Over 2 decades: What we’ve learnt

We believe that every great journey starts with a story. A story of resilience, trust, and the values that shape who we are. We want to share ours with you, because it’s not just about what we do, but why we do it. And at the heart of it all is our director, Sanjesh Lal.

His story begins in Rakiraki, a small town on the sun-kissed west coast of Viti Levu, Fiji. Life here moves to the rhythm of the tides, and the land teaches lessons that stay with you forever. For Sanjesh, Rakiraki was more than just home, it was where he learned the values that would define him and, ultimately, Keola.

Growing up, Sanjesh spent his days running down gravel roads, casting fishing lines into rivers, and helping out on his grandfather’s sugarcane farm. It was a simple life, but one filled with meaning. His grandfather, though not formally educated, was a pillar of the community, a man of wisdom and integrity who often mediated village disputes. From him, Sanjesh learned the importance of trust, respect, and the power of genuine relationships. These early lessons became the foundation of everything we stand for.

Moving to New Zealand

At just 16, Sanjesh made the bold decision to leave Fiji and move to New Zealand, on his own. It wasn’t easy. Adapting to a new culture, finishing high school, and juggling multiple jobs to fund his education tested his resilience in ways he’d never imagined. But he persevered, and in 2007, he graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Auckland. This marked the beginning of a career.

The Birth of Keola

After years of gaining experience in civil consulting and construction, Sanjesh took a bold leap, he founded his own construction company. The timing, however, was far from ideal. The world was teetering on the edge of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), and the odds were stacked against him. But Sanjesh was no stranger to adversity. Instead of letting it define him.

He named the company Keola in honour of his grandmother, a woman whose values of hard work, trust, and family became the guiding principles of our business. From the very beginning, we didn’t just aim to construct buildings, we aimed to build trust, relationships, and a legacy that would stand the test of time. Over the years, we’ve worked on everything from apartment blocks and commercial complexes to hotels and high-end homes, but our focus has always remained the same: to deliver excellence with integrity.

A Matter of Perspective

For us, success isn’t just about wealth or status, it’s about resilience, fulfilment, and the impact we have on others. Sanjesh often reflects on a conversation he had with a friend who lived in a van. Despite his circumstances, the man’s definition of success was simple yet profound, a warm cup of coffee, a few coins in his pocket, and the joy of cooking a steak for dinner. It was a reminder that success is deeply personal. It’s not just about what we achieve, but how we feel about our journey and the lives we touch along the way.

Sanjesh’s path has been anything but smooth. From financial struggles in the early days of Keola to personal setbacks, including injuries that required months of recovery, he has faced his share of battles. Yet, each challenge has only strengthened his resolve. These experiences have taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to one’s values. They have shaped not only his leadership style but also his vision for the future of Keola.

A Legacy of Hard Work and Trust

Looking back, Sanjesh’s journey, from the quiet streets of Rakiraki to the bustling construction sites of Auckland, from an ambitious engineering graduate to the founder of a company. His story is not just about building structures; it’s about building a life of purpose, staying rooted in one’s heritage, and creating a legacy that extends far beyond brick and mortar.

As Sanjesh often says, the world can be a challenging place. You can either let it harden you or use it as an opportunity to grow. At Keola, we’ve chosen the latter. Our story is a reminder that with hard work, trust, and resilience, even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.