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PE’s top female entrepreneur

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On 19 June 2014, Port Elizabeth’s top 18 businesswomen attended a gala dinner to see who would take honours in their respective categories. One woman from each of six categories received an award for their outstanding contribution and achievement in their various business sectors. The awards aim to applaud businesswomen who have made significant contributions to the economy and also to create role models for other women within the community to look up to and be empowered.

Kobie Potgieter, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Independent Properties, walked away with the Businesswomen’s Association (BWA) Regional Achiever Award in the Entrepreneur category. “I’m so honoured to have received this award, especially considering the calibre of businesswomen who were represented at this prestigious event. Each and every one of them have truly been role models for other women within the business world and have achieved remarkable results in their respective industries,” said an elated Potgieter. “This would not have been possible if was not for my faith and amazing supportive family, who are a constant source of encouragement.”

As a business owner and real estate professional, Potgieter has successfully negotiated some of the most challenging economic times in modern ages, flouting industry norms and succeeding where many other real estate agencies have not. She has been ranked within the RE/MAX of Southern Africa group as the top Broker/Owner Individual of the Year by registered commission, as well as the Broker/Owner of the Year in a Multi Office situated in a Non- Metro area. Potgieter also placed third in the Top 10 Individuals for International Residential agents at the 2012 RE/MAX International Convention, competing with over 90 000 international agents from as many as 85 countries for the award.

“I love what I do and truly have a passion for people and an honest desire to look after their best interests. It brings me great satisfaction to play an integral role in guiding and assisting my clients when it comes to life-changing decisions in purchasing and selling property, as this is for most of us the single biggest transaction we may ever make in our lives,” says Potgieter.

Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says: “Congratulations to Kobie on receiving her award. She consistently achieves excellent results irrespective of the market conditions, which just shows her level of proficiency and dedication to being a top real estate professional. We are really proud of the quality of Broker/Owners we have within our organisation. Many of the property professionals working under the RE/MAX brand have achieved some amazing things both nationally and on an international scale.”

Giving advice to other real estate professionals and women starting out in the industry, Potgieter says: “Take every advantage to learn and develop, it is never too late to learn something new – no-one knows everything. Remember, nothing comes easy so work hard and persevere. These are the foundations that are essential for success in this very competitive business environment. It is important to start working with a reputable company that can assist you in reaching goals and provide an environment that is conducive to high performance, which will provide an edge in today’s challenging market,” she says.

“A vital aspect to life is achieving balance in all spheres, which can only be obtained by being disciplined. By constructive planning and prioritising, women of today can have a successful business and still lead a fulfilling life with family and friends,” Potgieter concludes.

The six 2014 regional winners:

  1. Corporate – Chantal du Pisani, Chief Executive Officer at Access Management, operators of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
  2. Government – Professor Heather Nel, Senior Director of Institutional Planning at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  3. Entrepreneur – Kobie Potgieter, owner of Remax Independent Property
  4. Emerging Entrepreneur – Sarisa Ferreira, owner of Areli Veg, (Patensie)
  5. Social Entrepreneur – Thina Maqubela, of Ubuntu Education Fund (Grahamstown), and
  6. Professional – Joanne Anthony, owner of Joanne Anthony Incorporated

As part of their prizes in the Entrepreneur categories www.MyPE.co.za sponsored advertising packages to the value of over R27 000.00. (Make a smart move and contact Janine to advertise on MyPE).

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.