Embracing change in challenging times with Produkta Motor Group
Embracing Change in Challenging Times with Produkta Motor Group
Founded in 1991, the Produkta Motor Group has risen to decades of challenges, to become one of South Africa's entrepreneurial success stories. Cornelis Kruger (fondly known as 'Kerneels') is the visionary driving the company into bold new business avenues. The Nelspruit-based company has become a specialist in a diverse range of industries from its motor dealerships and property to macadamia nut farming. Like the country in which it was established, the ability to adapt and change is at the heart of Produkta's success. This spirit is embodied in Kerneels, who has faced every type of business challenge over time. He has had to adapt to the country's shifting socio-economic landscape, as well as a global financial crisis to the unforeseeable impact of Covid across the multiple industries in which he operates.
Taking On the Unexpected
As every entrepreneur discovers, starting and managing a business can quickly reveal startling realities that can lead to you doubting yourself. Kerneels realised at the very beginning that a business owner is tasked with responsibilities in areas in which they are not experienced. To know how to market cars is one thing but to manage the demanding range of fiscal and operational responsibilities can be incredibly taxing. When an owner has to navigate everything from marketing to accounting they need help.
'Everybody talks about the impact of having 10 000 hours of experience for a reason but this is not sufficient. It is an understatement. You have to go through these great learning periods, where the ground beneath you can feel shaky. This is where you have to reach out for like-minded partners,' says Kerneels.
Making the Money Work
For the fiscally-focused Kerneels, his choice of bank in FNB was a calculated business decision. Operating from a more rural location, he recognised that FNB had a unique understanding of local conditions. Importantly, he also wanted not just a bank but a business partner, which is why he has maintained a relationship with his banker for years. This approach mirrors his decision to ask his sons, Marc and Corne, to become part of the company. Armed with the knowledge that each son was highly qualified and would add real value to the business, he felt reassured that Produkta was in great hands - with people he could trust to care about the company and its people as much as he does. In 2015 Kerneels was one of the mentors in the Lowveld Big Change project where he expressed his thoughts on business management.
'Always meet your financial commitments. Be open with creditors. If you hit a spot of trouble, tell them as soon as possible. Once you start playing with your cash flow the only way is down. This is where the importance of your bank as a partner is key. They need to embrace change and be as adaptive as every business owner will always have to be.'
As the trailblazing Kerneels has proven over time, setbacks and risk will always be a part of a business owner's life. This is why the connection between Kerneels and FNB is integral to his success. It all started with a conversation (and in Kerneels' case, many conversations) to discover how a bank can help conquer the inevitable challenges.
Ultimately, Kerneels' story reminds us all of the lasting power of partnerships and why we should seek out those who are invested in our dreams, as much as we are.
Visit the Produkta Motor Group website for more information on www.produktamotorgroup.co.za
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