In the dynamic world of property development, few stories are as compelling as that of Hein Ehlers and the inception of Devmark Property Group, originally named Devprop Projects. Founded 28 years ago, this narrative is not just about the beginning of a company, but a testament to the transformative journey of a corporate employee into a visionary entrepreneur.
The late 70s and 80s marked a pivotal era for Ehlers, laying the foundation for what would become a leading name in South African Property Development. The evolution of his property company into Devmark Property Group mirrors Ehlers’ own transformation, showcasing a journey filled with challenges, learning, and eventual triumph in the property sector.
Corporate Beginnings and the Seed of Entrepreneurship
Hein Ehlers’ professional journey began in the corporate sector, an area that offered him a wealth of experience and insights. His time at Pepkor in the 70s and 80s was particularly influential. At Pepkor, Ehlers was part of a small, elite team managing the company’s head office, during a time when retail giants like Shoprite and Checkers were still separate entities. This period was crucial, as it was here that Ehlers developed a keen interest in retail and, more importantly, in the development of Shopping Centres.
The Transition: From Part-Time Ventures to Full-Time Ambition
Ehlers’ initial venture into property development was a series of part-time projects. However, he soon realized that part-time efforts in such a complex field were insufficient. This insight led him to delve into retail businesses, owning a diverse array of retail businesses, with some successes and failures. The experience gained from these businesses was invaluable, providing Ehlers with a deeper understanding of the retail landscape and its synergies with Property Development.
The Founding of Devmark: A Partnership Turned into a Solo Business
The real turning point came when Ehlers decided to establish his own company. He embarked on this project initially with a partner, not being involved himself in the day-to-day operations of the company. Ehlers soon realised the essential truth, that for a business to thrive, the involvement of a leader is crucial. This led to their parting of ways in the mid-nighties, marking the true inception of the Devmark Property Group.
Reflecting on this period, Ehlers said, “Bear in mind, this was not something I planned to become a property developer. I started dabbling in the development of convenient Shopping Centres, and all of a sudden, I found myself in the position where I realized that I had to get involved personally.”
Early Challenges: Stepping into the Entrepreneurial Arena
Transitioning from a structured corporate environment to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. In the corporate world, Ehlers had the luxury of collaboration, drawing energy and ideas from colleagues like Christo Wiese and Whitey Basson. However, as an entrepreneur, he found himself in a solitary battle, solely responsible for his decisions and their outcomes.
Reflecting on this shift, Ehlers remarked, “That was probably one of the big challenges, sitting on top of this pile, and you are answerable to yourself, and nobody else, that you can tap energy from, or new ideas from – you are on your own. This is the one thing I missed about corporate, was exactly that kind of buzz.” This quote from Ehlers summarises the stark contrast between his past collaborative corporate life and his new, more isolated entrepreneurial journey.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Adapting to New Realities
Hein Ehlers’ transition from a corporate employee to the founder of Devmark Property Group represents the essence of entrepreneurship: adaptability, perseverance, and the ability to identify opportunities amidst challenges. This shift required Ehlers to rely heavily on his instincts, make solitary decisions, and navigate the complex property development sector without the support of the corporate world.
A significant hurdle in Ehlers’ journey was the sluggish response of local government, which often delayed projects. Additionally, the challenge of raising substantial finance for large-scale developments, like retirement villages requiring investments around R350 million, was daunting for a new entrant in the industry.
Ehlers also faced the volatility of the South African economic environment, with unpredictable government policies and economic downturns impacting his business. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored these challenges, halting operations in March 2020 and only allowing a return to full operation by the end of that year. Despite these obstacles, Ehlers demonstrated resilience and strategic leadership, maintaining team morale and avoiding staff retrenchments.
Laying the Foundation for Future Success
The early days of Devmark Property Group were marked by a series of trials and learning experiences. Hein Ehlers’ story during this period is not just about the challenges he faced, but also about the resilience, adaptability, and foresight he demonstrated. These qualities not only helped him overcome initial obstacles, but also laid a strong foundation for the future successes of Devmark Property Group. As we look back at this phase of Ehlers’ career, it becomes evident that the journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, though troubled with challenges, is also filled with opportunities for growth and innovation.
Ehlers’ story is a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, illuminating the path from humble beginnings to remarkable achievements in the realm of property development.
Next Month: In the upcoming edition, Part 2 will delve into Devmark’s iconic projects, showcasing how Ehlers’ vision materialized into significant property developments. We’ll explore the impact of these projects on the South African Property market, highlighting the challenges and innovative solutions that set Devmark Property Group apart in the industry. Stay tuned for a journey through Devmark’s most impactful and standout projects.
For more information visit www.devmark.co.za
