THE DIRECTORS
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MICHAEL JAMES (CEO)
In 1964, Michael James established the company Michael James (Pty) Ltd with the trading name "Michael James Organisation" in Somerset West. The company originally traded as estate agents, but soon widened its horizons into the world of auctioneering and with years of hard work, slowly built up valuable experience. By facing numerous challenges, the Michael James Organisation became one of the leading auctioneering firms in Southern Africa.
The Michael James Organisation has over the years established valuable relations with attorneys, liquidators and various financial institutions to which it now lends valuable assistance in the disposal of assets in liquidations, insolvencies and deceased estates.
Michael has been a registered Professional Associated Valuer since 1984 and a member of the South African Institute of Valuers since 1985. He has further been an Appraiser appointed by the Minister of Justice since 1969.
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ANDREW JAMES (MANAGING DIRECTOR)
Andrew James, Michael James' son, joined the company in 1986. With him, he brought a magnitude of fresh ideas and youthful inspiration; complimenting the very successful business and ensuring that The Michael James Organisation continues to keep up with modern trends.
It was by no means an easy task. Stepping into this established company was a challenge. However, Andrew quickly learned what was needed to be a part of his father’s business and set to work learning the ropes. In 1989, he started doing auctions. His vibrant personality won the hearts of the buyers, making him one of the most successful auctioneers our country has to offer. He became a registered Appraiser, appointed by the Minister of Justice in 1997.
Being committed to growth and expansion (very necessary requirements for the company to continue as one of the leading Auctioneering groups in the country), Andrew opened the Eastern Cape offices based in Port Elizabeth in 1996. An additional branch was opened in Cape Town in 2004, as he felt a presence in the City Centre a vital criteria. Both endeavours have proven to be most successful.
Andrew continues to keep the organisation alive with enthusiasm, ensuring that each day is a new challenge. He is now the Managing Director and, with him at the helm, the business can only go from strength to strength.
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SAMANTHA JAMES (DIRECTOR)
Samantha James, daughter of Michael James joined the family business in 1993. Samantha was driven by her meticulous nature and strong personality whereby she took charge of the administrative side of the business, ensuring that all aspects of the auctions run smoothly and without error.
In 1998 Samantha became a shareholder and Director and continues to keep a tight ship, she has established solid relationships with clients and business associates and is relentless in maintaining perfection.
Both Andrew and Michael look to Samantha as the family member who keeps the business ticking over like clock work, all the employees work closely with her as she sets the high standards required for service excellence.
Samantha is the link between buyer and seller, she firmly believes that perfection is the key to a successful business and accepts nothing else. This is an all important factor in the continued growth and support the company experiences.
Whilst this company enjoys a family atmosphere Samantha brings along the efficiency needed to be accepted in the corporate world. Her attributes are endless and she is the epitomy of what is required to be a successful business woman.
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Big enough to Know, Small enough to care…
Our mission is to deliver growing value to all our clients by developing and applying our auctioneering skills and services to the highest degree. We are proud of our independence and flexibility, which allows us to offer our clients tailor-made solutions to re-market and disposal of assets from whatever source. Nationwide removal/clearance
- Valuations
- Secure storage
- Advertising/marketing
- Sale by private treaty, tender or public auction
- Prompt reporting/ accounting
We currently receive instructions from the following:
- SARS
- Official Receivers
- Insolvency Practitioners
- Private companies
- Local Authorities
- Various Attorney firms
- Private Vendors
The Michael James Organisation is proud to be a member of the South African Institute of Auctioneers. |
THE STRUCTURE
The Michael James Organisation was established as Auctioneers and Appraisers in Somerset West in 1964.
Today the Michael James Organisation is one of the leading auctioneering firms in Southern Africa with associated offices and branches in
Western Cape (Cape Town & Somerset West),
Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth),
Gauteng (Johannesburg) and
KwaZulu Natal (Durban).
With expansion programs for the Garden Route (George / Knysna) and Namibia (Windhoek) underway.
Our successes are not limited to the African Continent. We conduct auctions both locally and abroad on the instruction of a number of major banks and principals in London, Switzerland, New York, Paris and Athens.
The organisation’s dynamic growth is the result of our distinctive hands-on business culture.
A culture built around commitment, service, integrity and a keen understanding of modern marketing techniques.
It's this approach that many South African financial institutions, liquidation firms, large corporations and the general public have come to rely on.
We are regularly appointed as disposal agents in liquidation, sequestration and repossession cases and our services have resulted in generating excellent returns.
Our highly skilled auctioneers and supporting staff are capable of dealing with auctions of every size, from everyday movable assets to farms, hotels, aircraft and oil tankers.
THE TEAM
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Brigette Hindley - Vehicle Manager ( Western Cape)
Brigette joined our company in 1998 and brought with her a strong background and knowledge of the motoring and trucking industry. She has become a well-respected member in the vehicle trade. She manages the sales and safety of our repossessed vehicles. She has a heavy-duty truck license and is capable of transporting all types of vehicles.
Brigette also specialises in valuations for estate and liquidation purposes. Her sound discipline and professional manner has made her a valuable part of our team.
