HIRSCH PMB HOSTS THE UNSUNG HEROES

Hirsch PMB recently hosted Netcare 911 at their final breakfast of 2012, with Paramedics Dewald & Shaun showing the 25 guests some basic life saving skills for the home and on the busy roads. Seven members of the Pietermaritzburg Fire Brigade also attended the breakfast and hirsch PRO Victoria Laubscher asked them for some tips on preventing fires. Amy Niemandt from Warrens Gym said “We always believe these things happen to other people and it is helpful to know what to do during emergencies” Laubscher thanked the paramedics & the fireman for all they do, risking their own lives to save others. Hirsch’s will resume monthly breakfasts with interesting speakers in the new year and wish all customers and residents of PMB a blessed and safe Christmas season.

 

In The Pic: Amy & Roxy Niemandt with 911 Paramedic Shaun smith

HIRSCH SPREADS THE WARMTH IN HILTON

This morning a team from Hirsch PMB visited Department Agriculture in Hilton bearing coffee and muffins for a misty morning treat. Milly Gareeb, who had read about our coffee/Muffin mornings on the internet was delighted as the staff don’t often get together for a cup of coffee and a chat. Should businesses be interested in receiving the same special treatment, please contact Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za

 

SAMSUNG GALAXY TRAINING AT HIRSCH’S

Hirsch PMB hosted their first Samsung Galaxy Training breakfast session recently with  Samsung Tab expert Lazarus………. showing  guests the basics of the tab and then amazing them with all the fun and wonderful things that can be done on the tab. After the session Lazarus spent some one on one time with guests who had brought their own tablets along with them.  PRO Victoria Laubscher assured residents of PMB that the training will be repeated again in 2013 along with some other exciting breakfasts.

 

In the Pic: Hirsch PRO, Victoria Laubscher, Instore Samsung Ambassador, Natasha Joseph and Guest Johnathan Van Staden

LUCI HANGS UP HER MIC.

After 7 years and 7 radio station the ‘Hi I am Luci Hirsch’ campaign has come to an end.

 

Commented CEO of Hirsch’s Allan Hirsch “The campaign has been more successful than we ever thought, but it has run its course. Luci is pregnant with her third child and to have three children at pre-school is a handful and a very important job.  She has done an outstanding job creating goodwill for the company and getting Hirsch’s name across the nation on radio also becoming a  popular radio personality in her own right, doing  adverts for various other organisations.”

 

“At Hirsch’s we feel that it’s time for a change and acknowledge the amazing contribution Luci has made creating an awareness of Hirsch, over the years.  Our new campaign will start on all radio stations this weekend so listen out for Greg and Michelle

PMB CHILD WELFARE BENEFITS FROM HIRSCH BIG ON SMALLS CAMPAIGN

The Big on Smalls campaign that is being run in all Hirsch branches throughout

KZN has helped feed, and raise awareness to disadvantaged people in projects being run by

various charitable organisations in the province.

For every small appliance purchased at Hirsch’s, money goes

towards a staple food or cleaning product for a charitable project . 

For the month November 50 loaves of Bread, 30 kg of Mieliemeel, Soap and Washing powder were donated to Pietermaritzburg Child Welfare. Social Worker Jothnie Perumal said that it is always heart-warming when the businesses of PMB support local charities. Hirsch’s Victoria  Laubscher  would like to thank the customers who purchased the appliances which made the donation possible.

 

In the pic: Social Work Managers Jothie Perumal and Mala Moodley with Hirsch PRO, Victoria Laubscher

STANDING OVATION FOR MARGARET HIRSCH AT RUSSELL HIGH

Almost 45 years from the day she wrote matric, Margaret Hirsch, who recently won the BWSA’s Business Woman of the Year, Entrepreneur category,  was asked to address the school leavers of Russel High School.

 

The girls were enthralled to hear how Margaret, aged 12 saw a pair of shoes she wanted and set out to buy them with a job washing hair on a Saturday morning and  earning 50c.  Needless to say, she bought those shoes and has not looked back since, working hard for everything she has. This year the Hirsch’s the company that she co-founded with her husband Allan, will turn over a billion rand.

 

Margaret told the girls that there are two important days in ones life , the first is the day you are born and the second is when you find out why.

 

The girls rose in thunderous applause when Margaret told them she was a Russel High girl, giving them hope to  know that she, with nothing more than a matric could succeed in life and the world was their oyster and that it was up to them to make the most of their life.

