Sloppy Seconds Entrepreneurial Trio
By Julia Holmes
The second-hand textbook search can be an exhausting, painfully expensive treasure hunt at times. Thankfully, Sloppy Seconds Textbooks (SST) have created the ultimate, ‘click-of-a-button’ clue- an online platform that facilitates the purchasing and selling of second-hand university textbooks. As the insightful, currently enrolled at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) team perfectly state: “We have eliminated the middle-man, charge no commission (students don’t have a lot of money so why take it from them?), have no queues, and no price limits”. Simply log onto www.sloppyseconds.co.za , register, post/respond to an advertisement and agree on a mutual place for the exchange. Meet Peter, Maxine, and Steve, the behind-the-screen SST entrepreneurial trio…
Peter John Yuill (25)
Qualification: Bsc Human Movement Science and Biochemistry, currently enrolled in his second year of BSc Dietetics at NMMU
About: “I like to consider myself a bit of an ‘ideas man’ and someone who can develop solutions to problems that will assist people. I approached Steve with the idea because he is a man that I trust and who is highly driven and motivated to succeed. He is also knowledgeable in the field of Law which is vital. Maxine is my girlfriend. We are a team and I could not exclude her from this project. She is our computer and business management expert. Both Steve and Maxine have made an invaluable contribution in the project initiation phase so far, bringing so much more to the table than I have mentioned. I could not have a better team around me!”
What do you love most about studying at NMMU/ in PE? “PE is home, and it will always be. Studying here makes life so much easier. It takes a lot of the burden off when you have the support of your friends and family. My department is great, I have a deep interest in what I am studying and I have a great bunch of guys in my class. As much of a bad rap PE gets, I still love it.”
Favourite Book: Deception Point by Dan Brown
Maxine Pier Esterhuyse (23)
About: “I am just your average computer nerd (aka a Master’s student in Computer Science and Information Systems at NMMU) The field of Information Systems involves working with computers but the emphasis is on the people aspect and how people interact with computers and vice versa. I am 23 years old and just so happen to be dating the brains behind this initiative, Peter. Steve is just the third wheel I guess – haha! In all honesty, I really appreciate my team and all they have sacrificed to making this work thus far. I cannot wait to see what will be in store for us!”
What do you love most about studying at NMMU/ in PE? “I see my hometown as an incubator: PE has helped me to nurture my dreams and prepare me for what lies ahead. NMMU is a university that sincerely cares about its students and I definitely am glad that I chose to be an NMMU student. What is better than driving for 20 minutes past the seaside on your way to university? I am blessed.”
Favourite Book: A guilty pleasure: James and the Giant Peach by the one and only, Roald Dahl
Steve Carlington Dent (22)
Qualification: Currently enrolled as a law student at NMMU, entrepreneur at Dentmac Innovate
About: “Although I am lucky enough to have found a field of study which I thoroughly enjoy, I believe that my passion lies in creating my own opportunities for financial freedom by harnessing my entrepreneurial mind set. With regards to my involvement in Sloppy Seconds Textbooks, Pete, who I’ve grown up with and is like an older brother to me, approached me with this brilliant idea and suggested that we give it a go. Maxine, being a Masters student in Computer Sciences and Information Systems and Pete’s girlfriend, forms an integral part of the team in the way of both organisational skills and understanding the processes involved in running a website. Pete brings an unwavering sense of innovation, optimism and positivity to the venture and I couldn’t have chosen a better team!”
What do you love most about studying at NMMU/ in PE? “It allows me to work hard towards my dreams whilst still being able to spend time with my family and friends. Everything I need is right here”
Favourite Book: Third Circle Theory by Pejman Ghadimi
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