Nathan Erasmus Email & Phone Number

Cape Town

On 1 August 2024, I woke up and realised that 24 years ago on the day, I started my own little graphic design company called Bluebuoy Cr8tiv. The company became the catalyst for a group of companies in the marketing, advertising and publishing industry. Creativity is in my blood, but entrepreneurship and business excites me equally. So, over the years I’ve basically learnt the ins-and-outs of growing a business, to the shareholders paradigm of large corporations. Fast forward, full-circle, I’m… Show more On 1 August 2024, I woke up and realised that 24 years ago on the day, I started my own little graphic design company called Bluebuoy Cr8tiv. The company became the catalyst for a group of companies in the marketing, advertising and publishing industry. Creativity is in my blood, but entrepreneurship and business excites me equally. So, over the years I’ve basically learnt the ins-and-outs of growing a business, to the shareholders paradigm of large corporations. Fast forward, full-circle, I’m back in the game. I’m a #Creative, #BusinessStrategist and #BrandStrategist, backed by a team of talented designers Show less

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Founded in 2016, Interplay Learning Inc. USA, is the leading global provider of online and VR training for the essential skilled trades. As a first on the African continent, Interplay Africa initially launched in South Africa in 2022 and rapidly expanding into other countries on the continent.My role is to build the Customer Success division and ensure the SkillMill Africa training platform content aligns with the local South African and African market requirements. I head a team of… Show more Founded in 2016, Interplay Learning Inc. USA, is the leading global provider of online and VR training for the essential skilled trades. As a first on the African continent, Interplay Africa initially launched in South Africa in 2022 and rapidly expanding into other countries on the continent.My role is to build the Customer Success division and ensure the SkillMill Africa training platform content aligns with the local South African and African market requirements. I head a team of specialists and account managers that ensures that we provide the right customised training solutions to meet each country and clients objectives. We train and support Customer Success teams in each country, to successfully implement our Online, On-demand with Virtual Reality Artisan training programmes. Show less

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

General Management Consultant (October 2020 - February 2021) – Appointed on a short-term contract as the General Manager of Production, to develop and implement efficiency measures in a highly technology-driven digital printing company.Project Manager @InterplayLearning SA - Strategise, plan and co-ordinate all resources to bring a global-first Virtual and Artificial Intelligence Artisan Training software programme (SaaS) to the African Continent. Structure and manage all stakeholders… Show more General Management Consultant (October 2020 - February 2021) – Appointed on a short-term contract as the General Manager of Production, to develop and implement efficiency measures in a highly technology-driven digital printing company.Project Manager @InterplayLearning SA - Strategise, plan and co-ordinate all resources to bring a global-first Virtual and Artificial Intelligence Artisan Training software programme (SaaS) to the African Continent. Structure and manage all stakeholders. Interplaylearning.com Show less

Cape Town Area, South Africa

I provide strategic direction and manage the development and communication team on the Jump Digital Business Support Platform project. Jump is an App owned by the Western Cape Government, which aims to provide entrepreneurs with access to the virtual and on-the-ground SME support ecosystem. I also create and manage the digital real estate; for Government and strategic corporate partners to collaborate and provide solutions and opportunities for entrepreneurs to adopt digital in their businesses.

Cape Town

To create an enabling environment for Small, Medium to Micro Enterprises to be able to adopt digital in their businesses – in order to respond competitively to the opportunities presented by the 4th Industrial revolution. Creating, driving and managing projects through innovation and stakeholder collaborations, through a whole of the economy approach. Project Management, Implementation and Strategic Support.

