Dave Miller

Izimvo has the honour of introducing the CEO of Incredible Connection; Dave Miller.

Part of the JD Group of companies, Incredible Connection is Africa’s leading computer and technology retailer. With stores throughout the continent, Incredible Connection distributes a comprehensive range of technology and related products as well as provide assistance with installations, upgrades and technical repairs.

Website: http://incredible.co.za
Blog: http://www.incredibleblog.co.za
Connect Magazine: http://www.connect.co.za
Location: Johannesburg

Dave was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Some close friends introduce me as “Jocks Miller” and yes it does have something to do with the underpants …

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I have always had a desire to train as a jet pilot.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: My “get away from it all” would be escaping to the bush.

Q: How would you describe your dream holiday home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: To own a bush lodge situated in the Sabi Sands Reserve, my own little piece of paradise surrounded by peace and tranquility, with friends and or family.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property – Looking for the ultimate African getaway? How about this R16.2m Dullstroom countryside farm. The farm boasts a magnificent opulent home where no expense has been spared.

Incredible Connection

Q: Congratulations on achieving your best December sales ever. Which product categories were your biggest sellers and what are your thoughts on why December was so successful – considering the financial pressures we have all been facing?

A: Our biggest sellers were notebooks, netbooks, digital cameras, gaming consoles and games. Our sales were good due to a number of reasons: People appreciate that technology has become very much part of our daily lives. The items that we sell make great gifts and can be used for business as well as pleasure. In difficult times customers tend to stay with companies that have solid reputations and whose brands they can trust.

We have been very aggressive about our variety of stock and with 58 stores around the country we have a tremendous geographic presence which makes it convenient for people to come shop at us.

Q: Your monthly Connect magazine was launched early in 2009 and features reviews of new products as well as a resident tech-expert. The magazine attempts to shine a light on today’s tech-jargon. What was the impetus for launching the magazine and why did you opt for print over online?

A: We have found that one of the greatest barriers to buying technology is the fact that people are intimidated. We are trying to dispel the myths and fears and make our customers aware of how easy it is to use and how much value it adds to all spheres of our lives. Our online site allows one to compare different products and make educated decisions when choosing an item to purchase. Some sections of Connect magazine are available online through our website.

Q: How do you find and retain great talent within your stores?

A: Firstly one must have an understanding of what great talent means to our business which we do believe we know. Retail can be tough. It requires staff who are prepared to work the long hours and weekends that is needed and therefore the ability to find the right kind of people is critical.

In terms of the culture of our organization, we have to find people who can work with us and at the same time, add value. We focus on career development and therefore allow our staff to have autonomy in their business unit. The ability to recognize and reward talent is a great tool which is an important part of our culture. Our staff are acknowledged for good work and love being a part of a vibrant and energetic company.

Q: As South Africa’s largest Apple seller, what are Incredible Connection’s plans regarding the Apple iPad and when do you think we will be able to purchase them here in South Africa?

A: The iPad is causing a huge amount of customer excitement and there is going to be an enormous demand for the product. However, we do need to temper the public’s expectation based on the amount of stock which will be allocated to the authorized distributor in SA (Core). Once the distributor receives their allocation from Apple world-wide, only then will we receive our stock.

Right now we believe, based on apple’s forecast – end of May 2010. Whilst the iPad is available elsewhere we always need to make sure that it is compatible with SA standards and all customer warranty issues have been taken care of which wont be if it is purchased outside of SA – as a reputable retailer we don’t want to prejudice customers by selling products with warranties not supported locally. I also believe that customers would far rather prefer to have the release with 3G than the current model which doesn’t.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Sadly there are very few South Africans that have not been affected by crime in one way or another. Even if one has been affected indirectly, it is a cost to all of us because it affects our national psyche.

We live in abnormally stressful times, but it hasn’t changed my view and belief that this is an amazing country with amazing people. Working together we will eventually move through these troubling times and come out stronger at the end. South Africans are a resilient nation and have overcome huge obstacles in the past.

There is no doubt in my mind that collectively we can and will work out a solution for the unacceptably high levels of crime that we experience in the country.

Q: When asked internationally about crime in South Africa, how do you respond?

A: Unfortunately the local and overseas media tend to sensationalise the situation in South Africa. There is no doubt that we have disproportionate levels of violent crime here and obviously that is unacceptable. However, tourists in any country around the world are susceptible targets as they are unaware of the areas to avoid. As in South Africa, there are pickpockets, muggings and stabbings and they would be no more at risk than Columbia, Rio Paris or London in the wrong areas.

Q: With less than 30 days to the first African Soccer World Cup, what advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking for the ultimate South African experience?

A: Be involved and absorb yourself in the culture of South Africans – we are a very hospitable nation and have been looking forward to hosting this event for 4 years now. South Africa has so much to offer … find out where to go and what to see from reputable sources and just enjoy the experience.

So do what South Africans do – drink beer in a shabeen, ride in one of our infamous taxis, and between the Drakensburg mountains, winelands and coast we have the most beautiful countries in the world. Try and see as much about that as you can. Not without standing our hospitality and friendly culture and of course visit our great technology retail stores.

Q: South Africa’s greatest technological export is?

A: Electronic Banking.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in Johannesburg?

A: The vibrancy of the city and the number of trees that line the suburban streets – we live in one of the most treed city in the world. No single day is the same. We have the most unbelievable life-style in Johannesburg and whilst we yearn for a more peaceful existence there is a bit of Joburg in all of us that loves the energy of being part of the metropolis. Joburg offers a huge variety of entertainment … except for the sea and Germiston Lake is a poor second.

Q: Favorite restaurant for a business lunch?

A: I don’t do lunch. I use my day fully and constructively and don’t have the time to spend on lunches. The best place for business dinners is the Grillhouse in Rosebank. Their service is excellent as is the consistently good quality of their food. Their menu is extensive and varied enough for most palates. The atmosphere is friendly and conducive to doing business. Their whiskey selection is remarkable.

Q: If, with the flick of your fingers, you could improve one thing about life in Johannesburg, what would it be?

A: The Education system. Our education system should be geared and designed towards providing our future generations with, not only the life skills of a South African environment, but equip them to survive in a global economy. Provide them with the skills necessary to take South Africa into the real realm of the first world and become a true international globally competitive country.

General

Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to a dinner party, who would you invite and what wine would you serve?

A: Julias Malema, Prof Jonathan Jansen, Evita and a lot of wine.

Q: Which book would make required reading for all school-leavers?

A: The Road Less Travelled, by M. Scott Peck.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: If I could I would wake up anywhere that Bear Gryls was doing his next challenge as long as I could do it with him. My second choice would be on a ship cruising in the arctic and hopefully getting to see the northern lights.

Q: As the CEO of Incredible Connection, you must get to play with all the latest gadgets. Which gadgets do you personally use on a day-to-day basis and if you had to pick a single gadget you could live without, which would it be?

A: On a day-to-day basis I use my notebook, cell phone and blackberry The single gadget I could live without – notebook.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Cyril Ramaposa and the question I would ask – What would it take for him to run as South Africa’s next State President.

We’d like to thank Dave for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

ZA Tech Show – Episode 103 with Dave Miller

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