Bespoke Lamp Making
Rudi Oberholzer
Bussines Owner
George
Summary
- Motivated business professional bringing 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. Dedicated and personable with extensive experience in managing administrative and sales operations and personnel. Well-versed in training, educating, motivating, and supporting staff members.
- Results-driven with forward-thinking approach centered on company success and competitive growth. Demonstrated record of success in building successful teams and managing profitable operations.
- Encouraging person with talents for team building and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1996
1996
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Business owner
Self Employed Services
01.2013 - Current
- Guesthouse Administrative duties
- Professional Hosting
- Business Locums
- Product Developer
- Consult with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Increase client satisfaction by implementing innovative business strategies and streamlining processes.
- Conduct market research to inform product development decisions and identify potential growth areas.
Shop Manager
Blue Water Solutions
02.2021 - 02.2025
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing effective sales strategies and providing exceptional customer service.
- Kept orderly and accurate accounting records by monitoring sales documentation.
- Maintained safe working environment by enforcing adherence to safety and security protocols.
- Marketed & sold various water filtrations sysyems
- Streamlined store operations by delegating tasks efficiently to team members and monitoring progress regularly.
- Boosted overall store sales by implementing innovative marketing strategies.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring store met its performance and sales goals.
- Resolved customer complaints with effective solutions, maintaining positive store reputation.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Production Manager
IBraai Pty LTD
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Eco Fire Lighter Developer
- Sales Marketer
- Distributor
- Standardized production procedures, job roles, and quality assurance guidelines.
- Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions.
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing departments to align production schedules with demand forecasts, maximizing both efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Negotiated with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall procurement costs without sacrificing quality.
- Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and design specifications.
Shop Assistant & Sales Representative
Oasis Water & Hartskos Deli
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Administrative duties
- Marketing and Direct Sales of full product range of Oasis Water in the Klein Karoo region.
- Assisted customers in locating items, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
- Collected payment by cash, debit or credit card and used Point of Sale system to process transaction.
- Helped customers make informed decisions, providing detailed product information and advice.
- Improved store layout by organizing merchandise according to season and trends, enhancing customer shopping experience.
- Increased sales, recommending products based on customer needs and preferences.
- Assisted in visual merchandising, creating attractive displays that boosted customer interest and sales.
- Managed inventory to ensure popular items were always in stock, minimizing lost sales opportunities.
Professional Host and on-site Specialist tour guide
De Denne Country Guest House
01.2012 - 12.2015
- Company Overview: 4 Star Superior
- Administrative duties
- Hosting
- Maintenance
- Housekeeping supervision
- Facilitating of guest’s experience
- Bar stock control
- Conducted private farm tours and stargazing activities
- 4 Star Superior enviroment
Assistant Manager and On-Site Tour guide
Swartberg Country Manor Guest House
01.2008 - 12.2010
- Company Overview: 4 Star Superior
- Administrative duties
- Hosting
- Maintenance supervision
- Nature Guiding Stargazing and Swartberg Eco Tours
- 4 Star Superior environment
General Worker
Wilgewandel Holiday Farm
01.2005 - 12.2007
- General Maintenance
- Restaurant Waiter
- Recreational activity leader and facilitated Outdoor Educational Programs for school groups
General Worker
De Oude Meul Country Lodge
01.2004 - 12.2005
- General Farm work - Ostrich related
- On-Site Nature Guide
- Restaurant Waiter
Tour guide
Cango Caves
01.1993 - 12.2004
- Conducted all Touring options in English and Afrikaans
- Increased customer satisfaction through attentive listening and personalized tour adjustments based on group interests.
- Facilitated memorable experiences for diverse groups by tailoring presentations to cater to different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and language abilities.
- Ensured timely departures and arrivals by strictly adhering to schedules while remaining flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or special requests from guests.
- Stayed current on area history, culture, events, attractions by attending workshops, lectures, conferences regularly updating tour information accordingly.
- Trained new hires ensuring they were well-prepared knowledgeable about their assigned tours before leading them independently.
- Trained new guides in storytelling techniques and customer service standards, raising overall quality of tours.
- Managed scheduling and logistics for multiple tour groups, ensuring smooth operation and timely departures.
Team Building Consultant and Personnel Motivator
Personnel Network
01.2003 - 12.2003
- Facilitated Teambuilding events
- Developed Incentive programmes & awards
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and confidence in my professional recommendations.
Director and Project Leader
SOLO Outdoor Experiences
01.1998 - 12.2002
- Developed, Lead and Coordinated Adventure camp programmes
- Presented Environmental Education and Teambuilding activities
- Presented, facilitated and gave training in the following activities: Expedition Caving, Rock Climbing, (Top rope, Lead, Sport, Indoor Wall & Traditional) Low Ropes and High Rope Challenge Courses, Hiking and Outdoor Survival
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Assistant Adventure Instructor & Environmental Educator
Cape Adventure & Recreation Training Centre
01.1995 - 12.1997
- Assisted with Adventure Training programmes
- Facilitated Environmental. Education
- Presented, facilitated and gave training in the following activities: Expedition Caving, Rock Climbing, (Toprope, Sport, Indoor Wall & Traditional) Low Ropes and High Rope Challenge Courses, Hiking, Outdoor Survival, Archery, Orienteering and Canoeing
- Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
- Tested and evaluated students on materials presented in workshops and classes.