Blackheath, Cape Town

Business Turnaround with complete Management Control

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Consultation for various businesses (3-12 month contracts) including financial services, manufacturing, glass bottle recycling, financial services, legal services, smme development and wine production. Amongst others my experience include: Manufacturing - Management consultant with the opportunity to turnaround two factories through Optimal productivity planning, HR management, Union negotiations, Financial restructuring, Marketing and shareholders paradigm facilitationFinancial… Show more Consultation for various businesses (3-12 month contracts) including financial services, manufacturing, glass bottle recycling, financial services, legal services, smme development and wine production. Amongst others my experience include: Manufacturing - Management consultant with the opportunity to turnaround two factories through Optimal productivity planning, HR management, Union negotiations, Financial restructuring, Marketing and shareholders paradigm facilitationFinancial Services Industry – Organisational analysis, brand positioning strategy. Implemented a fresh financial services brand - with formation of three service divisions. Advisory, Business Development and Coaching for various Independent Financial Advisors (incl. Practice management, Compliance, FAIS, RDR, Succession planning, CRM, Sale and brand building)Paint Industry Client – Developed an Optimal Business Performance Plan. Implementation was then mainly concentrated to ensuring optimal sales performance and advisory services to other areas of business.National Legal Industry Association – Advising the organisation in terms of industry positioning and maximizing its public role. Develop brand, media and marketing structures and ensure implementation.Printing Industry – Developed Brand, Marketing and Industry growth strategy and implementation plan for reposition as Cross-Media Communications service provider. Worked with CEO to ensure implementation across group of companies.Organisational Development - Consulted and developed an organisational strategy for a business association. Included; Board of directors structures and governance, operational structure and implementation plan, optimise internal operations, report to and advising board of directors, brand and marketing strategy and membership communications plan. Show less

Bellville, Cape Town

The Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (WECBOF), founded in 1995, is a member-based organisation. We empower black businesses in the Western Cape with the relevant information, training and network to start and grow their businesses. Even after more than 20 years of democracy, black businesses in South Africa still face the unenviable task of overcoming the legacies of the apartheid system. So many initiatives are set to redress the inequities, however changing a life-long… Show more The Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (WECBOF), founded in 1995, is a member-based organisation. We empower black businesses in the Western Cape with the relevant information, training and network to start and grow their businesses. Even after more than 20 years of democracy, black businesses in South Africa still face the unenviable task of overcoming the legacies of the apartheid system. So many initiatives are set to redress the inequities, however changing a life-long restricted heritage to be in line with the increasingly competitive capitalist global economy, can take many more decades. Wecbof is a voice, a resourceful network and a home for entrepreneurs, corporates and government to meet – in an effort to build a better and visionary economy. www.wecbof.co.za Show less

Cape Town, Polokwane

Co-founded the company as a graphic design agency with only 3 employees. Company grew to +-16 medium to senior level employees, offering through-the-line advertising services and publishing. Started off as a senior designer supported by a production-focused business partner. As an entrepreneur and key driver of the business, I developed in all areas of the business, including financial management, HR, client liaison and business systems. With the inclusion of a new partner in 2003 - bringing… Show more Co-founded the company as a graphic design agency with only 3 employees. Company grew to +-16 medium to senior level employees, offering through-the-line advertising services and publishing. Started off as a senior designer supported by a production-focused business partner. As an entrepreneur and key driver of the business, I developed in all areas of the business, including financial management, HR, client liaison and business systems. With the inclusion of a new partner in 2003 - bringing along strategic marketing expertise, the company could offer a higher level of creative and strategic services. Opened up two additional offices in Polokwane and Joburg to service group of companies.Highlights: Created and developed packaging & trade campaigns for Wella SA; Awarded Proudly South African account away from two top advertising agencies (2005-6). Won tender to co-start the then pilot project: National Responsible Gambling programme (2002-2008). Awarded the rights for 6 years to develop and publish the Cape Town Routes Unlimited Official Travel Trade Guide of Cape Town and the Western Cape (2003-2008) and Awarded the Branding of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (2005-2006). Show less

Cape Town

Formed a holding company to buy into various print & mailing services businesses. Managed group business relationships as well as facilitate key clients relationships. Managed overall customer experience across the various businesses. Ensured group marketing and sales strategy. Facilitated executive negotiations and presentations.

