Gerhard Koen
Summary
I have vast and varied business experience, having been involved in most key areas and disciplines – both operational and from a management perspective. I pride myself in maintaining the highest standard problem-solving in all respects and am, by nature, always “up for the challenge” with a strong ability. I have a natural aptitude for business and believe that I would be a real asset to your company, should I be afforded the opportunity to demonstrate this.
Dynamic General Manager with a proven track record in transforming underperforming businesses into profitable ventures. Expertise in compliance, human resources, and project management, ready to drive operational success and enhance profitability across diverse sectors.
Results-oriented professional with extensive experience in business management and human resources. Skilled in resolving complex operational challenges and ensuring compliance, with a history of successfully leading projects that enhance profitability and organizational effectiveness.
Accomplished manager recognized for strong interpersonal skills and compliance acumen. Experience spans multiple industries, contributing to business growth and operational efficiency. Eager to leverage expertise in turning around businesses and managing diverse projects.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Cornelia Collaboration
01.2023 - Current
- I helped them to turn around a non profitable Supermarket into a profitable Take Away business.
- I will in future also oversee the Coffee shop, Conference Centre, Butchery/Delivery and various other projects that are in the pipeline but has not come to fruition yet.
- As a matter of protecting my employment I can give you my current employer as a reference but it could put my job at jeopard.
Owner/Manager
Farm Liefling
01.2018 - Current
- We bought the Farm out of an Estate Late and because the place stood empty for long we had to basically redo everything which included:
- Putting up fences
- Building sheds & camps
- Lay water pipes and install irrigation system
- Pulling out submersible pumps from boreholes and replacing them
- Installing new pressure pumps
- Making a gravel road from the farmhouse to the camps
- De-bushing to expand the farming operation
- Managing a Meat-master Stud - making sure that the gene pool is consistently evolving and that undesired attributes are nullified.
- Tending to Bonsmara cattle - back grounding and rounding them off to get them ready for auction.
- Making sure that the pigs are ready for production and that set growth targets were being met.
- Owned
General Maintenance
Die Ou Pastorie
Hartbeespoort
01.2023 - 04.2024
- General Maintenance and stocking of frozen meals at various Spar outlets across Gauteng.
- Restaurant and accommodation
Owner/Manager
Larney Boer, Lifestyle Spa and Matsimela Hartbeespoort
01.2018 - 12.2023
- I also owned and managed 3 separate successful businesses which eventually also had to close down due to the ripple effect that the Pandemic had on our finances.
- The businesses were:
- Larney Boer uitrusters - we sold name brands like Boerboel wear, Sniper, Bosbul, Wildebees among other brands.
- Lifestyle Spa - this was a walk-in type of Spa where we gave people a more affordable option in comparison to a full day Spa experience.
- Matsimela Hartbeespoort - We sold Matsimela products - we're well supported by people who wanted the Home Spa experience.
- Stockist
General Manager
Vusalela Day Spa
01.2015 - 06.2021
- I resigned at Metrofin because my mother-in-Law retired and my Wife and I got the opportunity to buy the Family-Owned business being 3 Diamonds T/A Vusalela Day Spa from her.
- General Management
- Staff management
- Purchasing and stock control of groceries bought for the kitchen and restaurant.
- Maintenance/upkeep of the grounds, swimming pool and Jacuzzi’s
- Security and maintenance of the electric fence and access control
- Risk management in terms of theft and fire (to burn breakers against the fences to protect the property against fires)
- Marketing
- Family-Owned business being 3 Diamonds T/A Vusalela Day Spa
- Unfortunately, the Spa had to permanently close down during June 2021 as a result of the devastating effect that COVID 19 has had on the Health and Relaxation Industry.
Internal Audit/Compliance Manager
Metrofin Financial Services
01.2009 - 12.2015
- Roles and responsibilities included:
- To assess the accuracy of affordability assessments done by 15 different branches across South -Africa.
- Internal Audit/Risk Management
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance to the National Credit Regulator and
- Identification of procedural flaws and assessing the adequacy of controls designed
- Writing/development of policies and procedures to successfully manage risk
- Identifying and reporting on non-compliance to internal Policies and Procedures.
Financial Planner
Old Mutual
01.2008 - 12.2008
- I assessed my client’s needs in terms of retirement, medical aid, student loans and funeral plans.
- Old Mutual policies were sold to my client base - I was also responsible for the administration of these policies.
- In 2008 the World market collapsed and this Franchise closed its doors.
Business Centre Branch Operational Manager
Nedbank Limited
01.1998 - 12.2007
- Overall responsibility for the Business Centre Branch (serving corporate customers), including:
- General management of the branch
- Staff and HR management
- Compliance
- Operational management
Personal Banker
Nedbank Limited
01.1998 - 12.2007
- I was responsible to service, maintain and grow my portfolio of high - level clients as well as the following:
- Achieve set sales targets
- To achieve a clean audit report in terms of the FAIS and FICA Acts as well as compliance to internal laid down processes and procedures.
Education
Matric - English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Accounting, Biology, History
Villiers High
B. Proc iv -
University of Pretoria
Financial Planning -
Mil-park Business College
Micro – Finance Management -
University of Pretoria
Skills
- Business management
- Selling Skills
- Human resources & employment matters
- Marketing – internet & traditional
- Interpersonal skills
- Compliance
- Problem solving
Further Training
- 1998-2007, Nedcor- related Management Training & Courses, Excellence in Leadership (ELP), Operations Management, 4 Roles of Leadership, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Problem Solving & Training, Emotional Intelligence Management
- 2008-2021, Financial Planning – Mil-park Business College, Micro – Finance Management – University of Pretoria, On the Job training pertaining to Farming with Cattle, Meat-master Sheep as well as Pigs, On the job training pertaining to planting and harvesting Lucerne as well as spinach and watermelon, On the job training pertaining to Maintenance of farming equipment, irrigation systems and electric fence, General Maintenance of Lodge premises and buildings, Firearm training and competency in Shotgun, Rifle and Handgun, CPF Community safety training
Dependants
None (3 adult daughters)
Ethnicity
White
Languages
- English
- Afrikaans
References
Susan Rothblitz, +27 82 460 7310
Personal Characteristics
- Honest with the highest level of integrity
- Dedicated and committed
- Responsible, trustworthy & loyal
- Entrepreneurial
- Personable
- Always willing to learn
- Able to work individually or in a team
Personal Information
- ID Number: 7309305253088
- Health Status: Excellent
- Date of Birth: 09/30/73
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code B
- Marital Status: Married
Languages
Afrikaans
First Language
Timeline
General Manager
Cornelia Collaboration
01.2023 - Current
General Maintenance
Die Ou Pastorie
01.2023 - 04.2024
Owner/Manager
Farm Liefling
01.2018 - Current
Owner/Manager
Larney Boer, Lifestyle Spa and Matsimela Hartbeespoort
01.2018 - 12.2023
General Manager
Vusalela Day Spa
01.2015 - 06.2021
Internal Audit/Compliance Manager
Metrofin Financial Services
01.2009 - 12.2015
Financial Planner
Old Mutual
01.2008 - 12.2008
Business Centre Branch Operational Manager
Nedbank Limited
01.1998 - 12.2007
Personal Banker
Nedbank Limited
01.1998 - 12.2007
Matric - English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Accounting, Biology, History
Villiers High
B. Proc iv -
University of Pretoria
Financial Planning -
Mil-park Business College
Micro – Finance Management -
University of Pretoria