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CJ Du Toit - Auction Consultant
CJ Joined the company in 1993 and was the inspiration behind the Winelands Auction Gallery in Stellenbosch. CJ has a flair for objects’de art, antiques, art and collectables. Currently he manages the Décor in Motion division of our Auction Centre. These specialised niche market items of furniture and antiques have become a very popular aspect of the Auction rooms.
He has gained vast knowledge over the years and carries out valuations of movable and immovable property for Liquidation, Insolvent and Deceased Estates.
He often manages the larger auctions be it property or movable assets where his commitment to hardwork and perfection allows the auctions to run smoothly and efficiently.
CJ has wonderful rapport with the buyers and sellers alike this makes for memorable auction sales and satisfied clients.
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Lully Horak – Assistant to Directors
Lully came to the Michael James Organisation in 2005, she has streamlined the Valuations Department enabling things to run smoothly and efficiently. Valuations are carried out countrywide of vehicles, plant, machinery, properties, vessels and livestock and as soon as we are instructed to carry out these Valuations Lully is there to assist with the administration. On average we handle approximately 100 valuations a month and our turn around time is most important.
Lully is a peoples person, a hard worker and a great asset to the company.
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Nikki Jacobs
Nikki joined our company in May 2007 bringing with her new ideas from where she worked for 13 years for one of the largest liquor companies in South Africa, here she gained experience in the Marketing and PR departments, also co-ordinating one of the largest wine auctions in the world.
Nikki designs all the advertisements as well as being PA for the CEO.
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Robert Blignault - Director Eastern Cape
Robert joined the company in 2002 and is responsible for this branch of the company. Originating from the banking world Rob has a good understanding of how an auctioneering company runs and what procedures are followed when procuring liquidation and insolvency matters. Rob continues to build good relations within the banking world thus ensuring good service to our corporate clients.
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Iggy Van Rooyen
Iggy joined the Michael James Organisation in March 2010 as a Brand Development Manager. In addition to learning the skills required of an auctioneer and valuator, his core tasks include generating new business and creating productive partnerships and relationships with liquidators, attorneys, banks and private investors.
Iggy has extensive prior work experience in the hospitality industry. This has resulted in his attainment of competencies that pertain to project management and service delivery. He also brings proven creative leadership and networking skills to his new position and is looking forward to the challenges of this exciting profession.
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Rolene Kotze - Manager Eastern Cape
Rolene joined the company in 1996 and started the wheels in motion together with Andrew in setting up our Eastern Cape Branch. Rolene is in charge of the vehicle repossessions and handles all the auctions.
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Ashton Galpin - Auctioneer Eastern Cape
Ashton joined our Eastern Cape Branch in 2003 and has had many years of experience in the auctioneering industry and is an extremely good auctioneer.
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Alan Scully - Director Cape Town Branch
Originating from the IT industry, Alan came to MJO in July 2005. Alan decided that he wanted to broaden his horizons as the auction industry and property was vastly appealing to him.
Alan heads the MJO Cape Town branch and has implemented a large number of new ideas within the company. Coming from a corporate background, Alan brings with him fresh ideas and fantastic drive.
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Nick Van Vuuren
Nick started with Michael James Organisation in February 2009 as a business development manager/auctioneer and is entrusted to generate new business from a wide range of sources. He has a host of close relationships with attorneys, liquidators, banks and private investors/sellers/buyers, from where most of his business is generated.
Nick has been involved with property for the last 7 years and thoroughly enjoys the challenges the property market throws his way. He believes in expediency and "doing it right the first time".
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Paula Voges
Paula Voges (nee Millard) originally joined the Michael James Organisation in 1985 as their front office lady. It wasn’t long before she became involved in the in-house auctions. She continued to gain experience and branched out into the property aspect of auctions. Before leaving in 1995 to start a family Paula was Michael’s PA, she had enjoyed 10 years with the company.
Now, 15 years later, she is back, this time as PA to Samantha James, bringing with her her past knowledge and commitment to the auctioneering business. She is able to assist Samantha in her daily tasks allowing Samantha a little more time to manage the business.
Paula always has a sunny and cheerful disposition which helps in a busy office environment that and the fact that she has been a collegue and friend to the James family for many many years makes her a trustworthy and integral member of staff.
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Aleta Hattingh
Aleta joined the Michael James Organisation in January 2010, to assist C J Du Toit with the Inhouse Auctions. She has a friendly nature and is most efficient and helpful with the buyers and sellers in the rooms. Aleta has an accounting background and is able to use her skills when it comes to the finance and bookkeeping side of the auctions.
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Wilmien Louw (B.com accounting)
Wilmien started at the Michael James Organisation in May 2009 and took over the existing position of Financial Manager, overseeing the groups three branches namely;- Somerset West, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, together with the holding company.
Her duties include credit managing and cash managing. Wilmien prepares the financial reports, such as income statements, balance sheets and management accounts, summarising and forecasting the financial position of the group.
Wilmien works efficiently ensuring that all figures are available when the Directors require them.
In the auctioneering field there are many additional aspects to financial reporting and Wilmien keeps a firm hand on the management of same.
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