Ian turns out to be our very first Ambassador in South Africa: he is based in Pretoria and has no less than 4 PrestaShop stores! Ever since he joined the Program in July, he has already organized , the latest was held a few days ago. We want to thank him for his involvement and dedication by naming him Ambassador of the month of October. We have asked him a few questions, discover his answers below.
About you
Three words to best describe you:
Trustworthy, peaceful, realistic
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
“Life happens when you're busy making plans” – Don’t just sit back and dream about things you want to do. Go out and do it. You don’t have to have a foolproof plan. Just start!
What is your hidden talent?
I’ve run a few Ultra Marathon’s, the most notable the world's oldest and largest ultra marathon the 87 kilometres Comrades Marathon.
A favorite line from a movie?
"Wax on, wax off" The Karate Kid. It reminds me that it is often those small tedious unpleasant tasks that’s critical to the success of your project.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go and why?
Japan, to experience the culture. The culture is so different from South Africa. They have great food, beer and coffee. Trains are always on time. And nice Onsen baths to relax. And as I’m a rugby supporter, would like to visit Japan in 2019 when the Rugby World Cup is hosted there.
About your country
What's your favorite local dish?
Braai & beer. The word “braai” is Afrikaans for “barbecue” or “grill” and is a social custom in South Africa. Over weekends South Africans like to get together with friends, braai, socialize and watch sport.
South African braai
Give us a fun fact about your country:
The first successful heart transplant was carried out in South Africa by Dr Christiaan Barnard on 3 December 1967
South Africa has hosted the football (2010), cricket (2003) and rugby (1995) world cups – it is the only country in the world other than England to have done so.
South Africa hosts the world’s largest bicycle race - The Cape Town Cycle Tour with 35,000 riders taking part.
About PrestaShop
What is your favorite PrestaShop store ?
Ma Ptite Culotte - www.maptiteculotte.com. I like the look, functionality and user-friendliness.
What opportunities does PrestaShop provide in your country?
The unemployment rate is high in South Africa. Desperate to provide for themselves and unable to find work people become entrepreneurs. PrestaShop is a great low cost platform for entrepreneurs to sell their products online.
And for current brick and mortar retailers PrestaShop presents an opportunity to break into a different the market.
What is your feedback on the new major version, PrestaShop 1.7?
I like the new product creation process. It is quicker and easier to add products to your catalogue. Also the check out process has been improved and is more customer friendly.
About being an Ambassador
What is your proudest moment as a PrestaShop Ambassador?
I am excited about PrestaShop and ecommerce. I am proud when I explain the PrestaShop solution to people and I see they get excited as well. It makes me proud to assist people setting up or improving their ecommerce stores.
What do you like the most about being an Ambassador?
I like being part of an ecommerce network and community. It gives me the opportunity to share and contribute, but also to learn and develop my ecommerce skills.
A last word?
The more ecommerce shops we get into motion, the better it is for our employment rate, our economic growth and social development. South Africa will become better with more focus on ecommerce. Let’s go online!
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Thank you very much!
Discover more about Ian’s profile and join his meetup group.
You want to become a PrestaShop Ambassador? Apply now.
See you next month ;)
