Page 187 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

SHABIR TAYOB

habir Tayob is the chief executive officer generating income. These early experiences laid and humility are setting the stage for the next
of the Supertech Group, KwaZulu Natal’s the foundation for Shabir’s sharp business acumen generation of Supertech.”
largest BMW dealership group. For Shabir, and innovative thinking.
Sleading the group is about far more ENHANCING LIVES
than selling cars, it is about creating meaningful AN EVER-GROWING LEGACY
At the heart of the Supertech Group is an
connections and unforgettable experiences for
Shabir’s entry into the automotive industry was unwavering commitment to its customers. Shabir’s
every customer who engages with the brand.
as unexpected as it was transformative. “In 2007, guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “Our
Shabir’s journey in the BMW world began in 2007 I attended a BMW X5 launch at the Supertech customers are at the heart of what we do. Every
when he purchased a modest 8.5% share in the dealership. While sharing a Coke with the owner, experience we facilitate, every service we provide,
then Supertech Durban dealership. With a clear Mr. Dada, I was asked if I wanted to buy a share,” is about enhancing their lives.”
vision for growth and innovation, he acquired Shabir recounts. “I jokingly said, ‘Why not?’ The This dedication to customer satisfaction is evident
100% ownership in 2012. Over the next three next day, Mr. Dada called to see if I was serious.”
in initiatives like Supertech Torque events, which
years, he transformed the group, expanding it from
That casual conversation turned into the first step celebrate the BMW M community and foster a sense
one dealership to six and growing the workforce
of an ever-growing legacy. As part of a six-person of belonging among customers. For the Supertech
to over 500 people across Durban, Pinetown,
group purchasing 49% of the dealership, Shabir Group, the journey is about more than delivering
Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle, Shelly Beach, and
began his journey in the automotive industry. luxury vehicles, it’s about creating a lifestyle that
East London.
By 2012, he had taken full ownership, marking customers are proud to be part of.
REMARKABLE GROWTH the start of a transformation that would redefine Shabir attributes his success to the values instilled
Supertech’s place in the market.
This remarkable growth has always been more by his father, who served as his mentor during 20
than just numbers. For Shabir, it is about building Under Shabir’s leadership, the Supertech Group years in the family’s transport business. “My dad
a legacy rooted in community and customer has set new standards in the automotive industry. taught me that in order to be successful, I needed
satisfaction. “Our purpose is to deliver not just From one of the first green star rated dealerships to be passionate, motivated, and dedicated. These
cars, but exceptional experiences,” Shabir explains. in Durban to the innovative MINI dealership in qualities make a successful man, not money,”
“Every interaction with the Supertech Group Pinetown, each location reflects a commitment to Shabir shares.
should leave a lasting impression. It’s about cutting-edge technology, customer-first service, For Shabir, leadership is a responsibility that
passion, world-class service, and crafting moments and the essence of the BMW experience.
extends beyond business growth. It’s about
our customers will treasure.”
Key to this success is Shabir’s son, Ubaid Tayob, who supporting the families employed by Supertech
Born in Pietermaritzburg to a family that owned serves as the group’s managing director. Ubaid has and ensuring that the legacy being built will
a transport business, Shabir grew up with values been instrumental in driving the company forward, endure for generations. “Leaving a lasting impact
of humility and respect, these are principles that aligning operational excellence with the group’s is what defines true leadership,” he says.
continue to guide his leadership today. purpose and vision.
As the Supertech Group continues its remarkable
From a young age, Shabir displayed a natural From introducing the MySupertechWorld app, journey, it remains steadfast in its purpose:
entrepreneurial spirit. “I started working at 15, which transcends automotive expectancies and delivering experiences that inspire, excite, and
holding a part-time job at my father’s transport enhances customer engagement, to curating the connect. Under the leadership of Shabir and Ubaid
company,” he recalls. “I saved my money, bought Supertech Lifestyle, Ubaid is leading the group Tayob, Supertech is not just a dealership group,
an arcade machine, and struck a deal with a local into a future of innovation and visionary strategy. it’s a movement, a lifestyle, and a family. Together,
store to split the profits.” This venture quickly “Ubaid is taking Supertech to new heights,” Shabir they are crafting a legacy that will resonate for
grew into a network of 20 arcade machines, each says proudly. “His dedication, business acumen, generations to come.

185