Diane Duncan

I have owned successful businesses in the Hospitality Industry for over 20 years.  This included running events and managing a team to reach superior levels of service through my skills as a Superior Customer Service Practitioner both internally and externally.  I master building teams and being in a customer environment.  I have all the necessary skills to manage any business as the dynamics are the same. My energy will amaze you.  I sold a North Coast business in October 24.

I matriculated from High School with a University Matric pass in December 1978 where I was the Deputy Head Girl and Captain of all sport teams I partook. I was a South African athlete and selected as a Springbok for netball.

I have a “degree” in the experience of life which  I have gained from numerous businesses I have owned during a very colorful career, and in every one of them, I gave 110% effort, commitment and energy to ensure that high levels of performance was achieved in all areas.

I keep mentioning superior service as this is my passion and is also THE most important dynamic of high reputation and return customers in the business  A customer holiday must not only be a holiday, but it must also be such a wonderful experience in every way that when they think holiday, they must think YOU. Besides this, word of mouth and reviews of excellence, is an extremely powerful tool. I am your girl to do ensure this happens (besides all the other firsthand work I would need to execute.

People in the business make the difference between mediocre and outstanding. In my view, “heart” shown in a business is a huge part of the success in any business. This attribute is often lacking in a male dominated teams of management – and that is why people like me is needed in a business,  Whilst I would work with them, I would bring a woman’s perspective (and in my case some wisdom) into the equation where sometimes the soft touch doing something you done have to do has high visibility and importance,

 I can analyse a personality instantly and know how to deal with the most personality types with assertiveness and confidence.

I am fluent in business practices and systems of control and can learn new ones within a brief time as I understand what is needed and am totally computer literate.

I have also got experience in loss control so will set up security systems to prevent it.

I am an “aesthetic surrounding connoisseur” as first impressions and lack of “coffee stains” count in building a long-term impeccable reputation with customers. The last part for me is excellence in quality of any service given, and particularly food preparation quality. I have huge experience in prioritizing cleanliness, and food quality. 

My experience in Hospitality includes having owned and run Larrys Restaurant on Margate Beachfront for 12 years. This was an extremely busy domestic holiday market-based business.

I also owned Old North Karibu in Umhlali for 8 years. I sold the business in in October 2024. Old North Karibu was a wonderful challenge due to its four-dimensional structure. It exposed me various markets made up of various customer bases for a Pub, a 250-seater Restaurant, outdoor Event Centre alongside a dam. and the servicing of a private owned Padel Court facility for food and liquor. The family market was my passion and most desired business and feel proud that albeit all these markets frequented the premises, I solely was able to always keep high family values on the premises – and this in a high liquor environment.

My premises were immaculate, and most customers will offer testament to my strong Managing Style, “Heart” and no-nonsense approach towards staff levels of productivity. and commitment to their jobs, whether it be from the Chef, or the Gardener.

 I request that when you look at my age at 64, you do not underestimate my ability, or my energy which, even now, still leaves 30 year olds battling to keep up with my place – the trick was teaching them how to run with me.

Nt apologies for the length of explanation due to need to explain my “Degree in Life”  I can do anything as I am fit (and play competitive Padel", Healthy, Able , and the right person for the job.

The education of life degree - by running many businesses over my career.  On the day of departure from Old North Karibu, my landlord stood up in a full Restaurant and made the following comment:

(She was the best we have ever seen managing staff and a business"   His premises have been there for 35 years).