Tell me about Burnshield.
We have two companies.
• Burnshield SA, our manufacturing company in Johannesburg, has been around for 34 years and controls all exports. It produces a range of products for the emergency treatment of burns and exports to 42 countries. Burnshield also produces Solace, our suncare range, and Aquashield, antifriction cream.
- Levtrade International takes care of the South African and Southern Africa markets, and produces and supplies a range of first aid kits and surgical products to hospitals, emergency services, industry, pharmacies, retail stores and vets. We also serve the sports market with our Prostrap range of sports tapes and strapping.
What does the CEO do?
My style is to be hands-on. This allows me to better understand the demands of our customers and to ensure we deliver a high level of products and service every day. My main drive is to ensure we develop new products and innovate to maintain our lead within the various sectors.
I aim to:
- Motivate our local customers and export distributors to deliver our product to their customers with the same enthusiasm, determination and support that we set for ourselves. If we cannot deliver at a premium level, then how can we expect our distributors to do the same?
- Instil a sense of pride in our staff, knowing their professionalism and caring will have an impact on those who use our products.
One of the key issues is being able to pass on my experience to my son Gregg, who joined our company seven years ago. His ability to understand the foundation that has been laid and the potential for future growth, which will become his responsibility as he stamps his own methods and personality on the next chapter, makes me proud.
How did you end up doing this work?
I started working for a packaging company after my national service duties and learnt a lot — from packing stock in the warehouse, to spares and service departments, then on to sales in the field. The experience taught me the discipline of self-motivation, responsibility and determination to succeed.
I believe I always had an entrepreneurial spirit to do something that made a difference in people’s lives.
What do you think makes you good at what you do?
Self-belief and never-say-die determination to be a success, and never wavering from that focus.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Sport was integral in my teenage years and a career in some form of team sport was a consideration, even though at a young age I wasn’t entirely sure of what was required to achieve success as a sportsman.
I cannot say I was drawn to a specific field, I knew I wanted to be in business and follow a path presented to me. University was definitely not on my radar after school — I never enrolled.
What advice do you have for the matriculants of 2024?
Follow your dreams even though many may advise you otherwise. No-one knows you better than you do.
Seek advice only from those who have your best interest at heart.
Be determined, be honest with your intentions, be ethical, and above all else be true to yourself. Be Brave.
What do you look for when recruiting for Burnshield?
I look for someone who wants to join our team and contribute to the growth of our business in a meaningful way.
