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From humble beginnings in a South African university lab to leading the charge in Australia’s wireless technology industry, our expert shares insights on his career path, inspirations, customer service philosophy, innovation strategies, challenges faced, and future goals.
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How did you start down this career path?
Back in 1998, as a third-year undergraduate student in South Africa, I first set foot in the Antenna Compact Range at the University of Pretoria. The Compact Range, as we called it, was used for various purposes, and as a student, I was fascinated by the simple fact that you could communicate from A to B with nothing in between or detect things without any physical connections. Fast forward 26 years, and I now understand the science behind wireless connections much better, but I will never forget that moment when the concept truly clicked for me.
I pursued post-graduate studies, aiming to specialize in antenna and wireless technology. Life led my family and me to Europe for three years before we settled in Adelaide, Australia, in 2009. Since then, it has been a gradual journey to re-establish my career. In 2016, I bought into RFShop, seizing the opportunity to work independently and grow within the Australian wireless and defense industry.
What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?
At the core, my passion for physics and the day-to-day work we do drives me. However, the desire to grow our company transcends the physical products we deliver. Our team is multicultural, representing 14 different countries within a group of 19 members. Our shared experience of migration unites us with a common vision to make a difference in our new homeland.
We take pride in solving problems, both simple and complex, in the most straightforward and reliable manner. Australia was once a manufacturing powerhouse, and many of us at RFShop come from backgrounds where self-manufacturing is common. Reviving local manufacturing is a primary focus for us, and we are heavily investing in people and equipment to become leading local manufacturers of coaxial cable assemblies and high-end antennas. Similarly, Black Art Technologies is investing in tools and skills to design and develop high-end products to be manufactured by our team at RFShop.
What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?
Our approach is straightforward: always show up. We cultivate a culture of consistency in our work and our customer deliveries. Being reliable and exceeding customer expectations builds trust and forms the foundation for strong business relationships. We understand that every business is fundamentally a group of individuals who need our services, so we prioritize being responsive to every inquiry.
The key to responsiveness is to be equally attentive to difficult conversations as we are to easy ones. Open dialogue during challenging discussions helps mature and grow customer relationships.
How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?
The wireless industry is too dynamic to be pinned down to a single reference point. As an engineer, you start to notice relevant products and applications everywhere. For instance, as an antenna engineer, I constantly observe TV antennas, mobile base stations, Starlink dishes, and external 4G antennas. Keeping up with industry trends involves reading various publications, attending trade shows, conferences, and networking events.
At RFShop and Black Art Technologies, we consistently ask if there’s a better way to do things or if we can make a difference in current situations. Keeping things simple often leads to process or product improvements.
What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
As a migrant, the biggest challenge was re-establishing myself in the industry. Starting in Australia with just a dream and some initial career experience was daunting. It took time and patience to return to the same level of life quality we had back home. This humbling process took years to overcome. Our team at RFShop and Black Art Technologies, representing 14 countries, understands the journey of starting over in a new country.
Overcoming this challenge required a sharp vision and focus on our goals. Accepting that patience is necessary and seizing opportunities when they arise was crucial for growth on both personal and business levels. We strive to do our best and stay open to new opportunities.
What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?
We continuously seek new opportunities and talent. Lessons from the consumer wireless industry often apply to other wireless sectors. Our goal is to maintain organic growth while focusing on specific industries, with a particular interest in the defense sector for our sovereign manufacturing and design capabilities. Our team has grown steadily since 2016, and we aim to continue this trajectory over the next five years.
Through passion, perseverance, and a commitment to innovation, our expert continues to lead in the wireless technology industry, striving to make a significant impact in Australia and beyond.
To learn more visit https://www.rfshop.com.au