 

Margaret concluded by saying that South Africa is a land of wealth and abundance and the youth of South Africa must get stuck in and work really hard to ensure we go from strength to strength.

 

Hirsch PMB staff hosted a demonstration table exhibiting some of the amazing technology available at Hirschs, the girls could not stop talking about Margaret. “She is an awesome boss, hard but fair and has taught her workers some great “life lessons” and continues to grow her employees so that each and every one will be successful”, said PRO Victoria Laubscher

HIRSCH PMB SUPPORTS MOVEMBER

Hirsch Pietemaritzburg store manager, Phil Hodgson grew his moustache in support of Movember. “ It is so itchy, I can’t wait to shave it off” said Hodgson.

PMB RESIDENT WINS ON THE ESPRESSO SHOW

Pietermaritzburg resident, Mr Brian Lite was the lucky winner of the Russel Hobbs smoothie Glow maker on the morning Espresso show co-sponsored by Hirsch’s. “I am very excited to be a winner, this is the second time I have won a prize, the last one through DSTV” said Mr Lite. Hirsch PRO, Victoria Laubscher told us that Mr Lite only sent one sms to win the prize.

 

 

In The Pic: Trainee Manager Lloyd Hardman, Winner Brian Lite, Hirsch Admin Manager Gringo Naicker

 

HIRSCH PMB FINAL DOMESTIC COURSE FOR 2012

Hirsch Pietermaritzburg hosted their final Free Domestic Workers course for 2012 with PRO, Victoria Laubscher doing a  training session with the workers on the nooks and crannies that are often neglected during the cleaning process. “The Course has proved to be very successful during the past 11 months and domestics from various Bed & Breakfasts and private households have learnt how to care for all aspects in the modern household” said Laubscher.  The Course will start again in 2013, For any enquiries please contact Hirsch PRO, Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za

A WARM RECEPTION FROM HIRSCH’S

 

Hirsch’s Pietermaritzburg recently visited Eastwood primary on a rainy PMB morning and served the staff with hot coffee and fresh muffins..  “This was a great start to the day.  Thanks to Hirsch’s for giving us a warm, fuzzy feeling to start the day.”  said Headmistress, Jean Vetter.

 

If you would  like to treat your  staff to a coffee/muffin morning please contact Victoria Laubscher at Hirsch PMB on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za

 

 

In The Pic: Salesman: Bradley Marx, Headmistress Jean Vetter, Hirsch PRO, Victoria Laubscher

HIRSCH’S – GIVING BACK THIS CHRISTMAS

Every year at this time, Hirsch’s find a way of giving back to the communities in which they operate.

This year, each branch throughout the group will be focusing on charities, NGO’s and NPO’s  in need in their

communities and will be donating food hampers that will include all the basic needs for a family.  Coming on board with them in their “Giving Back This Christmas” campaign are Electrolux, Sunlight, Omo, Iwisa, Snowflake, Caxton and Nu World.  CEO of Hirsch’s, Allan Hirsch explained that  every time a customer purchases a “smalls” product from Hirsch’s  - eg: kettles, toasters, irons etc. valued at over R200, a food or cleaning item will automatically go towards a hamper for a charity.  The hampers will be handed over to the charities on the 24^th November and the 24^th December – in time to give families in need a happy, healthy Christmas!

 

 

TALK BY CHILD KINETESIST AT HIRSCH BREAKFAST

“Child Kinetics is the way a child moves and how that affects the way a child learns and his ability to learn. Windows of opportunity is the time that a childs brain learns certain functions – this closes at the age of 7”. These were snippets of what guests heard when they attended Hirschs PMB monthly networking breakfast recently.  Guest speaker, Child Kinetesist, Dewald Debeer also went through the “Normal” (a term he doesn’t like to use) development of a child and what ages the brain learns a certain movement or task and the role a child kinetesist plays in this development.

At the age of 7 Dewald was diagonosed with Tourette syndrome, ADD, Dyslexia & OCD, He was told that he would never get matric or go to a university. At university his professors told him that people like him don’t belong at varsity, and he should stop wasting their time and his parents money.  Dewald proved them all wrong. Today he has the following qualifications: B.Sport Science(UP); PGCE Senior Phase(UP); B.Sport Science Hons with specialisation Child Kinetics(US).  He has a thriving  practise in PMB, and  is very passionate about helping children -  and has some great success stories to tell.

