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Rabie Property Group is proud to introduce a number of talented, vibrant, young individuals to the Rabie team and the extended Century City Conference Centre family. With the addition of these new team members we look forward to some innovative contributions.
We extend a special welcome to Gary Koetser and Glyn Taylor from the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel, and Jason Elley from Rabie Property Group.
Gary Koetser and Glyn Taylor, joint CEO’s of the Century City Conference Centre, are a pigeon pair; as in sync as the ying and the yang. Situated on opposite ends of Cape Town – Koetser in Big Bay, and Taylor in Paarl – the two have merged to form Cape Town’s newest entry to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, and Events) industry.
The Bolander has completed several Dusi Canoe Marathons and the Comrades. When he’s not engaging with professional teams, or determining FF&E and OS&E operating levels, Taylor enjoys trail running and other endurance sports. A qualified chef, father of two, Taylor’s career journey is nothing short of impressive. Humbly, he explains, “Apart from our history and experience, the relationships we’ve formed over the years is how we got here.”
Despite having started out as a chef, and working his way up to Group Operations Manager overseeing 45 Hotels, Lodges, and Conference Centres for Three Cities in the Western Cape, among other enviable endeavours, Taylor supports the Sharks. All jokes aside, the 40-year-old is armed with hospitality experience, a killer sense of humour, and encyclopedic knowledge of Century City.
Gary Koetser, the Rugby fan, forms the other half of the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel duo. Staying close to the ocean in his early career, the Big Bay resident has been the General Manager of both the Saldanha Bay and Sea Point Protea Hotels, and the Tyger Valley Protea Hotel further inland. Koetser, is no stranger to Century City having been appointed as the General Manager of the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa when it opened its doors in 2009. Not only has Koetser been involved in and with Century City for over six years, the hospitality maestro attended a magic college! – Something his two little boys enjoy daily. He assures, “In our industry this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and a great chance to apply my expertise to a new project that I have no doubt will be a massive success.”
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Taylor being “handy to have in the kitchen over the weekend”, and Koetser sure to order “Rib-eye steak, with onion rings”, the harmonious pair are a force to be reckoned with.
Jason Elley, Southampton (The Saints) fan, is Rabie’s latest addition to the team of commercial brokers. Having been involved in corporate leasing for over 10 years, as well as assisting the Green Building Council in locating their offices, it seemed fate would have its way as he embarks on assisting the Rabie property group with the sales and leasing of their new builds.
The Kingswood gentleman, at 35 years of age, is responsible for the development leasing of all commercial property at Century City. One of his core focusses is the Century City Square, comprising:
- The Annex which incorporates around 3 500m² of office space directly above the Century City Conference Centre
- The iconic Apex offering 8000m²
- The retro mixed-use development, the Matrix with 1500m² of retail and 4500m² of office space.
Not only does Elley network with and encourage external commercial property brokerages to introduce their clients/tenants to Rabie and Century City, he’s a food lover, sports fanatic – a prolific squash player – and as humble as they come. Be sure to catch a game golf with this newbie, or drop him a line with must-read suggestions!
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Name: Glyn Taylor
Job Title: Joint CEO of CCCC
What is your favourite thing about Century City?
Century City is a node that successfully manages to encapsulate the best of both worlds. Not only does it satisfy the corporate sector but it has embraced the residential potential that lies within. I can relate it to a leading corporate operated by Entrepreneurs as opposed to “”nine to fivers”; by individuals that will break the rules and push the envelope to ensure a better environment for all.
In your 9 to 5 day, what do you experience or come across that would surprise most people?
The nature of our role forces us to engage of many levels, we have to wear several caps to suit various situations, for instance we can be find ourselves discussing changes with tradesman followed by a meeting with Auditing Firms to present our Business Modelling and the rationale behind our decision making.
What book are you reading currently?
I am currently reading The CCCC 5 Year Operating Budget, co-authored by Leon Cohen, Greg Deans, Gary Koetser and myself!
