Operations Team
Francois Potgieter (Managing Director)
Francois Potgieter
I’m responsible for the general executive management of Aquasol. My duty is to ensure that our core values are always adhered to, while we passionately pursue our strategic and performance goals and objectives.
My grandfather was a small town business owner/entrepreneur and true to my heritage I was always experimenting with business ideas even from a young age. During my years at university I always ran a small part-time ‘business’– from selling vegetables at the local farmer’s market to taking photographs with an instant Polaroid camera.
After completion of my internship as clinical psychologist in the 1980’s, I had a chance encounter with the business world that hooked me for more than twenty years. The late Dr. Anton Rupert - billionaire businessman, philanthropist and conservationist became my role model and as such I’m passionate about ethical business practices and business strategy. I also believe that Aquasol’s success story can be directly attributed to our unique business model based on integrity, teamwork, quality products, service excellence and social responsibility.
Most of my time is dedicated to Aquasol, but when I get a rare free moment, I like to read biographies, enjoy nature and the art of catch and release fly fishing.
Francois Potgieter
Managing Director
Robbie Thompson (Manager: Quality)
Robbie Thompson
I am primarily responsible for the quality assurance of products and customer service. It is my job to ensure that Aquasol’s products conform to the high standards we and our customers have grown accustomed to.
I’ve been involved in the fertilizer industry for almost 20 years having joined Aquasol shortly after having completed my studies at Potchefstroom University. By nature I’m inclined to be a considerate, adaptable and loyal person. I don’t like disappointing people and believe that quality and sustainable business relationships are very important in any business environment.
I am really committed to my work, though I aim for a good work/life balance. I love to spend time with my family and in my remaining free time I play squash, golf, enjoy fishing and the outdoors.
Robbie Thompson
Manager: Quality
Francois Conradie (Manager: Water solubles)
Francois Conradie
My main responsibilities include the logistics and the operational management of our different warehouses. Through careful planning and co-ordination I aim to contribute to Aquasol’s service excellence by ensuring stock availability, prompt service, and timely deliveries.
I started working at Aquasol in 2003 after spending a few years abroad traveling. I studied business management at Potchefstroom University’s Business School. I am primarily involved in the day-to-day management and planning of our business operations.
When at home, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My hobbies include mountain biking, a game of golf, when time allows, and I also enjoy cooking.
Francois Conradie
Manager: Logistics and Distribution
Danie Conradie (Manager: Liquids & Micro Nutrients)
Danie Conradie
My main responsibility is the operational management of Aquasol’s liquid fertilizer business unit. I am also involved in developing and expanding our micro-nutrient product range that provides our customers with a full range of products covering all the essential elements of plant nutrition.
I come from the Southern Cape (Little Karoo) and joined Aquasol in 2006 after completing my pre-graduate studies in natural sciences (B.Sc.) at Stellenbosch University and UNISA and my postgraduate studies (MBA) at the Management College of Southern Africa. I have a passion for business strategy and competitive analysis.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time practicing fly fishing, golf and I’m an avid sports supporter. Morals which I value include honesty, sincerity, helpfulness and a healthy endeavor to accomplish one’s ideals and dreams.
Danie Conradie
Commercial Manager
Jacques Pieterse (Financial Manager)
Jacques Pieterse
I am responsible for liaising with all our customers and suppliers regarding financial matters. I also prepare and analyse all accounting records to improve and ensure the optimal efficiency of the organisation.
While growing up in the Eastern Cape I developed a passion for business and entrepreneurship, leading me to complete my B.Comm (Hons.) in Management Accounting at North-West University.
I joined Aquasol in 2013 and I hope to help the company build our vision and mission, and to make a contribution on more than only the financial side. I enjoy outdoor life and my hobbies include fishing, playing golf, diving and also kayaking while at the Coast. Photography and technology also interest me and I enjoy spending my free time with friends and family.
