Ballito’s SMG principal dealer started his career packing shelves and mopping floors

His unwavering attention to detail, pride in his work and commitment to be the best has seen Paul Naidoo go from walking to work barefoot to being the SMG principal dealer.

Naidoo grew up on a little farm in Frasers and started his working life at the age of 15.

“I grew up in poverty and had to leave school in grade eight.

“I got a job working as a cleaner at the Umhlali Spar in 1970. I perfected keeping the products and shelves clean and neat.”

His work ethic was quickly recognised and he moved on to cleaning the floors and helping customers carry their shopping to their cars.

“I used to see children from school come to the shop and I would hide because I was embarrassed,” said Naidoo, who came from a big family.

He spent his lunch breaks learning how the business worked which paid off and before long he was put in charge of merchandising.

Working long hours six days a week with no benefits started taking its toll and Naidoo saw an opportunity to work for Umhlali Farmers’ Services – a company dealing with tractors and trailers.

“They also had a petrol station and employed me as a petrol attendant.

“When a gap opened in the parts department, I jumped on it.

“Growing up in those times, there were not many opportunities for people like me, but I never let Apartheid bother me and I was very well received by the Umhlali community, especially the farmers. I took every opportunity and made it work.”

He kept climbing his way up until 1980 when the company was awarded a BMW franchise and his boss offered him a new position.

“My boss knew I was good with people and although I did not want to be labeled a salesman, it was an opportunity I did not want to waste.

“I was given a Ford Escourt as a company car – strange when you sell BMWs, so I used to park the car a couple of blocks away and walk to the client so they did not see the Ford.”

A career highlight was when he was given his first, brand new BMW company car in 1981.

“This was a big moment for me. I remember driving home on the same road I used to walk on and it just inspired me to reach for the top.”

He studied part-time and graduated at the Wits University School of Business Administration in 1996.

His career took off and after he looked after various franchises including Land Rover and Nissan, he was given the opportunity to buy into BMW Umhlali in 1997 and became dealer principal.

The business later relocated to Ballito Autohaus in 2011 and became SMG Ballito in 2017.

While thriving in his career, the father of three children and husband never forgot his roots and always had a passion for charity work which saw him join the Ballito Lions 25 years ago.

He has also been recognised by the Indian Academy of SA for his work in the community.

“The awards I have been given here is for a job well done, but I get goosebumps when I make a difference in someone’s life.

“It is a feeling you cannot explain.

“It is that lump in your throat when you give someone a wheelchair and to them it is like getting a BMW,” said Naidoo, who was recently made president of the local Lions club.