Excelling academically and in sport Pieter was selected for the prestigious American Field Service program spending a very formative year as an exchange student in North Carolina before returning to South Africa to become a CPA at age 22. A business career utilizing his team rapport, problem solving ability and entrepreneurial flair followed. Working for the prestigious Industrial Development Corporation, a very large provider of loan financing to a wide variety of companies, he was seconded early on with turning around its largest and ailing subsidiary. Successful disposal to a foreign investor followed some three years later.
Pieter’s entrepreneurial instincts finally came to the fore, when together with his wife, a manufacturing and import enterprise was established that was to grow over a number of years into supplying some 1,000 home decor retailers, exporting to over 10 countries, as well as garnering an number of export and small business awards.
Emigrating with his family to Canada in 1996, Pieter was soon involved in turning around a number of companies covering retail, energy, media and property, establishing a second career from scratch in the process. Pieter actively manages a portion of his own funds trading in equities and options in order to remain relevant regarding the investment environment.
Blessed with 4 children and 14 lively grandchildren, Pieter has always remained a family man. Actively involved in church and a number of philanthropic activities, he serves as a Stephens Minister, giving back generously to those less fortunate.
Pieter contributes a wealth of business, finance and family experience coupled with an ongoing understanding of investment needs and priorities, as well as a proven empathy and integrity to the Wealth Steward Advisory Board.