Jacques Pieterse
Financial Manager
Riaan Steyn (Senior Admin Controller)
Riaan Steyn
I am mainly responsible for the general administrative tasks at Aquasol. I also assist with various operational and logistical arrangements to ensure our high service standards are met.
I started my career at Aquasol in 2012 and ever since I have enjoyed being back in my hometown, Potchefstroom. After school I worked at a logistics company for little over a year and a half. I have worked in both imports and exports. I believe in hard work and that you are never too old or too young to learn something new.
I strive to make every second count and make the best of every situation. I hope to further my career and contribute to the success of Aquasol.
Riaan Steyn
Senior Admin Controller
Heinrich Botha (Accountant)
Heinrich Botha
I joined Aquasol in 2020 as an accountant responsible for the processing and preparation of financial records as well as the analysis of the accounting information to ensure optimal functioning of the financial systems.
I grew up in Potchefstroom where I also completed my B.Comm Law (Accounting) degree as well as my Hons in Management Accounting (CIMA) at the North West University, thereafter I qualified as a Professional Accountant registered with SAIPA for the past 9 years. I’m an enthusiastic and motivated worker and hope to help the team reach their end goal of success and service excellence through hard work and dedication.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife, family and friends, We enjoy the outdoors and traveling together. Some of my hobbies include playing tennis and squash.
Heinrich Botha
Accountant
Driaana Lourens (Financial and Admin Assistant)
Driaana Lourens
I am the new ‘kid’ on the block at Aquasol and I am currently responsible for administrative and financial support in Aquasol’s finance department.
I have obtained various accredited qualifications in Marketing-, Banking- ,Treasury and Trade Finance. My extensive practical experience in the Finance, Forex and Banking Industry is further enhanced by various financial positions I held in private companies. I am passionate about my work, and will contribute by living the company values - integrity, quality, responsibility, honesty, commitment, loyalty and service excellence. I am efficient and able to prioritize according to deadlines and immediate client service needs.
In my spare time I enjoy nature, love to walk and spend quality time with friends and family. My personal goal is: “Live life to the fullest, and focus on the positive”.
Driaana Lourens
Financial and Admin Assistant
Johan Esterhuyzen (Wholesale Representative)
Johan Esterhuyzen
I am Aquasol’s wholesale representative in the Central and Northern provinces of South Africa. It is my responsibility to establish and strengthen relationships with our customers through service excellence and good business ethics.
I was born and grew up in the Free State. After I matriculated I started working in the civil construction field and joined Aquasol Nutri in 2013.
Growing up in the Free State gave me a passion for nature and agriculture and I live out this passion by being an ethical hunter and fisherman in my free time. My other interests include touring through Africa as well as steel and woodwork. I enjoy the outdoors!
Johan Esterhuyzen
Wholesale Representative
Charles Stone (Wholesale Representative)
Charles Stone
It is my responsibility to develop Aquasol’s market and customer base through sales, marketing, and customer service in the Western and Eastern Cape. I will make sure our customers’ needs and concerns are attended to.
I started working in the fertilizer industry in 1997, specialising in stock control, purchasing, logistics and sales and joined the Aquasol family in 2011. I believe that good customer service is essential for a healthy business to create and retain new and loyal customers, and develop referrals for future customers. I strive to build a healthy relationship with all clients, based on the principles of loyalty, trust and respect.
My family is very important to me and I try to spend as much time as possible with them. I am a sport fanatic and have a passion for music and nature.
Charles Stone
Wholesale Representative
Hendre Gloy (Logistics Controller)
Hendre Gloy
I am originally from the economic heart of South Africa, Gauteng, and have been active in the transport and logistics industry since 2016.
I joined Aquasol Nutri in 2019 and will oversee some of the logistical operations, making sure all products received and dispatched meet the high-quality standards Aquasol Nutri are known for.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I am a very passionate cricketer and enjoy golf and rugby as well. As a person I am very loyal, honest and committed and strive to achieve set goals to be successful in all my endeavours.
Hendre Gloy
Logistics Controller