                                                                                                                                                                                          

Hirsch’s hosts a networking breakfast on a monthly basis and any enquiries on the breakfast or speakers can be directed to PRO, Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za

 

 

In the Pics: PRO, Victoria Laubscher, Nicci Wichmann, Dewald Debeer, Bronwyn Erskine

10TH COURSE FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS AT HIRSCH’S PMB.

Last week Hirsch PMB hosted their 10^th DomesticWorkers Course.  Jackie Gravett from AEG did a cooking demonstration in the AEG Pressure Cooker and the Electrolux Grill Microwave and  showed the workers how to prepare a delicious curry and grilled Chicken. “The participants were amazed at what the pressure cooker can do and will return to their workplace with a new item added to their shopping list.”  Said Hirsch’s Victoria Laubscher.  Hirsch PMB hosts a Free Domestic course once a month in their store in Chatterton street. For any enquiries contact Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za

 

In the Pic: Attendees at the domestic course enjoying the delicious curry prepared in the AEG electric pressure cooker

In the Pic: Attendees proudly showing certificates received for the course

SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR INSPIRES LOCAL BUSINESS WOMEN.

South Africa’s Business Woman of the year, (entrepreneur) Margaret Hirsch was the guest speaker  at a  “Women in Business” breakfast last Thursday at the Ascot Conference Centre. Margaret inspired the women telling them how she and husband Allan had built a successful business starting with only R900 in their pockets, 2 children and no income.  She said that hard work and dedication is the key to success and reminded the audience that it is important to have a passion for what you do and to believe in yourself. Chairlady of  PMB’s Women in Business Ali Engelbrecht, thanked Margaret for taking the time to speak at the function, and said how proud everyone was to have a Pietermaritzburg girl honoured with such an exclusive title. Hirsch PRO, Victoria Laubscher handed out some of Margaret’s Cook books – At Home With Hirsch’s and Living The Vegetarian Life to people in the audience and Margaret explained her motives and inspiration in writing them.

 

In The Pics: Margaret Hirsch with Chairlady Ali Engelbrecht

ESTATE AGENTS LEARN THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY AT HIRSCH’S

 

Last week Hirsch PMB held a photography talk and breakfast for local Estate Agents.  Over fifty agents arrived to listen to Professional Photographer, Rory Armstrong discussing the way to take the perfect photograph  - both inside and out – of a property. Rory showed them the difference lighting can make in a photograph and how to enhance features of the property, and reminded them to take along some props for the perfect picture.   Elsie Somers & Edward Ndlovu were the winners of Hirsch Vouchers in a lucky draw. Hirsch PMB hosts these breakfasts for Estate Agents every 2 months and should there be any enquiries they can be forwarded to Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za

 

In The Pic: Hirsch PRO, Victoria Laubscher, Voucher Winner, Elsie Somers, Hirsch Photograph expert, Rory Armstrong

In The Pic: Hirsch PRO, Victoria Laubscher, Voucher Winner, Edward Ndlovu, Hirsch Photograph expert, Rory Armstrong

HIRSCH WEB GURU RETURNS BY POPULAR DEMAND

Hirsch’s  web Guru, Shaun Reid, returned to Pietermaritzburg to talk at their monthly Networking Breakfast last week and  shared his knowledge with Guests on how to utilise facebook to it’s full potential. Some tips that he shared were changing the wording on your page and putting interesting content on pages. Regular guest, Greg Erskine from Pukka Enterprises, said that he can’t wait to get back to the office and make the changes suggested by Shaun. Hirsch’s hosts a networking breakfast on a monthly basis and any enquiries can be directed to Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za

 

In The Pic: Shaun Reid & Greg Erskine from Pukka Enterprises

HIRSCH PMB CELEBRATES HERITAGE DAY

Customers arriving at Hirsch’s this weekend were welcomed by the aroma’s of a good old fashioned braai, and helped themselves to delicious, sizzingly hot boerewors rolls served up by the sales staff as part of Hirsch’s Heritage Day celebrations.

 

Pic 1: Sales consultant Zenobia Joubert with the Dhlamini brothers.

HIRSCH KEEPS TEACHERS WARM IN COLD WET WEATHER

Last week Hirsch staff surprised the teachers of Northern Park Primary School with some freshly ground cappuccino muffins. Headmaster, Kevin Marais thanked PRO, Victoria Laubscher and her team for spoiling them and said that he looked forward to future ventures with Hirsch’s. “The Coffee & Muffin Mornings is a campaign that Hirsch’s is running to say thank you to PMB residents for their loyal support.”  Victoria Laubscher, PRO for the branch told us.   Should anyone be interested in hosting a Coffee & Muffin Morning for their staff please contact Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za.

