Willie Van der Merwe has an important role in the BuyCentre team – he’s there to ensure you go through the process smoothly. That you’re happy on the other side. But there’s another side to Willie. A side that longs for the power to change remote controls through… remote superpowers! He’s also into gaming, so whatever you do, don’t get him started, you’ll be there all day.

 

At which BuyCentre branch are you working at?

I am currently situated at the Fourways branch.

 

What’s your role at BuyCentre?

To keep it short and simple, my main role at BuyCentre would be to keep customer satisfaction to a maximum and assure that the whole process, from first time contact until funds have been paid to clients, runs as smoothly as possible.

 

What is the most exciting part of your job?

Most definitely it has to be the number of diverse people I get to meet and have a conversation with, all from different backgrounds/countries/religions. I learn more and more everyday how many different types of people this country actually has.

 

What do you love the most about BuyCentre?

I love how BuyCentre has integrated technology into a business opportunity, the fact that we can now price vehicles without the vehicle being physical makes it easier and more user-friendly for the public to be able to upload their vehicles while sitting on the couch or even riding passenger.

 

Before working at BuyCentre, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

When I was still a student at NWU, I was fortunate enough to be part of a community project where we went into the Ikageng township just outside Potchefstroom. We were given a family to help out. We set up fencing and a gate around the house as the family had a toddler, and there were a few stray dogs roaming in the township. We felt the need to keep the toddler safe, but also enjoy the good old outdoors. We set up two goal posts for the child. His father loved it, as he’s also into soccer. We repainted the house and supplied new beds for the family as well as refurbished the furniture. It was such a great experience to learn the different ways that different cultures live. This also opened my eyes to realise that I have to be grateful for the small things in life.

 

If you could change roles with anyone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

I would definitely want to change roles with my manager.

 

Do you have an office nickname?

The time I started working at BuyCentre everyone called me Willie, but as time went buy I got the nickname Mr. BuyCentre.

 

What advice would you give to recent new hires?

If you want to become successful and grow in this industry, you are going to have to put in the extra hours, keep your nose clean, do what is expected, and remember there is alwayssomething to do.

 

What’s your all-time favourite car?

I have been asked this question a few times and the answer will always remain the same. It has to be a 2013 Audi RS3. I mean, the power! The Quattro system, the 2.5 litre turbo charged engine! Need I say more.

 

If you could have a superpower, what could it be?

I would have to say the power of telekinesis, the power that allows a person to influence the physical world without physical interaction. On a lazy day, I can sit on the couch and switch between channels as well as make food in the kitchen.

 

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?

The Prodigy

 

So who took you under their wing?

That’s “protégé”.

 

I’m pretty sure it’s Prodigy. As in, you take someone under your wing and you turn them into firestarters. All to techno beats.

I think you’re thinking of a band. And the wrong word.

 

What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?

I would have to say reading up about the latest video games – and trying them out. I also like having long conversations about these video games – trust me, it can go on for hours.

 

What’s your motto in life?

Some might say that this is not a motto, but this is what drives me and keeps me motivated, this quote comes from my favourite UFC fighter of all time: the notorious Connor McGregor: “We are not here to take part, we are here to take over”.

 

Why BuyCentre?

When I was given the chance to be part of the BuyCentre team I saw this as an opportunity to learn new skills, new ways. Most of all, it is the compliments from happy customers and seeing the smiles on their faces when the BuyCentre process is completed.