Page 25 - KZN Leaders Portfolio E-BOOK 2107

Managing Director of Imperial Armour that you will provide good service, excellent quality
and deliver on time.”
OUISA GARLAND-ELS, when designing new
products, has often had need to say to her In addition, Garland-Els attributes her ability to deliver
staff, “Don’t ever say we can’t, say we will.” word class products to her staff. She said that she
LThis philosophy has served her well. Since its encourages her employees ‘who are mainly women ‘
inception in October 2000, Imperial Armour has forged to be accountable for their production tasks. However,
its way to become a world leader in the manufacturing she explains her leadership style as being hands on as
of personal protection equipment and has grown at a she enjoys working alongside her employees. She said,
phenomenal rate. This success has also seen Garland- “I recognise my employees achievements and I like to
Els win a large number of industry awards. keep them happy. That means we also have fun at work,
even going so far as to try on the safety gear to check its
Garland-Els said that the achievements of Imperial fit and design. You have to have laughter and build team
Armour may be attributed to her passion for her camaraderie to prosper. We enjoy good positive energy.
company’s products and her positive outlook. She At present we have an order for a pink bullet proof vest!
added that after 18 years in business her belief in Proving that nothing in impossible for our team.”
what she is doing has got stronger. Garland-Els said,
“To stay in business you have to be innovative. As the The staff are also encouraged to work to their
years have progressed I have realised the importance strengths and “do things the things they love to do.”
of not doing the same old thing. You need to think out Garland-Els said, “I enjoy providing opportunities for
of the box.” the upliftment of my staff through skills training. People
also feel valued when they are advancing within a
This approach has also prompted the recent launch of
Imperial Armour’s sister company ‘ Imperial Uniforms company, which is something I feel is important to
that will manufacture uniforms for security companies. promote an empowered workforce.”
Garland-Els said, “The initiative will open more doors Garland-Els said that the current economy has had
for us as we will be able to provide a complete service a negative impact on sales. She added that with the
to our clients.” economic instability it is difficult to plan ahead. Costs
Another business venture, which has boosted the change monthly, which is a big hurdle when ordering
confidence in herself and her company, has been the components as well as providing quotes to customers.
opening of a showroom in Dubai. Garland-Els said that In this regard Garland-Els would like to see more
when the showroom opened she remarked, “Wow this manufacturing taking place within the South Africa
is really great.” She added, ‘It showed that we were as she is aware of many opportunities for specialised
serious about expanding the international side of the products to be produced. She commented that more
operation and gave the company a strong presence. manufacturing concerns would also play a huge role in
The showroom has been an important turning point making a prouder South Africa, which would counter
for Imperial Armour. many of the social problems we experience.
Growing the company has also meant changing In her free time Garland-Els is a typical mom who
her approach to marketing. Garland-Els has put enjoys spending time with her two daughters. She has
herself into the market place and spent more time a passion for interior decorating and loves spending
with her clients. She said, “It is important to build time browsing in shops for special décor items.
relationships so that your clients trust you and know Another favourite pastime is flying in light aircrafts.

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