Darryl Venter
Capetown
Summary
A people-first hospitality and retail professional with a quarter-century of front-line experience across leading South African restaurant brands and retail stores. Known for composure under pressure, mentoring strong floor teams, and turning first-time guests into regulars. International experience leading youth programmes in the USA. Available immediately, locally and internationally.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Shuttle & Transport Services
Kwathlano Shuttles
Johannesburg
03.2018 - 09.2020
- Professional, reliable client transport - punctuality, route management and a courteous service standard for corporate and private passengers.
- Built and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Provided safe airport transfers for corporate and private clients, using route planning to support on-time pickups and drop-offs.
- Safe and reliable long-distance transfers for holiday makers to Sun City
- Navigated peak-hour traffic, handled passenger handovers at hotels, and maintained vehicle care professionally to maintain reliable daily transport operations.
Front-of-House & Retail Professional
Spur, Doppio Zero, Crawdaddy's, Adage Seafood, Del Forno's
Johannesburg
01.1995 - 01.2014
- Led and mentored front-of-house teams across multiple high-volume restaurants, handling complex guest needs with composure and consistency.
- Delivered consistent high-standard service, building loyal client relationships and repeat custom in busy, high-volume restaurants.
- Trained and supported junior staff on service standards, table management and guest recovery.
- Managed inventory levels, conducted stock checks, and ordered merchandise to maintain optimal stock levels.
Retail & Customer Service
Cum Books
Johannesburg
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Floor and clientelling experience in a specialist retail environment - guiding customers to the right product through conversation rather than pressure.
- Developed a natural feel for one-on-one recommendations and upselling through genuine knowledge of the range.
- Built and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Achieved service time and quality targets.
- Engaged with customers to better understand needs and deliver excellent service.
Social Media/Designer/Sales
Seizoen Stropie
Johannesburg
01.2022 - Current
- Increased market-stall sales by engaging customers during product sampling sessions.
- Improved purchase conversions by translating sampling feedback into clear buying decisions.
- Supported & delivered to retail stores across Johannesburg and Nelspruit.
- Established consistent visual direction for designs and multimedia projects.
Education
Certification - Master MAP4LIFE
Mentorship Workshop
Pretoria, GP01-2025
Certificate - Graphic Design
Johannesburg Art Foundation
Johannesburg, GP01-1992
Matric - English, Maths, History, Geography, Art
Parktown Boys' High School
Johannesburg, GP01-1990
Professional Cookery - Professional Chef
Wits Tech
Johannesburg, GP01-2003
Skills
- Customer and client relations
- Time management and scheduling
- Team leadership and coordination
- Cash handling and financial accountability
- Health, safety and compliance
- Problem-solving under pressure
- Professional communication
References
- adelevdmerwe74@gmail.com / 082 964 5145
- janse@kwathlano.co.za / 012 430 3311
Timeline
Social Media/Designer/Sales
Seizoen Stropie
01.2022 - Current
Shuttle & Transport Services
Kwathlano Shuttles
03.2018 - 09.2020
Retail & Customer Service
Cum Books
01.2009 - 01.2012
Front-of-House & Retail Professional
Spur, Doppio Zero, Crawdaddy's, Adage Seafood, Del Forno's
01.1995 - 01.2014
Certification - Master MAP4LIFE
Mentorship Workshop
Certificate - Graphic Design
Johannesburg Art Foundation
Matric - English, Maths, History, Geography, Art
Parktown Boys' High School
Professional Cookery - Professional Chef
Wits Tech