Focus on local men in business
‘Love what you do’ sound advice that keeps cropping up with success
Following our recent Women in Business feature, we present a few of the local Men in Business who are making strides in their respective industries.
Chris Hattingh of Fluid Architects in Kentonon-Sea believes that incompetency is the root of all evil in SA.
"It is being celebrated daily and that is killing serious growth in our economy,” said Hattingh.
"We need to up-skill people so that they can apply themselves properly and be of service to the rest of South Africa.
"Give people the right tools and they will be able to look after themselves as well.”
As for motivation to do his job, Hattingh said: "I have always loved architecture since a very young age. It started with Lego blocks back in the day and I never stopped.
"Designing something worthwhile and seeing the satisfaction it brings makes it more than just a job for me. We really do love what we do and that translates into our projects.”
His tips for others began with a warning. “It is not as easy as it looks,” he said. “You need to work seriously hard and make the cashflow work. These days you need to hustle hard to get your brand out there. It is all worth it in the end.
"Never give up. Look at what your brand has to offer that could be different to what is already out there.
"I am a big believer in offering more than just one service or product.
To unwind Hattigh attends gym or spends quality time with his family.
Pierre Coetzer, the owner of Sports 'n All at the Heritage Mall, said that the biggest problem he would solve if he were in charge was corruption.
"The billions saved by eliminating corruption would vastly improve our healthcare system, education, infrastructure to name just a few,” said Coetzer.
"It would improve the lives of all South
Africans leading to more jobs and less crime. Just imagine what this country could be with extra funds.”
As for his motivation, Coetzer said: "Having come from a collar-and-tie job oversees, upon my return I soon realised that as I hailed from a sporting family, my passion lay in the sporting field. I played many sports over the years and still enjoy watching many different sporting activities.”
His advice to anyone starting a business is to not be scared. "Do something that you enjoy, and look after your customers.”
To relax and unwind Coetzer said he watches sport or braais with his family.
Tjaart Coetzee of Leach Pharmacy said he would like to see the Covid-19 pandemic to be over so South Africans could get back living their lives free, and making their own decisions and choices.
His motivation for doing his line of work was that he had always wanted to run his own business. "I was lucky enough, along with my wife Fleur and business partner Nicky van Lavieren, to be able to achieve it,” he said.
His tip for anyone starting their own business was to have a clear plan and to love the work you do. "Know your market and your customers, and find out how you can serve their needs,” he said. "Remember that cashflow is king.”
"We in Port Alfred are spoilt with choices of things to do, from our beautiful beaches, the Kowie River to nature reserves,” he admitted. "But I also like to play a bit of tennis.”
Victor Challis of Tekserve said the thing he would change in SA was mind-set.
“The most important part of progress that needs to be made when times are tough is a
positive outlook,” he said. "It doesn't matter what is currently no working, it is very important to focus on what is currently working and to be focused on what can be achieved.
"A positive mind-set together with a willingness to work together with like-minded people around you brings great achievements.
"I love what I do. I love every bit about my industry. What drives me the most is the need to help people make the most of technology that they have access to. We live at a time where communication is so important, and we can make use of what we already have to achieve great things.”
With regards to advice, Challis said that starting one's own business required love, passion and determination.
"If you make your customer the most important part of your business, the rest falls into place. Never give up,” he said. I find when starting a business that if I focus on customer care, I'm able to build my business systems to work the right way from the start.
"My industry requires a lot of time, dedication and commitment,” said Challis." So, when I'm not applying energy to my industry I spend time with the people I love. I also have a love and passion for music and I find music a great way to begin and end my day.”