Favourite quote:
“A sign of a good leader is not how many followers you have, but how many leaders you create.”
Ghandi
Tell us about your core responsibilities relating to the conference centre.
Core responsibilities are twofold. Initially our main focus is to engage with the Professional Teams to ensure that the Centre is delivered timeously and that it satisfies the needs of our target market. This includes FOH/BOH Centre design, Kitchen layouts, Operational flow, Way Finding, determining FF&E and OS&E Operating levels, Preopening Marketing and Financial Modelling to name a few competencies.
The second focus will include FF&E and OS?&E procurement, Staff employment, Business Modelling, Identifying Operating Systems and efficiencies, Compilation of Standard Operating Procedures, Site Inspections, Property Stress testing and the possibility of sleep between 04h00 and 06h00….
What is your background? How did you land up at CCCC?
Initially I trained and qualified as a chef and then evolved into a Management Role as this was where my true passion lay. Progressed through the ranks from Food and Beverage Manager at the once prestigious Royal Hotel in Durban right the way up to being the opening GM of Le Franschhoek Hotel in 2005. I was then promoted to Regional Manager for Three Cities for the Western Cape and later the Group Operations Director overseeing 45 Hotels, Lodges and Conference Centres spread across Southern Africa.
After an unsuccessful MBO (Management Buy Out) of the group, the then MD of TCG and I started our own hospitality group. Unfortunately post the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the hospitality sector took massive strain as room inventory increased dramatically and travel, both corporate and leisure decreased. It was then that I started my own company Plan Red (Pty) Ltd offering hospitality management as well as creative design and continued to service my Western Cape portfolio which include RPG through Manhattan Suites. Two years ago I was approached by RPG to offer technical assistance for the CCCC project, and the rest is “history”.
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Name: Gary Koetser
Job Title: Joint CEO of CCCC
What is your background and how did you land at CCCC?
After completing my in service training I held various management positions before being promoted to my first post as a General Manager at the Protea Hotel Saldanha Bay, then transferred to Protea Hotel Tyger Valley and Protea Hotel Sea Point until my lucky break came when I was appointed to open the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa as General Manager. Most recently I held the position of Regional General Manager for Protea/African Pride Hotels in the Western Cape before taking up my current position with CCCC.
I was first introduced to the Rabie group when we opened African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel and spa in 2009 and have worked closely with the Directors for a number of years. Crystal Towers had much success in the small to medium size conferences but had to turn away numerous larger conferences which gave birth to the conceptualization and planning for the new conference centre!
In our industry this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a great chance to apply my experience and expertise into a new project that I have no doubt will be a massive success!
What is your favourite thing about Century City?
In my role as General Manager of African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel and spa much of my time was spent selling Century City as a destination before selling the hotel. This has continued in my current role and as the years go on, selling Century City is getting easier and easier. This is thanks to the continuous development & expansion across all facets including business, lifestyle, sports and hospitality just to name a few! Every development is carefully planned and is always intended to compliment the next. In Century City you can enjoy the hype of the City or the calmness of the canals and Intaka Island all within a few meters for each other! Century City is an amazing success story and it’s great to be a part of it!
In your 9 to 5 day, what do you experience or come across that would surprise most people?
9 to 5 day? Not in our industry! Sometimes people can mistake the glitz and glam of our hotels or conference centre’s design and deco with our occupation. I think people would be surprised at some of the requests we get from guests which I am fearful to share in this forum!
Do you have other amazing talents?
Spent a few months at the college of magic!
What book are you reading currently?
Anyone who’s opened a hotel will tell you that do don’t get much time to read books! Just trying to keep up with emails, the daily news and social media is a challenge! I am however very slowly trying to get through Socrates & the Fox.
Favourite quote:
Perfection is not attainable, but if we strive for it we can achieve excellence!
What meal would you order on your death bed?
Rib-eye steak, with onion rings!
