The journey of an MD in the automotive industry
From aspiration to acceleration
After sharing his career ambition with his mentors to one day become the managing director of Pupkewitz Motors, Anton Westraadt now works in his dream position.
Pupkewitz Motors managing director (MD) Anton Westraadt shares that his time in the automotive industry and loving what he does is a privilege. Westraadt has been in the MD role for two years now, and said there is never a dull moment.
He aims to create extraordinary customer experiences in all the company’s businesses; continue witnessing employees grow and develop, and see all the brands in optimal shape and size - ensuring sustainability and profitable growth.
Background
Growing up, Westraadt’s family was reliant on his father’s salary only, with his mom taking care of two busy boys. “Throughout the year, our household ran on a tight budget. I’m convinced that my dad spent his every cent on our once-per-year holiday. This was when we could have an ice cream every day!” he said.
As he grew older, he recalled times when he placed a high emphasis on his career.
“I chased success so hard that I missed out on a number of important things in my life. I would probably tell my younger self to take it a bit easier, continue to work hard for the right things, be open to opportunities, and believe that the right thing will come at the right time,” he said.
Westraadt initially studied business management and then law. He realised in the fourth year that he did not want to become a lawyer, yet persevered as he felt he needed to stick it out and finish what he started.
Upon completing his studies, he was part of the statistics of graduates with two degrees who could not find employment.
He worked two contract jobs, each employing him for 90 hours per month. His first permanent employment opportunity was in human resources (HR) consulting when he worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers (now PwC).
Thereafter, he joined the Ohlthaver & List Group in 2003 where he moved around the group in various disciplines.
He worked in HR management, did a stint in general management and then moved to sales and marketing.
Growth in the Pupkewitz Group
In 2011, Westraadt joined the Pupkewitz Group, employed by and working side by side with the late Harold Pupkewitz for eight months. He then moved from the group head office to the Pupkewitz Motor Division, where he headed marketing.
Sharing his ambition with his mentors Junior Bruwer and Ekkerd van Wyk - to one day become the MD of Pupkewitz Motors - he pursued his career with their support
After 14 months in marketing, he received the opportunity to head the largest dealership in Pupkewitz Motors, Pupkewitz Toyota Windhoek.
During the Covid-19 lockdown in May 2020, he moved out of his operational role into the position of franchise director for Pupkewitz’s multi-franchises. This, he said, was a daunting task, but an opportunity with a very steep learning curve.
Here, he was responsible for Pupkewitz Motors’ Nissan, Volkswagen, GWM-Haval, BMW and used businesses.
In July 2021, he stepped into the current role of MD.
“I am grateful for so many opportunities I have been given in my life and my career. I aspire to be someone who challenges people to improve, and to create an environment where individuals who show the necessary character, work ethic and grit can grow, excel and love what they do,” he said.
Growth and accomplishments
Post Covid-19, tough decisions had to be taken to secure the business’ sustainability and preserve jobs. This was a tough time, however, it delivered dividends in the form of a fit and sustainable business, he said.
He contends that profitability in the realm of business holds paramount importance as it substantially increases government revenue through diverse tax modalities.
Furthermore, his professional achievements are underscored by a performance-driven compensation structure.
His approach to expanding the workforce is characterised by a commitment to ethical and sustainable employment practices. Moreover, the company has made considerable investments in nurturing its workforce, fostering profitability and paying deserving bonuses to its employees, thereby facilitating the injection of financial resources into the Namibian economy.
Westraadt said the company’s profits also contribute to the budget of the Pupkewitz Foundation, which funds numerous projects from a corporate social investment point of view to make a difference in the country.
"As for challenges, probably the two biggest challenges were the used vehicle market’s volatility and operating in a capital-intensive industry, with high stock levels, on the back of increased interest rates," he said.
About Westraadt
• I’m the proud father of a beautiful 17-year-old daughter
• Husband to an amazing woman working tirelessly to create opportunities for others
• A son and brother from a hardworking family
• I love sports – with rugby being my ultimate
• I’m an introvert, yet love spending quality time with people of essence who I learn from
• I love music! 80s and alternative/non-mainstream Afrikaans
• The first car I bought at the age of 20 was a 16-year-old Datsun 1200 single cab bakkie for N$5 000
• I love reading! Self-development, leadership, biographies, history
• Growing up I wanted to become a pilot!
