Turning a dream and vision into reality was extremely fulfilling but seeing it flourish and grow has made all the difference to Uli Hatesohl, who briefly stepped out of retirement last week to celebrate CFR Freight’s 20th anniversary. Speaking at a lavish bash at The Venue in Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, CFR founder Hatesohl said the idea to start the company had come to him while on a visit to his home country of Germany. “I did not have the money needed to set up the business, but went to see an old school friend, Heinz Herbst, who immediately agreed to help with finance. The rest, as they say, is history,” he told FTW. Now, 20 years later, Hatesohl and Herbst, who often reminisce about the old days, both agree that CFR proved to be far more successful than they had ever envisioned. According to Herbst the decision to finance the business was based on his long- standing relationship with Hatesohl, who along with his wife Susanne were given a painting signed by every staff member. Herbst told FTW he had never doubted that Hatesohl and his team would make a success of the business and he had given the money without thinking about it twice. “Twenty years ago all it took was a handshake,” said Hatesohl. “A lot of contracts were sealed that way and we definitely knew nothing of tenders. I am extremely proud to have seen this dream become a reality, but even more so become so successful.” CEO Martin Keck said just as Hatesohl and Herbst had seen the industry change over the past 20 years, more change was inevitable in the next 20 years. “We always have something that is nagging us and that is change. In all honesty it cannot stay the same, we have to move forward, but while we do so we will continue to focus on those aspects that are important and have brought us to this point.” This includes its people, ethics, responsibility, client expectations and excellent service delivery, he said. “What is going to change is our products and services because as we move into the future we will be developing and improving our offerings. What is not going to change is our commitment to our customers and the values on which the company was founded and continues to be run,” said Keck. With some 90 international agents joining local customers and staff at the party, Keck said the past 20 years had proved to be successful due to the relationships formed. “This business is all about people and that is why we chose to celebrate our 20th anniversary with the people who have made a difference in our business and continue to do so.”
