Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS
Timeline
Hi, I’m

PERCY MITCHELL

Hospitality & Operations Executive | Business Owner | Lodge & Facilities Manager
Margate,KZN
PERCY MITCHELL

Summary

I am an experienced hospitality and business manager with 30+ years in operations, team leadership, and client service. With a proven ability to manage staff, oversee finances, and deliver exceptional guest experiences in lodge and hospitality environments. I am a very hands-on leader with strong administrative, maintenance, and operational expertise.

Seasoned Hospitality and business management professional with over three decades of proven success across lodge management, tourism operations, facilities management, and entrepreneurial ventures. Demonstrates a strong track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, optimising operational performance, and delivering consistently high standards of guest satisfaction in demanding environments. Recognised for a hands-on leadership style, combining strategic oversight with practical execution across maintenance, administration, and service delivery. I have extensive experience in owning and scaling businesses, managing financial accountability, and driving customer-centric operations that enhance brand reputation and profitability. Brings a unique combination of commercial acumen, operational discipline, and guest-focused service excellence, making him highly effective in both corporate and owner-managed environments.

Overview

51
years of professional experience
2
Certifications

Work History

Seabrook Holiday Apartments
Margate

Building Manager
03.2025 - 05.2026

Job overview

  • Provide full operational oversight of a 46-unit holiday apartment complex, ensuring efficient day-to-day management, high guest satisfaction, and optimal property condition.
  • Direct and coordinate all operational functions including maintenance, housekeeping, front-of-house, and guest services
  • Conduct routine property inspections, identify maintenance requirements, and manage repairs through contractors and internal resources
  • Oversee housekeeping operations, including scheduling, quality assurance, and inventory management to ensure consistent apartment readiness
  • Manage guest relations, including check-ins, check-outs, queries, and issue resolution, maintaining a high standard of customer service
  • Develop and manage maintenance and operational budgets, monitor expenditure, and ensure cost control
  • Process invoices, maintain financial records, and produce monthly operational and performance reports
  • Lead, supervise, and coordinate staff, ensuring productivity, accountability, and adherence to health and safety standards
  • Ensure full compliance with occupational health, safety, and property regulations

City View Car Wash

Business Owner
08.2019 - 04.2023

Job overview

  • Acquired and transformed a car wash business into a high-performing, award-winning operation post-COVID-19.
  • Built the business into one of the top-performing car wash operations in South Africa
  • Awarded Sanlam Small Business – Most Loved Car Wash in South Africa (2022 & 2023)
  • Successfully scaled and later sold the business
  • Exercised full ownership responsibility across financial management, operations, staffing, and customer service
  • Managed daily operations, workflow optimisation, and service delivery standards
  • Implemented cost controls, revenue tracking, and profitability strategies
  • Recruited, trained, and managed staff to deliver efficient, high-quality service
  • Maintained equipment, site infrastructure, and operational readiness
  • Built strong customer relationships, ensuring repeat business and brand loyalty
  • Developed service standards focused on quality, speed, and customer satisfaction

Out of Africa Photography

Owner & Safari Guide
07.2012 - 02.2019

Job overview

  • Owned and operated a niche safari and photography business delivering curated wildlife experiences.
  • Managed all aspects of business operations including finance, marketing, logistics, and client relations
  • Designed and marketed safari packages through print media and digital platforms (Facebook & Instagram)
  • Coordinated accommodation, catering, and full guest experience within private game reserve lodges
  • Conducted guided safaris, ensuring safety, engagement, and memorable client experiences
  • Managed bookings, administration, and customer communications
  • Maintained strong client relationships to drive repeat bookings and referrals
  • Consistently delivered high-quality safari experiences, resulting in repeat clientele and sustained business growth

Xomaqua Safari Lodge

Lodge Manager
05.2006 - 03.2012

Job overview

  • Managed full operations of a high-end hunting lodge catering primarily to international guests, particularly from the United States.
  • Oversaw all lodge operations, ensuring premium guest experiences aligned with international expectations
  • Managed financial administration, including income, expenditure, and budget adherence
  • Directed catering operations, including procurement, stock control, and kitchen staff supervision
  • Supervised housekeeping and ensured high standards of cleanliness and presentation
  • Managed all maintenance of lodge facilities and safari vehicles, including hands-on technical support
  • Conducted regular staff training and weekly meetings to maintain service excellence
  • Ensured compliance with safety standards and operational best practices
  • Maintained consistent service excellence with minimal guest complaints
  • Successfully contributed to lodge upgrade projects delivered within budget

Mitchell Gardens CC

Managing Member (Owner)
05.1985 - 08.2018

Job overview

  • Founded and developed a horticultural business from inception into a sustainable enterprise.
  • Built and managed the business from the ground up, overseeing all operational and financial functions
  • Managed a workforce of approximately 35 employees, including recruitment, training, and supervision
  • Directed financial management, including budgeting, payroll, cost control, and profitability
  • Oversaw procurement, logistics, and maintenance of vehicles, machinery, and equipment
  • Ensured operational efficiency across service delivery and project execution
  • Maintained long-term client relationships and business continuity
  • Continued strategic oversight of the business during involvement in other ventures
  • Successfully transitioned ownership to the next generation

Magnum Airlines

Revenue Accountant
01.1982 - 01.1985

Job overview

  • Supported revenue accounting functions and financial reporting
  • Assisted in the preparation of management accounts
  • Contributed to financial tracking and income management processes

South African Airways

Accounts Clerk
01.1975 - 01.1982

Job overview

  • Performed accounting and administrative duties within the finance department
  • Assisted with financial record-keeping and reporting processes

Education

Germiston High School

Grade 12 from Matric
01-1975

University Overview

Skills

Lodge & Guesthouse Management

Staff Leadership & Training

Guest Experience & Hosting

Maintenance Oversight

Budgeting & Cost Control

Booking & Administration

Health & Safety Compliance

Lodge, Resort & Guesthouse Operations Management

Business Ownership & Entrepreneurial Leadership

Certification

Basic First Aid (NQF Level 1, Unit Standard 119567) Completed: March 2026 Valid until: March 2029

ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS

ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS
  • Strong hands-on technical and maintenance capability
  • Ability to independently manage and resolve operational challenges
  • Owner’s mindset with a focus on accountability, efficiency, and results
  • Proven ability to run operations as a self-sustained business unit
  • Exceptional interpersonal and client-facing communication skills

Timeline

Building Manager
Seabrook Holiday Apartments
03.2025 - 05.2026
Business Owner
City View Car Wash
08.2019 - 04.2023
Owner & Safari Guide
Out of Africa Photography
07.2012 - 02.2019
Lodge Manager
Xomaqua Safari Lodge
05.2006 - 03.2012
Managing Member (Owner)
Mitchell Gardens CC
05.1985 - 08.2018
Revenue Accountant
Magnum Airlines
01.1982 - 01.1985
Accounts Clerk
South African Airways
01.1975 - 01.1982
Germiston High School
Grade 12 from Matric
PERCY MITCHELLHospitality & Operations Executive | Business Owner | Lodge & Facilities Manager