• The ocean, anywhere by the seaside, is my happy place
He aims to create extraordinary customer experiences in all the company’s businesses; continue witnessing employees grow and develop, and see all the brands in optimal shape and size - ensuring sustainability and profitable growth.
Background
Growing up, Westraadt’s family was reliant on his father’s salary only, with his mom taking care of two busy boys. “Throughout the year, our household ran on a tight budget. I’m convinced that my dad spent his every cent on our once-per-year holiday. This was when we could have an ice cream every day!” he said.
As he grew older, he recalled times when he placed a high emphasis on his career.
“I chased success so hard that I missed out on a number of important things in my life. I would probably tell my younger self to take it a bit easier, continue to work hard for the right things, be open to opportunities, and believe that the right thing will come at the right time,” he said.
Westraadt initially studied business management and then law. He realised in the fourth year that he did not want to become a lawyer, yet persevered as he felt he needed to stick it out and finish what he started.
Upon completing his studies, he was part of the statistics of graduates with two degrees who could not find employment.
He worked two contract jobs, each employing him for 90 hours per month. His first permanent employment opportunity was in human resources (HR) consulting when he worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers (now PwC).
Thereafter, he joined the Ohlthaver & List Group in 2003 where he moved around the group in various disciplines.
He worked in HR management, did a stint in general management and then moved to sales and marketing.
Growth in the Pupkewitz Group
In 2011, Westraadt joined the Pupkewitz Group, employed by and working side by side with the late Harold Pupkewitz for eight months. He then moved from the group head office to the Pupkewitz Motor Division, where he headed marketing.
Sharing his ambition with his mentors Junior Bruwer and Ekkerd van Wyk - to one day become the MD of Pupkewitz Motors - he pursued his career with their support
After 14 months in marketing, he received the opportunity to head the largest dealership in Pupkewitz Motors, Pupkewitz Toyota Windhoek.
During the Covid-19 lockdown in May 2020, he moved out of his operational role into the position of franchise director for Pupkewitz’s multi-franchises. This, he said, was a daunting task, but an opportunity with a very steep learning curve.
Here, he was responsible for Pupkewitz Motors’ Nissan, Volkswagen, GWM-Haval, BMW and used businesses.
In July 2021, he stepped into the current role of MD.
“I am grateful for so many opportunities I have been given in my life and my career. I aspire to be someone who challenges people to improve, and to create an environment where individuals who show the necessary character, work ethic and grit can grow, excel and love what they do,” he said.
Growth and accomplishments
Post Covid-19, tough decisions had to be taken to secure the business’ sustainability and preserve jobs. This was a tough time, however, it delivered dividends in the form of a fit and sustainable business, he said.
He contends that profitability in the realm of business holds paramount importance as it substantially increases government revenue through diverse tax modalities.
Furthermore, his professional achievements are underscored by a performance-driven compensation structure.
His approach to expanding the workforce is characterised by a commitment to ethical and sustainable employment practices. Moreover, the company has made considerable investments in nurturing its workforce, fostering profitability and paying deserving bonuses to its employees, thereby facilitating the injection of financial resources into the Namibian economy.
Westraadt said the company’s profits also contribute to the budget of the Pupkewitz Foundation, which funds numerous projects from a corporate social investment point of view to make a difference in the country.
"As for challenges, probably the two biggest challenges were the used vehicle market’s volatility and operating in a capital-intensive industry, with high stock levels, on the back of increased interest rates," he said.
About Westraadt
• I’m the proud father of a beautiful 17-year-old daughter
• Husband to an amazing woman working tirelessly to create opportunities for others
• A son and brother from a hardworking family
• I love sports – with rugby being my ultimate
• I’m an introvert, yet love spending quality time with people of essence who I learn from
• I love music! 80s and alternative/non-mainstream Afrikaans
• The first car I bought at the age of 20 was a 16-year-old Datsun 1200 single cab bakkie for N$5 000
• I love reading! Self-development, leadership, biographies, history
• Growing up I wanted to become a pilot!
• The ocean, anywhere by the seaside, is my happy place
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