Jaques van Aarde

I am a hardworking and driven professional who exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities and superior job performance. I am an innovative, charismatic, and self-motivated individual who always looks for ways of bettering myself. I actively seek out opportunities that challenge my existing skills and help evolve my capabilities, this has led to an in-depth understanding of my abilities while allowing me to address any situation with confidence and eagerness to succeed.

With a passion for the sales profession, I am committed to continuously refining my craft in the industry, which has exposed me to a multitude of environments from product marketing to retail management, and heavy earth-moving industry, local and international, working with the biggest earthmoving brands (Caterpillar, Komatsu, Bell, Volvo, etc.) in the world and some of the biggest companies in Africa and Europe. My career began in mining sales, learning the ins and outs of the full cross-functional sales process in the field. A natural ability to present and influence combined with a constant desire to improve, enabled me to fast-tracked my progression into enjoyable career in sales across the board.

A strong passion for learning and development and an intrinsic desire to inspire and enable those around me fast-tracked my progression into leadership roles. Sales is not just the understanding of the product but is as much about refining the gift through continuous learning and experience. I have managed a workforce of over 80 staff.

I lead by example through persistent and motivational techniques. I have the ability to create vision and apply it. I am constructively critical and pro-active. I have an excellent understanding of building long-lasting relationships with my clients and therefore maintaining a stable growth in sales.

Through years of experience, I have developed a variety of transferable skills, an innovative perspective, and a deep understanding of customer relations that would be beneficial to your company.

Owner at Heavy Machinery (2016-05 – 2026-04) • Specialised in sourcing, sales, and marketing of heavy earthmoving machinery, trucks, and farm equipment.

• Built and maintained strong relationships with business owners, directors, managers, and shareholders across South Africa, and Africa.
• Sourced equipment and successfully sold many brands (Caterpillar, Komatsu, Bell, Volvo, Hitachi, Liebherr, Case, Terex, Hyundai, Doosan, etc.) in South Africa and Africa.
• Developed an extensive client network through proactive canvassing and relationship-focused sales. Sales and Plant Hire Manager at Sylco Plant Hire (2014-09 – 2016-04) • Sales & Marketing: Drove sales and marketing of heavy earthmoving machinery, trucks, commercial vehicles, and agricultural equipment.
• Managed a team of 24 staff members and directed the end-to-end hiring of earthmoving equipment.
• Business Development: Built and maintained an extensive client network across South Africa and the rest of Africa by developing lasting relationships in sales and plant hire. Actively canvassed for new business opportunities to grow market share.
• Logistics and Maintenance: Arranged logistics for plant hire and sold machines, and managed maintenance and service schedules to ensure optimal equipment uptime.
• Administration and Finance: Handled sales forecasts, generated quotations and invoices, and processed Offers to Purchase (OTPs). Site Manager at Show Cupboards - Balwin Properties (2013-01 – 2014-08) • Managing and installing kitchens and bedroom cabinetry.
• Team of 10 staff members.

General

Manager at Winfactors (2012-02 – 2012-11) • Comprehensive Management: The role involved handling multiple business divisions, including finance, administration, production, sales, marketing, procurement, and logistics for a soft drink company • Managed brand development.

• Maintaining close relationships with our clients, including Masscash Cash and Carry branches in the Western Cape, Strand Cash and Carry, and many smaller shops.
• Managing a staff of 40.
• Strategic Negotiations: Negotiating rebates, and discounts with both clients and suppliers. Sales and Marketing Manager at Winfactors (2011-04 – 2012-01) • Spearheaded sales and marketing initiatives for Winners and Coolz soft drinks, increasing brand presence in the Western Cape.
• Building strong relationship-based sales with an existing and a new client base through active canvassing.
• Developed and managed sales forecasts to optimize inventory levels • Hosted golf days Sales and Marketing Manager at Superior Group (2010-04 – 2011-03) • Specialized in sales and marketing for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• Actively canvassing and building relationships with new clients and the existing client base.
• Sales forecasts and planning.
• Managed a staff of 5.
• Managing rebates, discounts, and closing deals with owners, directors, and shareholders.
• Hosting golf days. Owner at CBR Walls (2006-09 – 2010-03) • Specialized in building concrete block retaining walls, attenuation ponds, sub-soil drainage, and gabions.
• Managing staff of up to 80 (managers, site foreman, builders, and labour).
• I independently managed the full sales cycle and executed all marketing initiatives.
• Tendering, quotations, client negotiations, and budgeting.
• Cross-functional collaboration (MDs, FDs, and Technical Directors).
• Project and site management.
• Client base included, Group 5, Stablid, Aveng Group, WBHO (Wilson Bailey Homes), Remacon, Anchor Retaining Walls, etc.

Senior Customer

Engineer at Bytes Managed Solutions (2004-05 – 2006-08) • ATM Deployment and Maintenance: Directed the end-to-end installation, servicing, and preventative maintenance of Auto Teller Machines (ATMs) for all major Banks (FNB, ABSA, Nedcor, etc.).

• SLA Adherence: Consistently met strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs) by prioritizing rapid response times, minimizing machine downtime, and tracking strict KPI metrics.
• Technical upgrades.
• Key client management.

Junior

Manager at Mgodini Mining Products (2002-03 – 2004-07) • Managed end-to-end sales and account operations, supplying underground ventilation curtains (brattices).

• Cultivated and expanded commercial portfolios by canvassing for new clients.
• Maintained high client satisfaction and retention by providing consistent relationship-focused service to existing clients.
• Quoting and bidding.
• Participated in weekly sales strategy meetings and prepared comprehensive sales summaries to forecast growth and track targets.

Customer

Engineer at National Data Systems (Bytes Managed Solutions) (1998-09 – 2002-02) • Specialized in the installation, servicing, and maintenance of ATMs, POS systems, and back-office banking and retail equipment, including hardware and software.

• Administered and maintained Absa ACPU (Cheque Encoding) systems.
• Performed routine preventative maintenance to ensure Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are met.
• Served as a primary point of contact for major financial and retail clients, including Nedcor, Absa, FNB, and Pick and Pay.

Apprentice

Fitter and Turner at Duiker Mining (1996-01 – 1998-08) • Apprenticeship.

• Serviced, maintained, and repaired heavy-duty underground, plant earthmoving machines, screens, pumps, and crushers.
• Machine rebuilds in the workshop.
• Strictly adhered to mine health and safety regulations (including Gas testing, flame-proofing, rigging, and ventilation) during all underground and surface operations.

Diploma in Business Management – Damelin (2000 – 2000)

National Senior Certificate in Matric – Witbank High School (1995 – 1995)

Course in Learn to Trade - two-week trading course (2018 – 2018)

Certificate in Airconditioning and Refrigeration Technology 1 – ACRA (2013 – 2013)