It's best if I start in the middle…

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When I was eighteen years old, I fractured three vertebrae in my spine - essentially, I broke my back!

 

This happened whilst body-surfing off the west coast of Ballito, just north of Durban in South Africa, where I grew up.

 

During my months of recovery, I immersed myself in what was still known as the World Wide Web, and it was during these months spent lying on my back that I discovered my passion and aptitude for new media and communications.

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Despite this setback, I managed to rehabilitate myself within 18 months and eventually went on to captain my province’s U21 indoor football team in the final at the national championship.

 

This life-changing experience is what has propelled me forward and taught me to push my limits, both physically and professionally. This energy continues to push me out of my comfort zone, eventually leading me to Amsterdam, and, in turn, I completely fell in love with the city and its liberal culture.

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Over the last decade-and-a-half, I gained unique above-the-line experience in the field of digital, web, mobile and social media and content marketing communications with companies such as The Student Hotel (aka The Social Hub). and working for Under Armour, Hilton & Pepsico brands at LikeFriends, a boutique creative digital content agency based in Amsterdam; and a range of various Unilever brands at Gorilla Creative Media (an award-winning South African digital agency) - that was deemed one of the “Top 40 Social Agencies in the World” by R3 Worldwide.

 

Before this career path opened up, I also gained a base in below-the-line strategic, marketing and operations management experience, in-store as well as at provincial branches, and the head office, of a local South African hybrid medical-retail franchise while completing my BCOM in Marketing and Management through the University of South Africa.

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10 years ago, I was again challenged by another serious sporting injury: tearing my PCL (ligament in my knee). This was another wake-up call for me: Life is too short not follow the exact path that you see for yourself.

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I’ve since become a father, and so, I decided there is no time to waste or settle for less, but to actively and openly practice what I preach to my son. I’ve also gotten to the point where I confidently realise what I’m capable of, and what I want in life, irrespective of what I have to go through to get it.

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Therefore, I’ve spent the last 6 years running my own company: importing Authentic Artisanal African Spirits such as Leonista 100% Karoo Agave Spirits from South Africa to Europe; as well as exhibiting, representing, and selling a range of South African spirit brands.

 

From South Africa's number one selling botanical spirit, Six Dogs Gins, to introducing Europe to Cape Brandy through Copper Republic's Zula XO & VSOP, whilst working on developing various African agave spirits.  

 

It is my ultimate goal to establish a Denomination of Origin for Karoo Agave Spirits along the way.

 

While on this journey, I've focused my efforts on business operations, conversion, and procedural efficiency.

 

That is why my current intention is to devote all my time and energy to utilising my life experience to ensure that what I execute is effective, efficient, and critically in line with the company ethos and goals.

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I'm aware this is a long journey, and in so doing, I’m also always open to new projects and challenges if they can help me get there, and eventually make this dream a reality. If you have a challenge for me, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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I want to do excellent, innovative, industry-changing work, so if you’re looking for someone to do as much work for you as possible, without any real thought, then I’m not the guy you’re looking for...

 

…but if you want someone who truly cares about the work they’re doing, and the company and people with whom they work, then I truly look forward to hearing from you.