Tell us what your involvement and core responsibilities are relating to Century City Conference Centre:
For the first couple of months of the year we have been attending all the trade shows establishing ourselves as a new contender for a top conference and events venue in Cape Town. Both Glyn and myself have years of long-standing relationships with key industry decision-makers and one of our core responsibilities has been to introduce the conference centre to them. Now that the foundation has been set, our focus will turn to the operational side such as recruitment of a core management & staff team, procurement of operating stocks & equipment, setting up policies & procedures, conceptualize our food & beverage offerings just to mention a few!
If I had to summarise my core responsibilities once we open into one sentence it would be as follows: Provide the leadership expertise that ensures the effective and efficient operation of the Conference Centre & Hotel, including quality of services provided, the achievement of operational goals and profitability objectives. In addition I would be to manage the operations of the business in order to maximize profitability and to ensure superior guest service and excellent product quality.
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Name: Jason James Elley
Age: 35
Job Title: Broker Liaison
What is your favourite thing about Century City?
Without a doubt the ambience as well as the convenience of having everything you need on your door step. Century City already provides the work/live/play lifestyle but with the addition of the Century City Square you are going to be drawn to the precinct for its cafe’s/Deli/Coffee shops, restaurants and of course the corporate offices with conference facilities of the highest standard. The safety of the area allows you to feel comfortable to walk along all the paths with the canal system, wetlands and bird sanctuary adding to making the perfect ambience for staff to be happy and more productive.
In your 9-5 day, what do you experience or come across that would surprise most people?
There is, most certainly, no such thing as 9-5 in the corporate leasing world. There is never a dull moment when dealing with leases of commercial property. It’s an ongoing relationship between landlord and tenant alike, and the situations we stumble across surprise me more often than not. Companies are always subject to change and this can happen drastically in a positive or negative way. Companies can expand enormously without enough notice and require vast amounts of space just as easily some companies fold and leave big empty pockets behind.
Do you have other amazing talents?
Oh boy, not enough room on this page… Just kidding, tough question here but will leave it at yes, sure there are some amazing talents, at least I think so 😉
What book are you reading currently?
Nothing at present. Looking for a goodie, did enjoy Andre Agassi’s autobiography “Open” and Laura Hillenbrand’s “Sea Biscuit”. “A Second Wind” by Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, the true story that inspired the motion picture The Intouchables, I thoroughly enjoyed!
Favourite quote:
A horse gallops with its lungs, perseveres with its heart and wins with its character. 🙂
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Name: Carryn Gabriels
Age: 24
Degree: BA Media & Writing and Drama (UCT). Post Graduate Diploma specializing in Marketing Management (UCT)
Job Title: Marketing and Communications Assistant
What is your role at Rabie?
Producing, editing and uploading content for multiple online platforms; liaising with project managers and brokers on news-worthy happenings; and online brand management; above day to day admin, attending meetings, distributing and writing press releases, and drinking tea.
Do you have other amazing talents?
My other talents lie in the arts: I play guitar and piano, sing, I am a drama grad, etc. I also have a knack for interior décor, DIY projects, and never putting on weight.
What book(s) are you reading currently?
Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office – Lois P. Frankel
Mrs Moneypenny’s Financial Advice for Independent Women – Rachel Johnson.
Favourite Food
Sushi
Favourite quote:
‘There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Oscar Wilde
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Name: Greg Jenkins
Age: 28
Degree: BTech: Quantity Surveying
Job Title: Project Manger
What is your role at Rabie? I oversee all financials, construction activity and programming, including quality control on the Mayfair and Manhattan developments. Further I liaise between all professional staff involved. I also assist the maintenance department with all technical requirements.
Do you have other amazing talents?
Cooking
What book are you reading currently?
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Favourite Food
Portuguese Cuisine
Favourite quote: Esse quam videri (To be, rather than to seem)
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Name: Mariska Auret
Age: 29
Degree: BSc Quantity Surveying
Job Title: Project Manager
What is your role at Rabie?
