“The knowledge of understanding comes from the core of understanding knowledge. That core is in every human being but it is not believed by every human being"

ADRIAAN ALBERTUS JOHANNES JOUBERT

04 December 2011

• Born: 26 March 1969, Ficksburg, Eastern Free State Farm
• Languages: Sotho, Afrikaans, and English
• Primary Education: Ficksburg Primary
• Secondary: Ficksburg Academic High School
• Tertiary: University of Pretoria (Bcom Accounting)
• Work: Spur (while studying 2yrs), Wiehahn Meyernel Auditors (article clerk 2yrs), Taxcon (article clerk1 yr), Trussworld (manager3yrs), Standard Yoke & Timber (Designer 5yrs), Seventh Heaven Boarding home for the Aged (Owner 15yrs), Studio7even (Owner 5yrs)
• Experience: Auditing, Accounting, CAD Design & Engineering, Software Programming & Web Development, IT & Networking, Administration & Management, Professional Photography, Graphic Design Artist, Videographer & Editor, Print Media

Adriaan Albertus Johannes Joubert (aka Ian) grew up on a farm in the cherry countryside (Eastern Free State), close to a small town called Ficksburg. His atmosphere and surroundings heavily influenced his passion for outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding, camping and hunting. As a toddler, he found himself being disciplined and taught by his own mother at pre-­‐school, as she held the position of headmistress. Ian adapted his perfectionist tendencies from the influence his mother had on his inherent behaviour and demeanor as a child.

Ian’s family derived strength and focus from hard work and dedication and his father set the example, having worked two jobs most of his life; the first as a horticulturist with the biggest fertilizer company in South Africa and the second (his passion), as a farmer. His business acumen sprouted with the example of ownership his father had set with the farm.

Even at the tender age of 6, Ian displayed potential. He maintained top student status in his younger years and continued to show group participation in sports activities like athletics, rugby and tennis. Being a young Afrikaner boy raised by Sotho speaking people allowed Ian to break away from the conformities of the apartheid system he lived under. Mentally, his brain was programmed to look beyond what was just a surface layer and seek to find the inner being of people he encountered.

His high school career was full of achievements and success, having been placed 5th in the Free State in the chemistry Olympiad. He displayed such great promise, he was awarded bursaries to study chemical engineering, but his passion for business pulled at his heartstrings and took him into a different direction.

Ian participated in the annual Craven Week derbies, played chess, was selected for national teams and maintained an A aggregate, matriculating with the title of Dux Scholar. His balance of social graces with his work ethic made him popular and outstanding amongst his peers.

Channeling the business niche he had developed, Ian enrolled at the University of Pretoria with the intention of completing his Bcompt in accounting. He played U/19 Rugby for the Blue Bulls and balanced life as an academic with his love for sport and socializing. A tragic knee-injury put a halt to his dreams of becoming a rugby player and with the pressure of the accident (best friend was totally paralyzed) and being unable to excel in sports, Ian made the choice of putting his studies on hold.

In the next few years, Ian lived in Ficksburg and Harrismith before meeting his ex-wife, relocated once more to Pietermaritzburg and settling down there. Together, they started 7th Heaven, an old age home that was a cut above the rest in facilities, service and concern. This 9million rand business prompted Ian to use his skills as an entrepreneur to start something that would jog his mind and give new elements to his life that he was missing. And then Studio7even was born in 2006, fresh-­‐faced and filled with potential. It started off small, managed out of his flat,but as business grew, so did his vision and possibility for premises, prompting him to move into his first studio. He later relocated to more convenient premises.

Ian is a creative mind, balanced impeccably between intellect and social EQ. He loves motivating and encouraging people to dream and he is outcome-­‐oriented. His downfall of getting bored easily began the milestone that is Studio7even, his pride and joy, the hub of the multimedia scope of Pietermaritzburg. His style is most recognized and respected by industry players and he shows his appreciation by bringing his resources back to the community through non-­‐profit initiatives like the ChillSpot.

A neat and stylish dresser that loves to cook and bake, Ian Joubert is an all-­‐rounder: business, community and socially oriented.