Ep5: From espresso to enterprise with Bootlegger

Ep9: Innovation, engineered by the Van Greunens

Any business owner knows that software can make or break a business. And when software is built by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, the benefits are even clearer. Like many great businesses, Olympia Engage was created to solve the challenges its founders faced in their previous businesses. With hands-on experience managing large teams and running performance and incentivisation programmes, brothers Manie and George Van Greunen set out to build digital solutions that address these challenges. In episode 9 of The Finance Ghost Plugged in with Capitec, get ready to learn from these software ‘brogrammers’ about how Olympia Engage uses various techniques to improve adoption rates, create internal alignment and support measurable performance. Episode 9 covers: * The difficulties companies face when tackling performance management processes, including tasks like leader boards and performance reviews * How Olympia Engage uses elements of CRM software and customer nurturing systems to align performance to measurable results * Practical insights into implementation and the change management that comes with rolling out new systems * The expected impact of AI on the software industry * The debate between diversification and focus in SME service offerings

Ep8: Business Banking, but better

Capitec understands the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Throughout this season of The Finance Ghost Plugged in with Capitec, we’ve explored how affordable transactional banking and access to finance can help business owners grow.  But how does it all come together? And how did Capitec make such a strong impact on the business banking scene so quickly?  In episode 8, we reflect on the acquisition of Mercantile Bank just before COVID hit – and how Capitec's innovative approach helped shape the products, systems and client experience that followed.   This is The Finance Ghost in conversation with Karl Kumbier (Executive for Business Bank), Amrei Botha (Executive of Client Experience Delivery) and Sicelo Mkhize (Head of Distribution). Episode 8 covers: * Why understanding SME challenges is the starting point for better products and solutions –  including Capitec's simple, transparent pricing structure  * The systems architecture of Capitec Business and why it was built to stand alongside the rest of our business  * How the pandemic shaped Capitec's blend of digital innovation and personal support in the business centres  * The rapid growth from 30 000 to 85 000 clients in just one year – and why individual clients still matter

Ep7: Driving more than turnover

Priscilla Msimanga made the leap that so many dream of, yet few are willing to make: leaving a big corporate role and shifting into the grinding world of entrepreneurship. To add to the intrigue, she bought a Shell forecourt and stepped into specialist retail.  From managing staff to complying with petroleum regulations, the learning curve was steep. Drawing on her corporate experience, her love of sales and her passion for service, Priscilla rolled up her sleeves and did everything – from pumping fuel to serving food.  And yes, that means there’s a food truck to go with this great story!  On episode 7 of The Finance Ghost Plugged in with Capitec, Priscilla tells us more about her leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship.   Episode 7 covers: * Her corporate background and why she wanted to do something of her own  * How she prepared before leaving corporate  * Finding the right forecourt to buy  * The retail strategy of a forecourt and adapting to local consumer tastes  * Why hands-on involvement matters for success  * An honest look at the short-term financial impact of leaving corporate and starting a business

Ep6: Noodles without borders: bringing miso to Mzansi

Lu-ise Hattingh and Ruan Botha are a great example of the power and value of travel. After spending time in Japan, they fell in love with the culture and food. As all great entrepreneurs do, they also took the opportunity to learn about the Japanese approach to consumer brands. That curiosity eventually sparked a business idea they brought back home. Today, Lu-ise and Ruan are rolling out Market Kokoro franchise stores in South Africa and especially the Western Cape, tapping into the existing Market Kokoro infrastructure in South Africa and adding their particular flavour of experiential retail. If you love the thought of cooking your off-the-shelf noodles in the store, then Market Kokoro is for you. In bringing miso to Mzansi, one of the biggest insights is about the importance of meeting customers where they are, both in terms of tastes and locations. On episode 6 of The Finance Ghost Plugged in with Capitec, Lu-ise and Ruan share the journey behind building a cross-cultural brand. Episode 6 covers: * How travelling sparked the idea for Market Kokoro – and how this married couple turned a dream to bring this culture and food back home into a working business * Why their unique mix of skills (Ruan as an attorney and Lu-ise with a background in film and hospitality) lead to success * The background to Market Kokoro in South Africa and their involvement with the business * What makes the retail landscape in Cape Town different from Johannesburg – and how they adapt to each * Why additional sources of income are crucial while getting a business off the ground * The benefit of tapping into governmental organisations to help launch in a specific city * The consumer licensing opportunity in South Africa and how Japan’s model inspired their approach

Ep5: From espresso to enterprise with Bootlegger

Ricky Ruthenberg has truly taken a ground-up approach to his career. Adapting to opportunities as they present themselves is clearly a powerful skill. From waiting tables at Col’Cacchio to helping launch the first Bootlegger in Sea Point, he’s gone on to build the team that runs a national chain of nearly 100 Bootlegger restaurants. From espresso to enterprise, this is the story of building something from nothing. Hard work, perseverance and self-belief are the ingredients in this delicious recipe. On episode 5 of The Finance Ghost Plugged in with Capitec, Ricky talks about what it takes to grow a local brand into a national success story. Episode 5 covers: * The hard work required when opening a restaurant and why owner involvement is critical in the early days * Building the Bootlegger brand and overcoming challenges along the way * Why the group runs a mix of corporate-owned and franchise stores and how that creates opportunity * The pros and cons of having master franchisees vs many individual franchisees * How the retail store model helps drive brand awareness and loyalty * How his role has evolved from cooking and closing up the first store to leading a national team as CEO * Managing coffee price volatility and the strategies behind it * How the Bootlegger survived COVID and thrived afterwards * The value of Capitec as a franchise funding partner