PROFILE SBENZ CONSTRUCTION
Mutual respect and clear boundaries have been key to their success.“ At work, we’ re business partners. At home, we’ re husband and wife,” says Sherwyn.“ We even have a WhatsApp group just for work so that if there’ s a disagreement, it stays there.” Faith, too, plays a central role in their partnership.“ We make God the centre of everything,” adds Karen.“ That’ s what’ s kept us grounded through both the storms and the successes.”
Like many entrepreneurs, the Esbends have faced their share of challenges— from cash flow constraints to breaking into established markets.“ Finances are always a struggle,” Karen admits.“ You have to manage every resource wisely and constantly upskill.” Sherwyn adds that earning credibility as a small, black-owned business in the construction sector wasn’ t easy.“ There are still barriers when it comes to access and opportunity,” he says.“ But we’ ve learned to focus on excellence over labels. We don’ t market ourselves as a‘ BEE company’— we market ourselves as professionals who deliver.”
The couple has also embraced innovation, exploring technology and artificial intelligence to streamline operations.“ We want to work smarter, not harder,” says Sherwyn.“ But it’ s also about balance— using tech to enhance productivity while protecting jobs and developing people.” Community development lies at the heart of everything the Esbends do. Through their SF Foundation, they’ ve supported school infrastructure projects, community sports programmes, and feeding initiatives in under-resourced areas.“ We come from a community that didn’ t have much,” says Karen.“ So, for us, giving back isn’ t about publicity— it’ s about purpose.” Their approach extends into their hiring philosophy.“ We prioritise attitude over experience,” Karen explains.“ You can train for skill, but you can’ t teach attitude. Many of our team members started with no experience and have grown into experts. They’ re part of our family.”
From humble beginnings, the Esbends’ company has achieved remarkable growth. In 2019, they were named Outstanding Entrepreneurs of the Year, a recognition that affirmed their trajectory.“ That was a defining moment,” says Karen.“ Our turnover jumped from R300 000 to over R3 million in just a year. It showed us what’ s possible when you lead with purpose.” But for the couple, success isn’ t measured in numbers alone.“ We don’ t live on past achievements,” Sherwyn says.“ Every new project is an opportunity to prove ourselves again.”
The couple’ s long-term vision is to expand their operations nationally and venture into property development supported by a professional in-house team of architects, engineers, and project managers.“ Legacy is everything to us,” says Sherwyn. Their eldest son, currently studying in a constructionrelated field, has already expressed interest in joining the family business— continuing a three-generation tradition in construction.“ We’ re not just building a business; we’ re building character,” he adds.“ Legacy isn’ t about money – it’ s about values. We want to pass down integrity, honesty, and purpose.”
For couples considering going into business together, the Esbends offer heartfelt advice.“ You have to be fully committed,” says Karen.“ There will be failures, but those failures are lessons that build resilience.” Agrees Sherwyn.“ Business is like marriage – it takes patience, respect and faith. You’ ll make sacrifices, but if you stay united, it’ s worth it.” From teenage love to entrepreneurial partnership, Sherwyn and Karen Esbend’ s story is more than a business success – it’ s a testament to the power of belief, the strength of partnership, and the impact of purpose-driven leadership in building both community and legacy. ■
About
Sbenz Construction is an award-winning, black womenowned company redefining South Africa’ s construction sector through excellence, inclusivity, and impact Established in 2011 by Karen and Sherwyn Esbend to meet the growing demand for accredited and reputable building contractors. Sbenz has grown with the sector and established itself as a reputable and preferred construction maintenance, building and plumbing service provider.
The Sbenz headquarters are in Durban, but the company has served clients across multiple provinces and has the capacity to operate nationally. A dynamic and progressive enterprise, the company blends traditional business integrity with modern construction innovation. Its commitment to excellence has made it a preferred service provider to the insurance and petrochemical industries, as well as a trusted partner for facility management companies. The company upholds the highest standards of safety, protecting clients, employees, and the environment.
Glenwood, Durban, South Africa
T + 27 31 836 2684 | + 27 71 944 5907
E admin @ sbenzconstruction. com
W www. sbenzconstruction. com
SA PROFILE www. saprofilemagazine. co. za
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