Malcolm joined CPM soon after finishing high school in 1995. Back then the entire company consisted of only four staff members, all sharing a desk in a tiny office in Cape Town. Over the years he has worn many caps as the company grew, and completely understands the business. He has been in Finance, Internal Sales, Administration, Marketing and also served as Branch Manager before taking on the Regional Management position, which involved travelling between KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng for more than 5 years.
In 2023 he started traveling to Cape Town more frequently after taking on the additional role as Director, managing all company administration and marketing. He’s been a perpetual student: completing countless courses and holding many diplomas, including project management, marketing, and general management; passing all with flying colours and relishing the challenge.
Not only is he committed to his daily duties for CPM, but also to his love of softball and hockey. He is still involved in softball both administratively; currently serving as a chairperson for KZN Softball and the Pirates Masters Softball Club in his home city of Cape Town; and as a youth coach – which has remained one of his passions all these years.
We asked Malcolm to impart some of the wisdom he’s earned over his many years in this business, and here’s what he had to say:
Q: What’s the number one tip you’d give jewellers, based on your vast experience serving this industry?
Just as CPM now promotes itself on social media and via newsletters, I encourage all jewellers no matter what your situation is, to invest time in promoting your work and services online. Work on your business and set time aside for this form of marketing. If you don’t have the skill set to do this then employ someone who can – the return on investment will far outweigh the cost. And even if you are a student or part timer – take good visuals of all your work and promote it online to build up a reputable portfolio
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you ever received, or the one thing you wish you’d known or implemented earlier in your life?
“The best advice I ever got regarding the management of people: Be firm but fair”
Q: Tell us one interesting thing that most people probably don’t know about you
“I’m a lover of movies and cinema – especially fantasy and action genres. I love the Marvel Universe series which HAS to be watched at an Imax. And I still love binge watching movie series’ like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.”
