HOBSON&CO - Key Persons
Colby Cockcroft has filled the void as our bio security officer since 2022 when the foot and mouth issue surfaced.
Denham Price joined as an agent after having managed the Grahamstown Stock Owners branch for years.
Gareth Asher was appointed to run the Hobson & Co operation in the Middelburg area in 2019. He has made a huge success of the venture with his limitless energy.
Jeremy MacLachlan has been trained in house to now take over from Paul Mills as head auctioneer and auction coordinator.
Johan du Preez was interviewed at the Boschoek farm stall as a fresh faced youngster who had worked on farms overseas and was immediately employed as the Alexandria agent. He has become one of the most respected agents and cattle experts in the Eastern Cape.
Stephan Lombard was also headhunted in 2023 to take over as a full time accountant in the expanding business from Murray Hobson who needs to concentrate fully on running the operation.
Our field agents Johan du Preez, Russell Hobson, Rodney Tyson, Chris Lombard, Wayne Brunette, Kobus Lotz, Vernon Sparks and John Hayward have been with us for years and form a formidable team who work incredibly well together.
Lompies Lombard joined as an agent in 2022 to bolster the team with a bit of youth.
What will be written in the next chapter of this special little business? Who knows? All I'm sure of is that if we stay grounded, stay dedicated to the task at hand, do not let our egos get the better of our common sense, not be scared of change, stay loyal to our clients and what is morally right, and plan carefully for the future, Hobson & Co will be well placed to serve the next generation of South African farmers.
John Westwood was used extensively as a business strategist and chairman of our board for a few years. This was probably one of the smartest moves we ever made.
Murray Hobson, a qualified management accountant, is now a 25% shareholder and acts as general manager of the business.