Cash Converters franchise opens in Elgin Mall

Team Elgin

Husband and wife Clifford and Caela de Witt are thrilled to be making their dream of a family business come true with the opening of their new Cash Converters store at Elgin Mall in Birchleigh, Kempton Park.

Clifford is deeply rooted in Kempton Park, having lived his whole life there. Caela moved to the area from KwaZulu-Natal when the couple married 14 years ago.

“We believe this is a perfect area for our first adventure in franchising,” says Clifford, whose career so far has been concentrated in the financial sector, particularly insurance and banking. “We are finding that running your own business is a hectic, major learning curve. That is made easier for us because we chose Cash Converters for its countrywide network, well-known and trusted name and well-developed business model and support structure. Our research showed how much more you would struggle to get a business off the ground without that.”

The couple has planned carefully for success, choosing a 200-square metre site in a mall they know well. They are also creating jobs for eight new employees and hope to increase this figure as they grow their business.

“Already it is exceptionally interesting and exciting,” says Caela, who has worked for many years in IT. “We believe that our skills and personalities complement each other very well, which will really benefit the business.”

Caela describes herself as “a natural marketer,” very much an outgoing, people person with several years of experience in customer service and conflict resolution, as well as handling invoice-checking and payments with ease.

Being a self-starter and a perfectionist will be a great contribution to a start-up business, she believes.
Clifford is an all-rounder with “an awesome work ethic and great with delegation and fairness,” says Caela. “He is always level headed and has a wonderful sense of humour that can break the tension in awkward situations.”

Clifford and Caela de Witt

Over nearly a decade and a half of married life, the couple has developed an enviable working communication and partnership. This includes discussing rationally and researching and asking questions to define challenges and formulate their responses. The resulting information and clarity is a must in any partnership, they believe, and vital for efficient business development.

“We are delighted to welcome Clifford and Caela de Witt to the Cash Converters family,” says Richard Mukheibir, Cash Converters Managing Director. “All of us in the company know how each and every one of your skills and resources are tested and polished in setting up a new store. I went through it myself opening the first-ever Cash Converters store in Parow more than two decades ago.”

Mukheibir believes franchising enables would-be business owners to grow their business skills and investment within a supportive and professional environment and guides them in avoiding common start-up pitfalls.

“The Cash Converters business model offers a three-for-one income stream for franchisees – dealing in second-hand goods, pawn-broking and micro loans,” says Mukheibir. “We are confident that this, combined with our practical understanding and systems support and training, will help Clifford and Caela reach their goals of a strong, expanding business.”