Page 27 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

MARK BIELOVICH

ark Bielovich is the group chief executive on me. I continue to try instill those same values in “This was probably the single biggest catastrophe
officer of BMS Foods, a business born my partners and in our employees at work.” in our business’s history. But as with most South
from family ties, that has grown over Africans, we too are resilient. Most effected stores
Mthe decades through astute business In early 1984, Mark and his twin brother Bruce started were back up and running within a few days. The
acumen, unwavering vision and hard work. a small butchery in Pinetown called Mndeni Meats. In last one had to be rebuilt, which took a year. The
1986 the brothers purchased Bluff Meat Supply back factory took five months to restore, which was an
This KwaZulu-Natal based company is a leader from Wholesome Meats. excellent accomplishment,” elaborates Mark.
in the processing and retail of meat products. As Later that year, Tony Robinson joined the business
CEO, Mark manages the three arms that make as a partner. Under Bruce, Mark and Tony’s leader- THE HARD YARDS
up BMS Foods. BMS Properties manages the ship, the business grew. Unfortunately, in 1991 Bruce Speaking of advice to people entering into business,
company’s property assets. Gen4Foods specialises sadly passed away in a motor vehicle accident. Mark Mark highlights the importance of doing ‘the hard
in meat processing and supplies supermarkets and Tony continued to lead by example working long yards’. “I have found that many young people today
nationally with high-quality products including hours and to the highest standard. At this time, each don’t fully grasp the commitment required for
polony and viennas. The retail division, Bluff Meat butchery store operated as a separate entity that success, you need to be persistent, success doesn’t
Supply, is made up of 26 stores across KZN. Mark made up the larger company. The success of each come overnight.”
says that a business is only as strong as its weakest store was thus largely dependent on the leadership
link, stating that he is grateful for the commitment of the branch managers who were incentivised by Mark’s father has always been a source of inspiration
and hard work of his partners. being made partners in the business. for him. “My father wasn’t flashy and he valued hard
work, loyalty, honesty and family. I had the benefit
The humble beginnings of this company stem back In 2000 the company purchased their first factory to of sitting around the supper table and speaking
over one hundred years. In 1916, Mark’s grandfather expand into processed meats. In 2007 an additional about business in general with him. My own son has
Joe Bielovich, traveled by boat from Croatia to factory was built in Springfield Park with another joined our business and through his commitment
South Africa where he started a small butchery larger factory following in 2012. That same year the I see that I have passed on the same values and
in Brakpan. The family subsequently moved to company took on an equity partner, RMB Ventures, business outlook.”
Durban in the mid-1950s.. In 1960 Joe opened a which proved to be successful for both parties.
butchery on the Bluff, which was the start of the In terms of factors that influence success, Mark
present-day Bluff Meat Supply. He retired shortly STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE commented that managing expenditure is impor-
afterwards and was succeeded by Mark’s father, Speaking of his successes, Mark says that he is tant. “I call the business the ‘golden goose’.
That’s what’s going to make your wealth, not the
Marco, who ran the business until the mid-1970s. driven by striving for excellence in all spheres of Porsche in your garage. Get your business on a
This business became part of a bigger company, business. “It gives me great pleasure when I walk good footing and pay off all your debts. In the
Wholesome Meats, who were the leading meat into a store and everything is laid out neatly, beginning, if we couldn’t pay cash for a luxury,
company in KZN at that time. counters correctly packed and staff correctly we didn’t buy it.”
dressed. That is a win and that’s what we as a
In 1980 Mark joined Wholesome Meats as an business are striving for – to always better the He added, “You’ve got to be passionate about what
apprentice butcher. He was sent abroad to train customer shopping experience – and to consider you’re doing. You need to conduct your business
as a master butcher in the Stuttgart area of all aspects of the service offered. That is what I call ethically and honestly. I aspire to ensure that the
Germany. The two years that he spent overseas accomplishment.” business’s brand is loved, successful and one that
had a profound effect on his work ethic and overall people look up to.”
business outlook. While the business has grown over the years, this has
not been without challenges. Currently, says Mark, Mark explains the overall management of a business
Mark explained, “I worked for Henrich Mack, a finding appropriately trained and highly skilled is what is responsible for creating a successful
German master butcher. He was a strict man who store management is difficult. The business has business. “Life is about choices – a great deal of it
always sought perfection. We worked hard and thus sought to identify people with potential and is up to you. You need to make the best possible
had long hours – 90 hours a week. He watched train them internally. Mark added that the looting decisions and hopefully they are the right decisions.”
everything closely including overheads like the that occurred in KZN in 2021 had a large impact on Mark’s key motto is: “There’s no bad business, only
cost of energy. As a young apprentice, the high their company with eight stores damaged, one store bad management.” Living by example, Mark is proof
standards and sound business practices rubbed off burnt, and a large factory burnt down. that this motto holds true.
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