seconds on a quarter mile, added a new dimension to my training in the motor industry. This experience provided a completely new and invaluable aspect of the motor industry that added richly to my extensive knowledge of traditional panel beating and spray painting.
In 2020, I crossed paths with Tyron and Sammy Pillay – truly exceptional individuals. As the owners and directors of TPAS Accounting in Waterford and VMS Paint in Northriding at Northlands Deco Park, Tyron stands out for his remarkable ability to initiate and grow businesses. His unparalleled business acumen, swift recognition of opportunities, and profound reliance on God’s wisdom distinguish him.
Tyron exudes humility, attributing his success to a higher power. His visionary thinking, unwavering belief in prosperity through divine guidance, and commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives set him apart.
Tyron, an extraordinary money manager, embraces life with gusto and cherishes his family deeply. Mediocrity finds no place in his world; he firmly believes in the principle that the diligent will rule. Under his mentorship, I’ve gained invaluable lessons on business philosophy, expenditure strategies, and the implementation of processes that reflect excellence, diligence, and energy.
Tyron emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s source, asserting that a strong belief system is critical for enduring business challenges. His instrumental role in Racers Paint and Panel’s journey fills me with gratitude – Tyron Pillay, a true difference-maker.
The foundation and opening of Racers
Let’s backtrack a little and highlight the genesis of the ideas. It’s 2009, and a spark of an idea ignited in my head – what if I could start my own panel-beating shop? I was excited about the possibilities of what my own shop would look like and how it would work.
I meticulously envisioned every detail in my diary, which I still have as a reminder today, from the shop’s appearance to the type of work we’d undertake. As months passed, a burning desire grew, but I faced challenges – I had no resources, and I was not in the right place emotionally or financially.
Despite setbacks, I held onto my dream, documented in my journal. The years rolled by, and just when I thought my dream was fading, 2020 arrived and a persistent voice kept saying, “The timing is right.” Supported by my wife Annet, I worked on the plan, company name, and logo. With friends of 20 years, Scott and Sheila Kholosa, we went over my plans, refining and perfecting them until Racers Paint and Panel officially launched in January 2021.
After a journey of over 20 years in the panel-beating industry behind me, the day had finally come to realise the dream. Scott played a pivotal role, and together, we navigated challenges, embracing the reality that survival in this cutthroat industry requires resilience and hard work. The delays and frustrations, now seen as integral to my journey, God had the plan and my experiences shaped my character and stamina, preparing me for the promised land I glimpsed in the distance.
