By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – Calvin Joseph has been appointed the Branch Manager of Pupkewitz MegaBuild Katima Mulilo branch. The 27 year old was born and raised in Gibeon.
Question: Who exactly is Calvin Joseph?
Calvin Joseph: “I was born and raised in Gibeon, a small town near Mariental in the south of Namibia. I completed school at Mariental High School in 2002. After school I worked as a waiter at Mariental Wimpy. I worked my way up from waiter, to supervisor and then manager of the Wimpy restaurant. Three years later I was eventually appointed as manager of Wimpy and the Engen Service Station. Although I was still young at the time, I sincerely believed that dedication and hard work is going to get me far in life. In 2008 I was appointed as a salesman at Keetmanshoop Pupkewitz Megabuild. I just couldn’t refuse the offer, as my girlfriend was from Keetmanshoop at the time, he chuckled. I started to work as a trainee salesman and once again I worked very hard and dedicated myself to reaching some career goals. Soon after that, I was appointed as salesman and then senior salesman at Pupkewitz MegaBuild.
At a time when I was not sure what to do with my life, I was recruited by a local builders-brand in a higher position. Pupkewitz MegaBuild then surprised me by appointing me as a Yard Supervisor, which I saw as an opportunity for me to shine and show what I can accomplish.
Eventually I took on a job as Key Customer Sales from January 2014 after which I applied for the current position as Branch Manager in Katima Mulilo.
My girlfriend also recently became my wife in May 2013 and we have a 9- month-old son. As small as my family is, I consider it as the best present from God and we live by the following motto: God, family, work and rugby and because there are no rugby fans in Katima Mulilo, maybe I must start fishing now.
Question: What inspires you?
Calvin Joseph: “My biggest inspiration in life was the late Nelson Mandela.
He was my father’s inspiration too and that just passed on to me. One of his philosophies was honesty. Other inspiring factors that make me come to work are teamwork, dedication, hard work and excellent service. Moreover, leading from the front inspires me, especially when I see my subordinates making progress as I did. That keeps me pulling the rope in front. However, things that easily upset me are when I am lied to, as the truth cannot hurt. When anyone tries to humiliate the company that I work for or myself, I get very upset. The company is my pride and I intend to build it to its highest level.”
Question: What do you bring to the table that is different?
Calvin Joseph: “I am bringing a leader and not a boss to the playing field. I knew this would be a challenge and I love a good challenge. When I initially told my father want I am about to do, he encouraged me to spread my wings and fly and see how high I can go. I believe there is a lot of potential at this branch, allow me therefore some time to give my fellow branches as well as our competition in the area a big surprise. Furthermore, I respect and embraced the local cultures and traditions and would love to learn the local language to improve communication – a key element in my everyday business activities.”