From Bedroom to Boardroom: How Lesedi 7 Group Printed Its Way to the Top
From Bedroom to Boardroom: How Lesedi 7 Group Printed Its Way to the Top. When Lesedi Mapheto started Lesedi 7 Group in 2009, he didn’t have a fancy office or big investors. What he had was determination, vision, and a willingness to turn his home into a launchpad. With a bedroom and lounge converted into a small print operation, Lesedi planted the seeds for what would become one of South Africa’s most respected printing companies, now serving corporate giants like ABSA, BP Fuel, McDonald’s, Woolworths, Nedbank, Pick n Pay, Avis, and Old Mutual.
His journey is more than a story of business growth; it’s a blueprint for how persistence, innovation, and client-focused service can turn a small startup into a multimillion-rand enterprise.
Building from the Ground Up
Lesedi’s journey began with a bold decision to take control of his destiny. Starting a business from home might have seemed small, but it allowed him to cut down on expenses and focus entirely on quality and consistency. By managing operations himself, Lesedi learned every aspect of the business, from design and production to client relations and logistics.
This hands-on approach gave him a competitive edge. He understood his customers’ needs better than anyone and used that knowledge to deliver on time and exceed expectations. Word of mouth soon became his most powerful marketing tool. In a competitive printing industry, reliability and personal touch became his strongest assets.
Turning Challenges into Growth Opportunities
Like most entrepreneurs, Lesedi faced moments of uncertainty. The printing sector is capital-intensive, with high costs for materials, equipment, and maintenance. But rather than seeing these as roadblocks, he viewed them as opportunities to innovate.
Instead of competing solely on price, Lesedi 7 Group differentiated itself through service excellence and scale. He built strong relationships with suppliers, negotiated favorable terms, and gradually invested in advanced printing technology. Each calculated decision moved the business closer to sustainability and scalability.
Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Trust
One of the company’s biggest turning points came when it began securing contracts with large corporations. Working with brands like McDonald’s and Woolworths demanded precision, consistency, and professionalism at every stage. These partnerships didn’t happen overnight, they were the result of years of proven reliability, strong networking, and a commitment to meeting deadlines without compromising quality.
As trust grew, so did the opportunities. The Lesedi 7 Group became synonymous with premium printing solutions, and its client base expanded to include leading financial and retail companies. With each new partnership, the brand’s reputation as a dependable service provider solidified.
Empowering People Through Employment
Beyond profit and contracts, Lesedi’s impact extends to people. What started as a one-man operation now employs over 90 individuals, a reflection of his belief in empowering others and creating jobs. This growth highlights the power of persistence and people-focused leadership.
Lesedi understood that no business can thrive without a strong team. By investing in skilled workers and nurturing a culture of accountability, he built a workforce that shares his vision and passion for excellence.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Lesedi’s journey offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to build a business from scratch:
- Start small, but start strong. You don’t need massive funding to begin. Use what you have and focus on delivering value that stands out.
- Build relationships, not just sales. Clients stay loyal to businesses that communicate well and consistently deliver quality.
- Adapt and invest wisely. Growth requires reinvestment in tools, people, and systems that ensure long-term sustainability.
- Lead with purpose. Success is more meaningful when it uplifts others and creates lasting change.
A Legacy of Grit and Vision
From a bedroom operation to a multimillion-rand powerhouse, the Lesedi 7 Group is proof that vision and perseverance can transform humble beginnings into a national success story. Lesedi Mapheto didn’t wait for perfect conditions, he created them.
His story reminds entrepreneurs that success isn’t just about big ideas. It’s about courage, consistency, and a deep understanding that even the smallest start can lead to the biggest opportunities when driven by purpose.