Education
High School - Technical - Woodworking
Langenhoven Gymnasium
Oudtshoorn, South Africa01-1996
Skills
Service excellence
Business planning
Business development
Staff management
Business marketing
Entrepreneurial personality
Operations management
Sales strategics
Professional networking
Driven and determined
Performance improvement
Process improvement
Staffing oversight
Trends analysis
Industry trend tracking
Entrepreneurial leadership
Sustainable business models
Sales management
Subjects Passed
- Afrikaans
- English
- Science
- History
- Maths
- Woodwork
- Tech. Drawings
Training Courses Completed
- The Outdoor Adventure Facilitator, Choose Life Adventures (CLA)
- The Outdoor Adventure Instructor, Choose Life Adventures (CLA)
- Outdoor Adventure Counselling and Therapy, Choose Life Adventures (CLA)
- Level 1: Introduction to Adventure Leadership, Adventure Recreation Assoc.
- Level 2: The Assistant Adventure Instructor, Adventure Recreation Assoc.
- Level 3: The Adventure Instructor, Adventure Recreation Assoc.
- First Aid Level 1, Edu Med
- Scuba diving for Outdoor Educational purposes, Enviro Divers
- Microsoft Word Basic, National Computer College
- THETA Tour Guide NQF Level 4-Klein Karoo specialist, Services and Tourism Training Institute
- The professional South African host, SA Hosting
Permanent Work Experience
- Personnel Network, Oudtshoorn, Team Building Consultant and Personnel Motivator, 01/01/03
- SOLO Outdoor Experiences, Oudtshoorn, Director and Project Leader, 01/01/98 - 12/31/02
- Wilgewandel Holiday Farm, Oudtshoorn, General Worker, 01/01/05 - 12/31/07
- Swartberg Country Manor Guest House, Oudtshoorn, Assistant Manager and On-Site Tour guide, 01/01/08 - 12/31/09
- De Denne Country Guest House, Oudtshoorn, Professional Host and on-site Specialist tour guide, 01/01/12 - 12/31/15
- IBraai Pty LTD, Production Manager, Eco Fire Lighter Developer, Marketing and Sales, 01/01/18 - 12/31/20
- Freelance Locum services, Business owner, 01/01/13 - 12/31/19
Casual Temporary Contract Volunteer Work Experience
- Camp Berachah, Adventure Program Facilitator, Seattle, USA, 01/01/20 - 04/30/20
- Camp Trevor, Adventure Instructor, Waterval Boven, 01/01/20 - 02/28/20
- Choose Life Adventures, Adventure Instructor, Piet Retief, 01/01/20 - 06/30/20
- Cape Nature, Field Ranger, Ladismith, Cape, 01/01/20 - 03/31/20
- Found. Christian School, Grade R Supervisor, Oudtshoorn, 01/01/20 - 03/31/20
- Oudtshoorn Ballooning, Crew member, Oudtshoorn, 01/01/20 - 12/31/23
- Koueveld Boerdery, Farm worker, Laingsburg, 01/01/20 - 06/30/20
- MSS Security Services, Marketing & Sales Rep, Langebaan, 01/01/20 - 05/31/20
- Grassshopper Gardening Serv., Supervisor, Oudtshoorn, 01/01/20 - 03/31/20
Semi Permanent Work Experience
- Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Tour guide, 01/01/93 - 12/31/98
- Cape Adventure & Recreation Training Centre, Oudtshoorn, Assistant Adventure Instructor & Environmental Educator, 01/01/95 - 12/31/97
- De Oude Meul Country Lodge, Oudtshoorn, General Worker, 01/01/04 - 12/31/05
- Oasis Water & Hartskos Deli, Oudtshoorn, Shop Assistant / Marketer / Manufacturer, 01/01/18 - 12/31/20
Personal Information
- ID Number: 7807105001086
- Age: 46
- Hobbies: Speleology (Cave Science and Exploration), Botany, especially Fynbos plants, Craft Making, Rocks, Minerals, Museums, Aquariums, Adventure Challenge Course Technology, Stargazing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Trail running, Diving, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, Outdoor gear/gadget designing and manufacturing
- Eye Color: Green
- Hair Color: Dark brown
- Height: 1.54 meters
- Weight: 60 Kilograms
- Health Status: Very good
- Criminal Record: None - Clear
- Gender: Male
- Driving License: Code 8(B)
- Marital Status: Married
- Place of Birth: WC
Interests
Cave Science
Ropes Course Technology
Museums
Aquariums
Botany
Geology
Product developing
Timeline
Shop Manager
Blue Water Solutions
02.2021 - 02.2025
Production Manager
IBraai Pty LTD
01.2018 - 12.2020
Shop Assistant & Sales Representative
Oasis Water & Hartskos Deli
01.2018 - 12.2020
Business owner
Self Employed Services
01.2013 - Current
Professional Host and on-site Specialist tour guide
De Denne Country Guest House
01.2012 - 12.2015
Assistant Manager and On-Site Tour guide
Swartberg Country Manor Guest House
01.2008 - 12.2010
General Worker
Wilgewandel Holiday Farm
01.2005 - 12.2007
General Worker
De Oude Meul Country Lodge
01.2004 - 12.2005
Team Building Consultant and Personnel Motivator
Personnel Network
01.2003 - 12.2003
Director and Project Leader
SOLO Outdoor Experiences
01.1998 - 12.2002
Assistant Adventure Instructor & Environmental Educator
Cape Adventure & Recreation Training Centre
01.1995 - 12.1997
Tour guide
Cango Caves
01.1993 - 12.2004
High School - Technical - Woodworking
Langenhoven Gymnasium