In March and April of 2020, the United Arab Emirates imposed some of the world’s strictest pandemic lockdowns – a policy that led to one of the world’s fastest COVID recoveries. In May, K4 was born.
The property maintenance and contracting company burst onto a dismal scene – one tainted by uncertainty as the country looked outward to global peers who were struggling to get COVID under control.
But at K4, the challenges were seen as opportunities. Today it employs 250 people and its growth, according to the company’s founder and chief executive officer, Joakim Kihlstrom, occurred entirely “without external investments”.
“Our success can be attributed to our flexibility, willingness to try new approaches, and dedication to delivering the best possible service,” he said. “Today, K4 is a thriving business.”
Winning formula
K4 offers maintenance, cleaning, fitout, and contracting services. Kihlstrom expressed pride in a working culture that “revolves around being passionate about the things we do”. Whatever formula has propelled the company from COVID-era startup – a moniker that would spell doom to many others – to viable industry player, it has worked.
Significant milestones in the company’s three-year journey include a top-50 award for a renovation project on Jumeirah Island, as well as the recent Dubai’s Top 50 Homes’ Residential Home Award. The company has come a long way in such a short span of time – transitioning from handling minor bathroom renovations to winning the best residential home award.
“These achievements highlights our expertise in transforming properties into stunning living spaces,” Kihlstrom noted. “Our commitment to quality workmanship and exceptional customer service has earned our people a strong reputation.
K4’s growth is all the more remarkable when we learn that it was achieved, according to Kihlstrom, “without a sales team”. Having allowed this startling revelation to sink in, he continued: “Through word of mouth, we have expanded our client base… [Our] success is attributed to our focus on customer satisfaction, commitment to quality, and adaptability.”
On inception, K4 found itself in an industry that was rife with competition and evolving client expectations. As a fledgling, the company quickly recognized the opportunity for growth through differentiation. Kihlstrom said his team made customer satisfaction, agility, and sustainability its pillars. This, he said, allowed the company to “navigate the industry’s challenges” and “capitalize on opportunities for expansion and innovation”.
Above and beyond
On customer satisfaction, Kihlstrom acknowledged that the ability to understand the needs of a market forever changed by a pandemic and global economic instability was paramount, as was the willingness to go “above and beyond” to deliver on those expectations.
He also pointed out K4’s “[dedication] to delivering award-winning workmanship” and “[continuous improvement of] the way we do things”. He explained that the process-oriented methodology used by the company includes the assimilation of client feedback.
“We have never been satisfied as a company and we always look for ways to do things better; and I think in an environment where a lot of companies continuously do the same things over and over [without any thought of] change… that’s how we stand out,” he said.
K4’s approach to project delivery also involves a significant amount of in-house production, thereby minimizing the hiring of subcontractors and enabling the company to retain more control over output.
In the age of the employee experience, K4 is proud of its philosophy of assessing output rather than input. Kihlstrom spoke of a “result-oriented approach” that is supported by “process-oriented” operations, but he stressed that each business unit is given freedom to define what those processes should be.
“This gives our employees the chance to be creative and measure their success while contributing to a much more proactive working culture,” he explained, adding, “[We] foster innovation and creativity by giving our employees freedom to express ideas, suggestions, and concerns, and provide opportunities for collaboration and brainstorming. We [encourage] people on all levels to question things and participate in making improvements and we think that’s how we make a difference.”
Under the microscope
COP28 approaches. As its host, the UAE will find its businesses placed under a global microscope. K4, for one, welcomes the scrutiny.
“Our entire business model revolves around sustainable initiatives,” Kihlstrom said. “Our cleaning and maintenance service ensures a long-lasting life of existing properties without the need to frequently replace parts. Fitout, on the other hand, focuses on building quality spaces that can last longer.”
In the wider context of ESG (environment, social, and governance), K4 is proud of “our exceptional cleaning services, [through which] we create a cleaner and healthier environment for businesses and homeowners”. Kihlstrom also makes mention of the company’s “expertise in fitout solutions [which] improve the quality of living in various spaces, making them more functional and visually appealing”.
K4 is also involved in a range of corporate social responsibility programmes, including sports fests and dinners for labourers. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the company donated food packs to those in need.
Amid the changes in technology – some predating the pandemic, others forced into being because of it – K4 keeps its eye on the horizon and is quick to assess and adopt viable technological advancements. It has, according to Kihlstrom, implemented “cutting-edge technologies and advancements”, allowing it to offer modern elements such as home automation and energy-efficient systems that are “[aligned] with the latest industry developments”.
“[We] always stay one step ahead of the curve by embracing industry trends and innovations,” he said. “By keeping a keen eye on emerging developments, our company integrates innovative technologies and practices into our operations. We also incorporate sustainable practices and eco-friendly solutions, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally conscious services. Through our forward-thinking approach, we remain at the forefront of the industry, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
The future
As a thriver of the COVID crisis and a regional success story, K4’s ambitions are understandably lofty. It plans to be a leader in property maintenance and contracting services, through “sustained growth, expanding service offerings, maintaining outstanding quality, fostering a positive work environment, and embracing sustainable practices”, according to Kihlstrom.
“Our customers appreciate our team’s professionalism,” he continued. “Even in challenging situations, such as emergencies and remote locations, we go the extra mile to provide prompt and organized services.”
Follow us on
Brand View allows our business partners to share content with Arabian Business readers.
The content is supplied by Arabian Business Brand View Partners.
