Local actor ventures into retail business – opens Cash Converters store
Windhoek-born actor, Dalton Ashikoto who plays businessman Archie Gumbi in TV hit Generations: The Legacy opened the doors to his Cash Converters franchise at the Grove Mall in Windhoek recently.
Ashikoto, who also previously appeared as tax commissioner Stanley Gwala in the South African drama series Rhythm City said he enjoys multitasking, hence the opening of the franchise.
“My career has been dominated by the two loves of my life, performing and business,” said Ashikoto.
The acting bug first bit Ashikoto while he was studying for a degree in computer science in Nairobi, Kenya, in the mid-1990s. One of his earliest parts was the lead, Romeo, in Romeo and Juliet, a pivotal experience that ensured the growth of his new passion and eventually led him to train in Los Angeles, USA.
Even so, Ashikoto did not throw caution to the winds and became the poster boy for blended careers, bridging any gaps in acting parts with support from his business interests.
“I started with an IT business,” he added. “The holding company I established 15 years ago has now expanded to cover a range of sectors, including property development, agriculture, transportation and health and fitness. This is my first franchise and I’m already finding that it offers a great learning curve. I am enjoying the challenge and really appreciate all the support I get through this franchise model. I also believe it offers our customers real value for money, which will definitely help drive business growth.”
Ashikoto has planned carefully for success, choosing a site with great visibility and parking at Namibia’s biggest mall. He has also taken on four new employees to assist his Cash Converters store reach his goal of becoming “the best-performing Cash Converters store in the whole of Africa,” he said.
“We are delighted to welcome to the Cash Converters family Dalton Ashikoto and his experience and talent,” said Richard Mukheibir, Cash Converters Managing Director.
“All of us in the company know how each and every one of your skills and resources are tested and polished in setting up a new store. I went through it myself opening the first-ever Cash Converters store in Parow more than two decades ago,” he added.
Mukheibir believes franchising enables would-be business owners to grow their business skills and investment within a supportive and professional environment and guides them in avoiding common start-up pitfalls.
“The Cash Converters business model offers a three-for-one income stream for franchisees – dealing in second-hand goods, pawnbroking and micro loans,” said Mukheibir.
“We are confident that this, combined with our practical understanding and systems support and training, will help Dalton reach his goals of high performance, diversified business interests and a strong customer base,” he said.