Cape Town, Joburg, Polokwane

Group Activities:Strategic Marketing, Marketing & Branding Consultation, PR & Communications, Publishing and AdvertisingCompanies:BAM Strategic Marketing (Polokwane, Joburg & Cape Town)Bluebuoy Creative Communications (Polokwane & Cape Town)BAM Publishing (Cape Town)Key Clients:Limpopo Tourism & Parks, Limpopo Business Support Agency (Libsa), Wesgro, Free State Tourism, Cape Town Routes Unlimited, InsetaProudly South African, City of Polokwane, Waterberg… Show more Group Activities:Strategic Marketing, Marketing & Branding Consultation, PR & Communications, Publishing and AdvertisingCompanies:BAM Strategic Marketing (Polokwane, Joburg & Cape Town)Bluebuoy Creative Communications (Polokwane & Cape Town)BAM Publishing (Cape Town)Key Clients:Limpopo Tourism & Parks, Limpopo Business Support Agency (Libsa), Wesgro, Free State Tourism, Cape Town Routes Unlimited, InsetaProudly South African, City of Polokwane, Waterberg District MunicipalityFunctions: Consolidated all companies under BAM-SA. Relocated to Polokwane, as a base to develop operations in the northern provinces (Limpopo & Gauteng). Employed and trained creative and marketing staff. Implemented office systems. Proposed and pitched for new business. Accounts won was Limpopo Tourism and Parks (marketing and advertising for 3 years), Polokwane 2010 Host City (branding for 3 years), Branding of Waterberg District Municipality. Solidified key client relationships and ensured overall creative & strategic direction.Setup office in Joburg for business expansion into Gauteng, as well as becoming our central head office. Scouted for publishing & media company acquisitions in Gauteng area. Developed new business and employed and trained staff to manage accounts. Status:Resigned as Executive Director and sold off shares. Relocated back to Cape Town Show less

Cape Town, Joburg, Polowane, Bloemfontein

Co-founded the company to introduce a strategic marketing service to our creative accounts. Developed proposals and pitched for new business: Branding of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (3yrs), NorthWest Tourism & Park (Cape Town Marketing), Limpopo Business Support Agency (5 years), Inseta (career marketing), Limpopo Tourism & Parks (Marula Festival & Maphungubwe event and marketing). Employed between 10-16 staff to work in collaboration with Bluebuoy Creative. Managed creative outputs for… Show more Co-founded the company to introduce a strategic marketing service to our creative accounts. Developed proposals and pitched for new business: Branding of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (3yrs), NorthWest Tourism & Park (Cape Town Marketing), Limpopo Business Support Agency (5 years), Inseta (career marketing), Limpopo Tourism & Parks (Marula Festival & Maphungubwe event and marketing). Employed between 10-16 staff to work in collaboration with Bluebuoy Creative. Managed creative outputs for all projects.Travelled to Angola to form a joint venture company with an Angolan creative agency, called BAM Angola. Pitched for new business and co-managed all creative campaigns. Terminated partnership one year later due to post war influences causing difficult business trade conditions. Show less

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Started in their printing company Initially facilitating all dtp and reproduction. Then I was requested to start and grow a separate graphic design division. Growing to 5 designers; we created the layout and adverting structures for two new community newspapers, design packaging and point of sale material for WellaSA, designed and managed production of the SA Constitution booklet in 11 languages, Dept of Finance Budget publication and many other creative campaigns. I managed the design… Show more Started in their printing company Initially facilitating all dtp and reproduction. Then I was requested to start and grow a separate graphic design division. Growing to 5 designers; we created the layout and adverting structures for two new community newspapers, design packaging and point of sale material for WellaSA, designed and managed production of the SA Constitution booklet in 11 languages, Dept of Finance Budget publication and many other creative campaigns. I managed the design departments admin, budgets and client liaison. Show less

Post Graduate Diploma In Business Management And Administration, Business Administration And Management, General

Post Graduate Diploma in Business management and Administration

Bachelor'S Degree Cum Laude, Graphic Communications

Thesis: Creativity in Communications & Reproduction. Achievements: Cum Laude, Top Student Award, Rectors Award

National Diploma, Graphic Design

Activities and Societies: Pioneered and facilitated student exhibitions and field trips Participated in Student Athletics Played for UWC.

Matric

Critical Perspectives On Management, Certificate

This MBA-level course examines aspects of modern management strategy through a critical lens to examine their underlying foundations.

Certificate, Introduction To Operations Management

8 weeks online course presented by Coursera.Org This course covered the content of a quarter-long MBA core course with a focus.

Financial Management For Business Owners

3 month course specially arranged for entrepreneurs