Skilled Employee

03 Jan 2023 | News & Events | by admin

Fernando’s skill set continues to grow. A typical day includes inventory checks, organizing shelves, setting up displays and setting up price and promotional signs for Namib Mills’ flour, pasta, animal feeds and other products. From time to time, he also has to assess retail trends and forecast demand and draft sales reports.

It is the product promotion part of the job that excites Fernando.

“I enjoy setting up in-store displays. You must be aware of where your lead shoppers would likely go, you must ensure that your product quantities are appropriate, you must have enough space between products and fixtures, and you must be able to use your layout to drive impulse sales”, he explains.

“I enjoy setting up in-store displays. You must be aware of where your lead shoppers would likely go, you must ensure that your product quantities are appropriate, you must have enough space between products and fixtures, and you must be able to use your layout to drive impulse sales”, he explains.

MULTI-TALENTED PRODUCER

Fernando is not only an ‘outside-the-box’ thinker at work. Away from the pressure and deadlines, he has managed to find his way back to his boyhood dream of music production.

“Somehow, I knew early on in life that I would excel in a sales and business environment, like my late mother, whereas at the same time I was always aware of this desire to be creative. Music production is that creative outlet and I’ve been investing a lot of time and energy into this new chapter of my life. I don’t know how to explain it, but writing music and producing new tracks make me tick, if you catch my drift”, he shares.

“I draw my inspiration from everywhere and I keep my smartphone wherever I go. Even at work, I might be busy pushing trolleys and a bar would hit me. I stop immediately and note down the gist of it on my phone. As soon as I’m home, I make work of it and refine the inspiration. The inspiration comes and goes. Sometimes, it’s easy, sometimes you have to push yourself to make it happen”, Fernando explains.

His music resume continues to grow and Fernando has had success with acts such as Bertholdt Mbinda, The Future Is Giggz, Motion and the late Raymond. “It’s so rewarding when you hear your song on radio. I’ve been featured on television as well as in newspaper articles, as well. I’ve also launched my own clothing brand and I’m excited by the prospect of growing it into a household name”, Fernando boasts.

FAMILY MAN

His son, Ndatitangi Jared Hendricks, currently in Grade 2 at Faith Primary School, is Fernando’s pride and joy. “The fact that I grew up not knowing my father is what drives me to be there for my son, always. Raising a child is not easy, but I’m trying my utmost in being the best father I could be for him”, Fernando shares.

Fernando’s partner, Jo-Anne, supports him. They met when Fernando sold her tickets to a music event he was promoting and have been together, since. “It nearly didn’t get off the ground as we were just messaging each other, initially. But, we’re together now and he is a responsible father who cares for his child. I’m so proud of him and I know that with his drive and will to succeed, he is going places”, she explains. “I love Jo-Anne and my son, Tangi. I cannot imagine life without them”, Fernando concludes.​​​​​​​

Fernando Hendricks. His journey teaches us to not measure success so much by the position one has reached in life, as by the obstacles one has overcome. That more often than not, one simply has to do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Because he does not allow his circumstances to define his future, many of the big dreams he harbors, are sure to come true. Like Fernando, you too can ‘Live Your Passion’ and excel as a Merchandiser.

END

“When I get home some evenings, I feel this job. It’s back-breaking work, but it’s fun. I enjoy it.”

“We value our product lines, because we need to remain affordable and accessible in a very competitive space”