Page 19 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

WAYNE BEEKMAN

ayne Beekman is a second-generation focusing on creatively growing and expanding it methods for team communication, including
director of the Beekman Group, a into new areas.” WhatsApp for instant updates, phone calls, and a
family business with deep roots on the monthly newsletter that highlights achievements
Wlower south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Among his many achievements, Wayne is especially and updates. These tools enable the team to stay
Born in Johannesburg, Wayne’s family relocated proud of modernising the resort experience by informed, motivated, and aligned with company
to Amanzimtoti when he was young, later settling being involved in digitising the resorts, adding goals.
permanently on the South Coast. The Beekman unique experiences and attractions. He explains,
Group has grown and evolved from its headquarters “This includes things like kids’ apps, digital butlers, SOMETHING REMARKABLE
in Port Shepstone. Wayne and his wife are happy and even an in-resort radio station that informs Wayne’s inspiration comes from both family and
to be raising their family right where the family guests of events and activities. We have an app colleagues. “My father is a big inspiration,” he shares.
with an entertainment schedule, and I would say it’s
business began.
helped to really modernise the holiday offerings.” “He, along with his brother, started this business
Reflecting on his journey, Wayne shares how his Through these initiatives, Wayne sees the potential from the ground up, and despite the raw challenges
early work experience shaped his understanding of technology to enhance customer experience. they faced, they built something remarkable.”
of commitment, and the work ethic required in a Reflecting on their many accomplishments fuels
family business. His first job, interestingly, was as a OPEN AND TRANSPARENT his own dedication to the business, and he also
lifeguard during his school years. “I’ve always loved In a family business, Wayne has found that openness draws motivation from his fellow directors. “We’ve
the ocean – bodyboarding, fishing, anything to do is essential. The best piece of advice he’s received, achieved a lot together, and seeing the results of
with the sea – so lifeguarding was a great way for me he shares, is: ‘to be open about any issues’. Family our efforts as a team drives me forward.”
to be on the beach and make some pocket money businesses often involve an extra layer of complexity
at the same time,” he recalls. Later, he spent nearly a and addressing concerns as they arise rather than The future of the Beekman Group is firmly rooted
year in London, working as a games’ tester for Sega, letting them fester is crucial. Wayne and his fellow in KwaZulu-Natal. “We’re firmly based in KZN, and
but eventually, the call of home and family business directors maintain an open line of communication, that’s not changing,” Wayne states. “Our head office
brought him back to South Africa’s coast. resolving issues promptly and fostering a culture is here, and the majority of our staff are here. We
of transparency. “Working in a family business can currently have the largest staff complement we’ve
Wayne commented, “Joining the family business have its challenges, and it’s essential to discuss ever had since the business began. It’s continuing to
wasn’t always my intention. Growing up, the issues as they arise instead of letting them build up,” grow, which is very promising.”
possibility was always in the back of my mind Wayne explains.
because so much of our life revolved around the With exciting plans ahead, the Beekman Group is
company, but ending up being a part of it wasn’t a Wayne acknowledges the challenge of balancing exploring new development opportunities up the
given. However, once I did get involved in 2000, I’ve personal and professional roles within the business. North Coast and is planning a major refurbishment
been committed ever since.” “The biggest challenge in a family business is of Umhlanga Cabanas, aiming to introduce a novel
separating personal feelings from professional holiday experience in South Africa. “That project is
Today, Wayne is one of four directors together with ones,” he reflects. “When family is involved, there’s particularly exciting for us as it’s a South African first
his father, his cousin Neville, and his sister Cindy, often a lot of emotion in the mix. He added, “The for a holiday resort,” he shares.
each managing distinct areas within the group’s best piece of advice that has stood the test of time
diverse business portfolio. Wayne’s responsibilities is to be open about any issues. Don’t ignore them or Guided by a life motto, Wayne aims to ‘live in the
include overseeing information technology (IT) brush them aside − address them directly. It’s about now’. “It sounds a bit clichéd, but life moves so fast,”
marketing, resort development, and the customer having honest discussions with the other directors he says with a smile. “My twin boys are already
journey. He explained, “We each have our own focus, and resolving issues before they have a chance to twelve, and before I know it, they’ll be grown up
but we work closely to steer the business forward.” fester. It takes courage, but openness is key.” and moving on. “It’s about living in the moment and
valuing what you have right now, while you’re still
Wayne’s role is deeply connected to preserving his Motivating their teams is another aspect of on the journey.”
family’s legacy. He shared, “Being a family business, Wayne’s role that he considers essential to success.
there’s a strong commitment to upholding the “Communication is key for us,” Wayne says. “With a Wayne Beekman embodies a dedication to legacy,
family legacy − the blood, sweat, and tears that business like ours, there is always a lot going on, and family, and growth, making a meaningful impact on
went into building it. It’s about maintaining keeping everyone informed can be a challenge, but his community and industry from the lower South
the solid foundations it was built on while also it’s crucial.” The Beekman Group relies on various Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
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