I am not going to list a job spec as I am sure some of the other Project Mangers already did so being Project Managers. 🙂
I didn’t want to list a job spec as a Project Manager would do – haha. To me, being a Project Manager is to have the ability to build and maintain strong relationships, while meeting or bettering the schedule and maintaining profitability and cashflow, cashflow, CASHFLOW!
Do you have other amazing talents?
I have built up a portfolio of residential interior Design Projects that I have worked on – very proud of it! 🙂
What book are you reading currently?
GIRLBOSS – Sophia Amoruso
Favourite Food
Choppies
Favourite quote:
I am doing a ‘fun quote’ to keep it light, lol!
“Sometimes when my underwear matches my outfit it makes me feel like a really have my life together” – Sophia Amoruso
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Name: Nabilah Varachhia
Age: 22
Degree: BSc Property Studies (Honours)
Job Title: Junior Project Manager
What is your role at Rabie?
General dog’s body to a mouthy and opinionated project manager.
On a serious note: organization of a project ensuring it runs smoothly and timeously, and client liason.
Do you have other amazing talents?
I have an eye for fashion. I can kind of sing. I can bake. And sometimes I’m funny.
What book are you reading currently?
The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
Favourite Food:
Pizza
Favourite quote:
Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.
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Name: Ryan Hare
Age: 29
Degree: BSc Hon Construction Management
Job Title: Project Manager
What is your role at Rabie?
Rabie is moving into Burgundy Estate and will be developing more than 2500 residential units there over the next 10 years. We will be improving the profile of this area and offering high quality, good value for money housing which promises great opportunities for both home owners and investors.
I am working as the project manager on these developments and with the rest of the Rabie team, will be ensuring that Rabie moves into this new area with the same vision and attention to detail that has made it one of the leading developers in the Western Cape.
Do you have other amazing talents?
I can spin fire poi and breathe fire!
What book are you reading currently?
The Odyssey and Mere Christianity
Favourite quote:
“Adventure without risk is Disneyland.”
Doug Coupland
“Happiness is only real, when shared.”
Alexander Supertramp (Christopher McCandless)
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Name: Tafadzwa Ncube
Age: 30
Degree: BSc ENG (Civil Engineering)
Job Title: Project Manager
What is your role at Rabie?
My roles apart from the day to day construction programmes and quality monitoring includes liaising with local stakeholders about development activities that might directly impact them. This involves constant communication with property owners, tenants and users of facilities in to ensure minimal disruptions resulting from our developments.
Do you have other amazing talents?
I would say my strongest talent is being able to bench press twice my body weight but is not very handy when dealing with a peaceful dispute resolution.
What book are you reading currently?
An Insight to Game Theory by Ein-Ya Gura and Michael Maschler
Favourite Food
Braai Vleis
Favourite quote:
“If you really want to do something, you will find a way. If you don’t, you will find an excuse.”
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Name: Willem-Petrus Pretorius
Age: 22
Degree: BSc (Hons) Construction Management
Job Title: Junior Project Manager
What is your role at Rabie?
I answer to senior Project Managers on various residential and commercial projects, working closely with each member of the professional team, sub-contractors and clients. As a Junior, my role is still mostly supervisory rather than decisive – i.e. I assist in making the decision, but I myself do not action it as of yet.
Do you have other amazing talents?
I surf, own and run a SCUBA diving company (as such I am a SCUBA instructor myself) and I play the didgeridoo.
What book are you reading currently?
Book…what is book? The ‘book’ I read are manuals to my gadgets and gear I use underwater, on the mountain or when I camp…there is no time to read this book you speak of.
(On a serious note I will be starting The Search for the Rarest Bird in the World by Vernon R.L Head, rather soon.)
Favourite Food:
Lamb burger with truffle fries, and a glass of red on the side.
Favourite quote:
“Life is the entity defined by those who live it, not by those who dream about it” – Anon
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