Derekh’s CEO, Mark Dreyer, is an extremely talented musician who loves to apply his creative mind to business. In his earlier years he pursued his dream of being a full time musician but we all know how extraordinarily difficult it is to make a living from the music industry. Back then, to supplement his income back, Mark worked as a waiter, cashier, pizza chef, even as a storeman. He did internal sales and external sales.

He tried his hand at Quantity Surveying and B.Comm. Accounts but these didn’t gel naturally with his creative flair. He eventually found a niche for himself in the electrical supply business and was offered the opportunity to partner in an electrical switchgear import and distribution business. Mark started with just 3 employees and ten years later, when he eventually decided it was time to move on, he had built a fabulous business which gainfully employed 17 people. In 2018 Mark joined Autofitters to help drive business development. Six months into his new journey, Mark’s father-in-law, Jan Serfontein the creator of Autofitters, tragically died, leaving Mark to take over the business. Literally thrown in at the deep end, Mark had to rapidly learn much with regards to managing a large labour force and importing products. He started Derekh in 2019 as a natural add-on entrepreneurial business to Autofitters.

Derekh currently imports products from China, Taiwan and the USA. To his tremendous credit, the fact that the young aspiring musician Mark was prepared to do whatever it took to keep his dream alive, taught him an invaluable life lesson about tenacity, persistence and that success comes to the determined application of self. A University of Life qualification which now stands him in good stead as he ably leads Derekh, a company which has its values firmly rooted in family, relationships, partnerships, creativity, innovation, service excellence and all round client centricity.

Contact Mark – mark@derekh.co.za

Marinda van der Merwe serves as the Financial Director at Derekh. With a love for structure and a meticulous, practical approach, Marinda is known for her super-efficient work ethic. Boasting over 34 years of experience across various industry sectors, she consistently excels in managing finances, systems, and operations—any area that benefits from her exceptional organisational and planning skills.

Marinda’s strong customer focus underpins her belief that business is fundamentally about building relationships. She is passionate about genuinely adding value to customers’ lives, rather than offering mere lip service. Her no-nonsense, logical, “show-me-the-numbers” attitude ensures that tasks are completed both efficiently and effectively. Marinda’s approach brings order to Derekh’s management team and operational protocols, making her an invaluable asset to the company.

Contact Marinda – marinda@derekh.co.za

Richard Beadon, serving as Derekh’s Sales Manager, brings a unique blend of hands-on factory experience and strategic business acumen to the table. Having started his career on the factory floor, Richard developed a deep, practical understanding of the inner workings of production environments. This background equips him with a rare insight into the challenges and needs at the operational level, allowing him to guide his team and clients with unparalleled expertise.

Richard’s transition from the factory floor to supply chain and logistics management has further broadened his skill set. His comprehensive knowledge of these areas enables him to effectively manage the intricate dynamics of supply chains, ensuring seamless operations and business continuity. Richard’s ability to foresee potential issues and proactively address them is a testament to his thorough understanding of both the macro and micro aspects of the business.

In his role as Sales Manager, Richard leverages his extensive experience to deliver exceptional value to Derekh’s clients. He is not just a salesman; he is a trusted advisor who helps clients make informed decisions about what products to use, when to implement them, and how to optimise their operations. His recommendations are grounded in a practical understanding of the industry, ensuring that clients receive solutions that are both effective and efficient.

Richard’s approach to sales is characterised by a mature and responsible professionalism. He brings a level of integrity and dedication to his work that inspires confidence and trust among clients and colleagues alike. His ability to balance the demands of sales with the operational realities of the business makes him an invaluable asset to Derekh, driving both client satisfaction and company success.

Contact Richard – richard@derekh.co.za

Andrew is your point of call for sales and new business development in Derekh’s offices in Plettenberg Bay servicing the Eastern and Western Cape. Andrew has 25 years experience in Technical Sales and Sales Management. He has excellent business sense and attention to detail and we are delighted to have him as part of the Derekh team.

Contact Andrew – andrew@derekh.co.za

Johan’s extensive background in the domestic and commercial building construction industry spans over 20 years. He has worked with private clients, architects, developers, builders, group buyers, store managers and owners, and regional group managers. His strategic sales and marketing experience on a product level brings a depth of knowledge and wisdom to Derekh’s sales team. Johan focusses on understanding your individual product needs and the delivery of the perfect product solution.

Contact Johan – johan@derekh.co.za

Ryan Symons is your contact for all Abrasives and Personal Protective Equipment in the Cape Town area. Ryan’s enthusiastic personality together with his strong ethical drive will ensure you receive a professional and reliable service level. With over 15 years of experience across a variety of career paths and being an entrepreneur and owner of his own businesses, has taught Ryan discipline, together with the fact that people are your most valuable asset. To be discrete, and most importantly that confidentiality and honesty are key in any business and relationship. Family and friends are key ingredients in Ryan’s life to stay grounded, and to keep in balance with life’s stresses, long walks on the beach are the medicine he relies on.

Contact Ryan – ryan@derekh.co.za