TURNING OPPORTUNITY INTO IMPACT: A CAREER IN MOTION
Business goes beyond strategy - it involves vision, relationships, and the ability to adapt in a constantly evolving landscape. EMVAfrica Business Development and Marketing Manager Bradley Klassen, has built his career by focusing on identifying opportunities, fostering strong client relationships, and supporting sustainable growth. Here, we speak to Bradley about his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and his insights into South Africa’s stainless steel landscape…
Please provide some background on where you come from, your school and tertiary education and where you first started working?
I come from a strong sales and marketing background, with a passion for strategy and business development. I finished my high school career in the UK and came home to complete my BCom Degree in Marketing and went on to earn a Postgraduate Honours degree in Business Administration through the University of South Africa . My career started in junior external sales, my job was to handle the smaller clients that the senior sales reps could not get to, this is where I learned the fundamentals of customer engagement, problem-solving, and relationship-building - skills that continue to shape my approach to business today. There is no such thing as smaller clients, I believe in growing with my clients , and that’s what I did.
What are some of the key work experiences or projects, that you have worked on that have challenged you but also helped to shape your skills, experience and career advancement?
Over the years, I’ve worked on several challenging yet rewarding projects that have honed my skills in sales, marketing, and business development. In sales a highlight for me is tapping into new territory or the development of new product lines , watching it go from inception to generating revenue for the organisation. A key focus has been leveraging marketing channels to bridge the gap between prospects and clients, ensuring a seamless customer journey. I’ve also been involved in strategic growth initiatives, helping expand market share and build brand equity. Leading projects that required creative problem solving and cross-functional collaboration has significantly contributed to my professional growth. Under the leadership of the senior management team at EMVAfrica, I find there is always opportunity for more experience and to learn. No one man is an island, so having a solid team is what creates success. I love being part of a team, aligning our efforts to culminate in our goals being achieved.
How would you describe a typical day in your current position? What are your key focus areas and areas of expertise?
As a Marketing and Business Development Manager at EMVAfrica, my role is dynamic and multifaceted. A typical day involves developing and executing marketing strategies, identifying growth opportunities, engaging with stakeholders , and ensuring our value proposition aligns with market needs. I also spend time analysing market trends, working on strategic partnerships, and optimising our marketing channels to enhance customer experience.
What would you say are the biggest i. work and ii. life lessons you have learnt thus far in your life?
- Work Lesson: Relationships drive business success. No matter how great a product or service is, strong client relationships and trust are the foundation of long term success.
- Life Lesson: Adaptability is key. Change is constant, and the ability to pivot, learn, and grow in the face of challenges is essential for both personal and professional success.
How do you hope to take your career to even greater heights - what are your plans for the future?
I am always looking for ways to take my career and company to the next level. My focus is on expanding market reach, leveraging digital marketing for enhanced customer engagement, and driving strategic growth initiatives. Long-term, I aim to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EMVAfrica, ensuring innovation and sustainability in the stainless steel industry.
At a more macro level…In your opinion what are the biggest challenges the South African stainless steel industry currently faces and what are some of the innovative ways these can be overcome?
One of the biggest challenges is market volatility due to fluctuating raw material prices and global economic conditions. In addition, the local manufacturing sector faces pressure from imported products. To overcome these challenges, the industry must invest in local value addition, embrace digital transformation, and foster strong supplier-client partnerships to create more resilient supply chains.
What do you consider the most exciting innovations/product developments happening in stainless steel right now and what sectors hold the greatest potential for the use of stainless steel in the future?
The use of stainless steel in renewable energy, particularly in solar and hydrogen applications, is an exciting development. In addition, industries like food processing, medical, and water treatment are showing increasing demand for high-performance stainless steel solutions. The future lies in sustainable and high-tech applications that enhance efficiency and durability.