From a hobby to a thriving business with passion

Marlon George grew up fishing with his Dad from the age of 4, never realising that a hobby would become his passion which would later become a full-time business.

He opened Extreme Marine Fishing Tackle and Bait shop six years ago. With the support and encouragement from his wife, Johanna, they used their savings to open the first shop. Marlon says “I recognised a gap in the Uitenhage market for a specialist tackle shop”. Now six years later after more than a 100% year-on-year growth in turnover since he started the business, Marlon has been able to buy property and open a new and improved shop. His business mentor, Coenraad Swart, at The Hope Factory says that Marlon’s success lies in his ability to set goals, and his commitment and determination to achieve them.

The reason for this new shop was to expand their current product line and offer a more professional service. Marlon believes in the importance of personal interaction with his customers, and doing whatever he can to provide and source the products that they need. He says “it is imperative to get the right stock in the shop”. Coenraad says that Marlon’s ability to stay ahead of the latest trends is a big contributor to his business success.

Marlon joined The Hope Factory’s Business Development Programme in August, 2014 and found it extremely valuable. He explains as follows: “The first business class I attended was a real eye opener. I started my business without knowing how to run it, and this class showed me how to approach my business with the right skills.”

He explains how it has helped him tremendously in the day to day operations and being able to interpret and understand the state of the business. “Now, at any point in time, I can tell you exactly what is happening in my business. My confidence has grown” says Marlon. The Hope Factory assisted Marlon to put new administration systems in place, which led to a 23% business growth within the first month. “It streamlined my processes, and I am able to help customers more quickly now.

My business would not have grown so fast if it was not for the support I received from The Hope Factory”. Marlon also mentioned that SEDA had also been instrumental in his success since the start of his business, through the provision of signage and marketing material.

It is his passion and drive that keeps him going, together with the support from his wife and The Hope Factory. The new shop is barely open, and Marlon is already considering what improvements he can make in his current stock supply and has visions for a new service he wants to launch later this year.

He currently employees three staff members, and in comparison to January 2015, his business turnover in January 2016, has increased 110% despite challenges experienced with the move. The new shop opened in January, and is situated at number 33 John Street, Uitenhage.