Q&A with Danie Joubert

Danie Joubert, Vice President Sales – Africa, Jetcraft
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

How long have you been at Jetcraft?

I joined Jetcraft towards the end of May 2017, so I have been with Jetcraft for a little over a year.

What are your responsibilities within the global Jetcraft team?

I am primarily responsible for Aircraft Sales in Africa.

Describe a typical day or week in your role.

My days are never the same. While pursuing sales leads, I am very focused on establishing Jetcraft as a primary, ‘go-to’ entity for potential buyers or sellers of Aircraft in my region. I am regularly reaching out to the African customer base and emphasizing the different value added perspectives and services that the Jetcraft team can bring to a buyer or seller. I spend a lot of time making introductions, prospecting for new customers and educating the market and trust this awareness campaign will bring them to our doors when they actually have a need.

What do you love most about your job?

The Jetcraft environment requires that its staff are self-driven, motivated, and can be relied upon to get on with the job in a professional and independent manner, while being provided with practical support and resources that maximize your effectiveness. This suits my work style perfectly and I am grateful to be a part of this team.

Describe the company culture at Jetcraft and what it means to you?

I have worked in very diverse environments. I have found that if there is a disconnect between your own value system and that of the organization, it becomes dysfunctional. In Jetcraft I have found a value system that I can fully ascribe too. It is professional, mature, shows true integrity, expects performance and sets standards but is fully supportive and pro-active. I like that.

What do you want your customers to experience when dealing with Jetcraft?

It must be more than a sales experience. Over the years I have learned that in our industry we deal with a lot of people with proven financial means. This community must never feel they were taken for granted (ex. because they can afford it); but they must know that they got value for money. If so, I find they return for more business; but more importantly, they will always respect you and your organization.

Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?

There have been several. In 1994 in South Africa I was part of the negotiating team before our first democratic election. We were at a critical juncture and I was part of the team in the Cabinet Room when the leaders (including Mr. Mandela; Mr. de Klerk and Dr. Buthelezi) had to take very, very difficult decisions. I saw true leadership in that room and will never forget it.

In our aviation world, I had a leading businessperson buying a Global Express. After lengthy negotiations he shook my hand on the deal and I knew that I had his honest word. His word was his honor and I didn’t need paperwork to know he would follow through (albeit we obviously still did the paperwork). The next day he paid for 75% of the Aircraft. I saw that by being genuine and honest with my customer, they were returning that respect to me, and we could build a strong, trusting relationship from there.

My studies getting my MBA were also useful and I learned a lot of valuable lessons.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Genuine, motivated, loyal.

If you were to buy a business jet, which aircraft would suit your needs and why?

Some years ago I had a lot of fun in a Learjet 31A that I sold to a businessman from Senegal. We became good friends and he let me use it at times. I still like the feistiness and agility of that, now older model aircraft.

What stands out to you as good customer service?

Prompt, efficient and professional service; coupled with expertise and a depth of knowledge.

Finally, what is your hidden talent or hobby?

I like surf fishing! Once the line is in the water, you can go nowhere and you have to deal with yourself (while you hope there are fish around). I also enjoy mountain biking, and we have a very diverse birdlife in Africa which is also a great hobby.