She shared her success story and the role Standard Bank played in her business’s growth journey with the OFM Business Hour.

Badenhorst was joined by Sandra Smith, Standard Bank Head of Business Clients - Bloemfontein area.

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Badenhorst purchased the Case IH dealership in Ladybrand from the previous holding company, Northmec, in 2015. Case Ladybrand then became the first woman-owned agricultural equipment dealership in South Africa.

“It was quite a mission, not only to establish and grow the business in the agriculture industry during the first few years while environmental conditions were challenging in terms of farming, but also to build presence in the market as a lady in a typical male environment.”

She adds that although she grew up on a farm, her business experience was in the mining industry.

“I gained a lot of business experience during my career in mining that I could use in my own businesses."

In 2018, Badenhorst also acquired the Case dealership in Bloemfontein.

“Standard Bank has been a true partner and is working with me by providing financial facilities for the growth of my business. Our latest project is the implementation of alternative energy at both of the dealerships to decrease costs and mitigate supply interruptions.”

She explains that the team at Standard Bank is personally involved in her business and is always on hand to assist.

“The team makes dealing with the bank as easy as picking up the phone and getting things done. What I appreciate about Standard Bank is that they do financial planning with me on an annual basis to determine my business needs. Then we make provision for financial needs that may arise during the year.”

Badenhorst adds that Standard Bank also plays a critical role in asset finance for her customers as well.

“In both the agricultural and construction environments we need finance houses that are able to respond promptly to applications and provide a hassle-free service to get equipment sales financed as soon as possible. Standard Bank has proven itself as leader in Central South Africa in this regard. This level of service delivery assists my business directly to grow optimally.”

In turn, Smith explains that Standard Bank’s purpose is that “Africa is our Home and we drive her growth”.

“This is also true in the Free State and Northern Cape province. We operate to ensure we assist our clients in growing towards their aspirations,” adds Smith.

She elaborates further that as a provider of financial solutions to a wide spectrum of small, medium, and large commercial businesses across the continent, they recognise their role in supporting clients in their journey to start, manage and grow their businesses.

“Every customer is unique and therefore it is important to listen to each customer and build solutions based on the client’s requirements. It is not about what the product or service is, but rather how we solve the issue or opportunity at hand.”

Standard Bank provides holistic solutions including lending, investing, insurance, asset finance, and so forth, thereby carving a solution for each separate client using products and services to best fulfil their needs.

To partner with Standard Bank in the Free State, contact Smith via email on Sandra.smith@standardbank.co.za.