Garnet Christians’ energetic demeanor is evident as he ushers us along his driveway. We were meeting to hear more about Acu-Temp (Pty) Ltd – the temperature control company he co-founded in 2014. When we commented on the beautiful garden, Garnet gave credit where it is due, replying, “Oh no, my father takes care of it – if it were mine, it would not look like this!”
Thankfully one doesn’t need green fingers in the temperature control industry. Acu-Temp (Pty) Ltd was established when a group of like-minded Stellenbosch individuals identified a gap in the market for temperature-controlled monitoring and calibration systems. Since then, with Garnet at the helm for over 12 years, the business has grown exponentially. “Our team provides temperature-controlled monitoring instruments from local and international suppliers, and performs calibration, repairs, and support services in the cold chain industry,” he explained. The company’s client base spans a wide range of industries – from food, pharmaceuticals, laboratory, industrial, abattoirs and cold stores, to hospitals. “I’m proud of the fact that we are an agent for the German based company, Ebro Xylem,” says Garnet.
Hands-on involvement
Garnet believes in hands-on involvement. He is immersed in all aspects of the business – from sorting out administration to working as a technician, a skill for which he received training with Ebro Xylem in Germany. “What no one tells you when you start your own business, is that you have to wear many hats. You have to be the accountant, the sales person, the marketing team, the technician, and the customer relations officer all at once!” As a dynamic individual who loves a challenge, starting his own business has always been a dream for him. “There are always important lessons along the way,” he says. “It’s vitally important to have a good understanding of every aspect of your business and to do your market research.”
With a big chunk of the business being tied to the import industry, the Covid-19 pandemic was initially a massive concern. However, Garnet mentions that it gave him time to think about the ways in which the business can grow. “I’ve spent a lot of time doing research and this was actually a good time for my business to grow since the services/products we deliver are crucial during this time. We stayed in contact with clients via telephone and email just to let them know that we are still here to assist, even during this difficult time.”
Acu-Temp in the news
His hard work and perseverance paid off when Acu-Temp (Pty) Ltd was selected as one of VIA’s Youth Day campaign winners. Six small to medium businesses were each awarded airtime on VIA as well as advertising space in Media24’s magazines and newspapers. “I’m very excited – our 30-second commercial started airing in the month of May,” he said.
“I really love what I’m doing. I have a passion for it and this also inspires me to give my best when it comes to Acu-Temp. I believe that small businesses are crucial to the well-being of our country’s economy because it creates job opportunities and it can be a motivation for other young entrepreneurs to follow their dreams in becoming a small business owner.”
Building Business with Garnet
Garnet says, “Becoming part of the Nedbank-funded Ranyaka Building Business programme is most probably the best thing that could have happened to me and Acu-Temp. They’ve invested so much in my business and I will forever be grateful to them.”
Garnet’s heart’s delight is his nine-year old son who currently resides in Germany. “He is my biggest inspiration.” His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “Take your failures and use them as learning curves. I see myself as a much stronger person and better equipped to make a success of this business.”
Contact details
Website: http://www.acu-temp.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acu-Temp-610068629137907/
Tel: 072 469 3169 / 021 882 9108
{Professional images by Lizelle Lötter Photography}
Stellenbosch is one of 9 towns that is part of Nedbank’s Proud of my Town initiative. Ranyaka is the implementation agent for Proud of my Town. Building Business is one of ten programmes that forms part of the over-arching PoMT initiative. Entrepreneurial and enterprise development for community SMEs lie at the heart of the programme.