Employer Profile

Running through a profile of yourself always seems a little indulgent, so  I hope I do this justice and give you a feel of my    background without  making it sound like a speech or rattled off CV.

Firstly, I am a husband to Lorinda and a father to three great kids (Ceagan, Roxann and Datin).  I’ve studied Land Surveying, BComm (Business Management), ADCPM at Unisa’s Business Management School and also run through a Leadership Develop Program via GIBS. Career wise, I started out in the telecommunications industry working in Supply Chain Management before moving into the IT Industry. I cut my teeth and earned my stripes working for and starting IT businesses during which time I’ve been fortunate enough to work with companies like Microsoft, PWC, Alexander Forbes, Adcorp, Derivco and many others.

Currently Lorinda and I own Estate Press Publications where I am a director/editor. The business produces close on 20 different publications (including TheBallito) and is based in Ballito.

When I’m not being a husband, dad or business owner I try relax by reading as much as I can or keeping myself as young as possible through FIFA soccer on Playstation (i’m still able to whip the kids!)

What is your role in the business and how long have you worked here?

In our business roles seem to blur depending on deadlines and making sure we look after our advertising customers, but on a normal day (not that there are many of those) I look after operations and projects related to our portfolio of magazines. The job spans everything from handling sales with the sales team, through to project managing content from all the great people who contribute to the magazines. It’s a great job and every day brings a new challenge.

How would you describe your work environment?

It’s definitely interesting. The buzz of the sales team in the office brings such great energy to the business, and then we have the creative contribution of our design team which is a catalyst to the creative thinking that happens. The offices are open plan, so communication is easy (yes, we talk across the office even although we shouldn’t!) and the business is transparent. Even our board room is open plan which is different. Our approach to this open environment has challenges but it’s created an honest, open and passionate work space for the team.

Was it a clear career path, which you planned carefully, or did it evolve over time?

My career was definitely opportunistic. I’d love to say it was carefully mastered and planned but really it was more driven by a passion I had for wanting to be a part of making business happen, as opposed to finding a career. What I know is that each opportunity I’ve had has taught me something new, and I’ve always committed to what I do heart and soul, trying to get the most out of it while putting the very best of myself into it. It always sounds like a cliché but a career path is exactly that…a path, not a destination.

What are the main challenges you face in your role day to day?

Trying to find time to get to everything we want to do. Between our current magazines, new magazines being launched and a specific drive to grow our presence on the web, there just isn’t enough time in a day. I also have an amazing family and when hours are limited there is a tendency to steal time from them, which is wrong since family is the most valuable thing we have. That all said, those are the same challenges we all face, so I consider myself blessed to only have to worry about those – there are many more people out there with bigger challenges than mine!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I think there are two things. The first is how the team’s creativity produces something that appeals to others, starting from an idea and seeing the finished result. The second is working with people and trying to get them to be the best they can, everyday.

If people wish to work at Estate Press, what process do they need to follow?

Apply!  Seriously though, it depends on the role we have open at the time. For the more design orientated stuff candidates would need to have some design training behind them, and a portfolio of work they’ve done. Experience is always great, but if a candidate expresses an exceptional creative flair we’d be willing to invest in them. Our sales team on the other hand need to be able to connect with people, understand business and want to build relationships. We’re less worried about qualifications in sales and more focused on the ability to connect over task.  You can also check out Thirst4work.com for positions we have from time to time and send your CV online.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting a career as an Editor?

Give it a shot. Be driven to succeed but appreciate that you’re faliable and you will make mistakes. As an editor you have many customers, so be approachable and open to advice and criticism, its part of the journey and if you can take it constructively, your product will be successful because your readers will see your heart and intent.

Any parting tips or words of wisdom?

I’ve had some great advice from people in my career, to whom I am still very appreciative. Perhaps the best has been the following;

In 5 years from now you’ll be the same person you are except for 2 things…the people you meet and the books you read.

“find a mentor, hook onto them and their train and learn as much as you can, as fast as you can”, and lastly

………….   Some think, some do, some both but often few !