“Don’t watch the clock, do what it does. Keep going,” so goes an adage that seems to aptly describe Ratan Bdr Rai, from Sarpang who has watched his fortunes grow for a simple repair business at Changbangdu, Thimphu.

“Before I used to work as a helper in one of the Automobile Workshop in Thimphu,” he recalls observing a man from India repairing tyre punctures outside and noticed how he racked in lots of money from the venture.

The father of two says that, out of curiosity, he developed an interest and could occasionally visit the workshop to try his hand at the repairs.

“Now, it had been five years now with this business,” he said, adding, “I remember one Monday morning in 2018 (When) I approached Daju as he was commonly referred to by his customers, and asked him if he could train me on how to do the repairs.

“I couldn’t believe when he obliged,” remembers Raten with nostalgia.

He said it took him a few months to become an expert in the trade which he still holds to 5 years down the line, only that he changed location to Changbangdu.

MyBiz Magazine met him in his workshop and after a short negotiation he accepted to give an interview but with the condition that it would not interrupt his work.

“I waited way too long in life to make the jump,” says Raten, “Don’t be afraid, just do it. Get a good plan and find a great mentor. I waited until I was 35 years old and should have done it 20 years ago.”

Raten seemed at ease, as he delicately balanced his attention on the interview and attending to his clients. “I wake up at six in the morning every day and prepare myself before setting out for work. I travel by city bus from Babesa daily,” he said.

“I love my job because I have been able to juggle between it and my family role as a father of children who are now grown-ups,” narrates Raten.

Taxi driver, says he has known Raten for some time now and frequents his workshop for tyre repairs, “I prefer this man because he never lies like others who will repair a puncture haphazardly to make you seek their services sooner,” he said.

Raten says that his business has helped to raise his two children and make a living in Thimphu without any problems. “My work is simply the best in the business.”

He said in a good month he goes home with up to Nu 5,000 -10,000 shillings from his repair business, “ In the near future,  I will open a tyre shop in Thimphu.”