 

In the Pic: Northern Park Headmaster, Kevin Marais & Hirsch Sales Lady Rachel Seboko

 

MARGARET HIRSCH WINS TOP AWARD IN ANNUAL BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION.

Chief Operations Officer of Hirsch’s, Margaret Hirsch,  was announced the winner  in the Entrepreneur section of the Annual Business Women of the Year Awards at the awards dinner held in the Sandton Convention Centre last night.  The competition is  run by the Business Women’s Association of South Africa (BWSA)   Nedbank and Telkom are co sponsors of the event.

Accepting the award from the Guest of Honour, H.E.  President Jacob Zuma, Margaret said “ This is a great honour for me, but I want you  to know that I could never have done it alone. To my husband Allan, thank you for the past 41 years, and thank you for being a strong enough man  to allow me to be a strong woman and always do my own thing even when you didn’t agree. To my mother who is 87 and still fighting fit -thank you for keeping me grounded and teaching me the values that have enabled me to think for myself and do the right thing no matter what. To my children and grandchildren - you are my true wealth and you have given me more than you will ever know.

 

 I could not stand here without the support of the Hirsch team, some of whom have been with me for over 30 years. We work together like a family and Hirsch’s is run like a well oiled machine. It has been my joy to see you go from strength to strength as our company has grown steadily year on year and to the new team members  coming into the orginsation as we grow - my goal in life is that you can reach all your goals. It’s by helping all of you to grow that I have grown as well - you have lifted me up and you continue to do so daily.”

 

This is the 33^rd year that the competition has been in existence – and co-incidentally, the Hirsch’s have been in business for 33 years, having founded their Appliance and Electronics company 33 years ago.  Margaret and Allan are joint founders of this family run business, starting out with R900 when they opened their doors in a small shop in 1979.  With eleven branches spread throughout KZN, Gauteng and the Cape, they plan to  cross the R1 billion turnover mark for the 2012 financial year.

HIRSCH ‘S LAUNCH CAREERS OF WOMEN

Last week Hirsch’s embarked on a road show in all KZN stores empowering women and recruiting for the stores. The final Womens Career Brunch was held at the Pietermaritzburg branch where Margaret Hirsch addressed the Ladies and talked about her humble beginnings and through hard work and dedication became the Operations Manager and co-owner of Hirsch’s. Supporting Mrs Hirsch on the roadshow was HR Manager Katie Lingley and National Trainer Jenny Syren , both sharing their expert knowledge in their relative fields. Margaret spent some quality individual time with the attendees and Hirsch’s look forward to watching the careers of women grow from strength to strength.

 

In the pic: Hirsch PRO Victoria Laubscher, Mrs Margaret Hirsch, Attendees Zama & Thobeka.

HIRSCH’S VOTED TOP IN YOUR CHOICE AWARDS

For the 4^th year  running, Hirsch’s, the largest independently owned appliance company in Southern Africa, has been voted top in the Your Choice Awards, a survey run by the Daily News, part of the Independent Newspaper group.  They won the award for coming top, with the public, in three categories  - Appliance store;  Home electronics store and Air conditioning supplier.

Commented CEO of the company, Allan Hirsch  “It is very humbling to have received this accolade from the public and I am absolutely amazed and blown away.  However, I know this couldn’t  have happened without an incredible staff and the  passion that we all have  for our customers.  I believe our mission statement of having happy customers who return often because  a superior service is provided -  is a deal breaker. Being a family store, we try to make sure people feel welcome in our stores and we really appreciate them spending their hard earned money with us. We are most grateful for the support and I would like to thank all our customers most sincerely as well as our incredible staff.” Said Allan.

VACUUM CLEANERS – IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT HIRSCH PMB’S DOMESTIC WORKSHOP.

This month at Hirsch PMB’s domestics workshop, participants were put through their paces on the use of vacuum cleaners with  Cheryl Woollatt  from Miele showing the different types of Vacuum Cleaners in the market place and the uses of each type.  She stressed the important of machines bieng kept clean and bags  emptied to prevent overheating and fire. All the different attachments were demonstrated and the attendees left again with some new knowledge and the confidence to handle the vacuums at their workplaces. Hirschs hosts these workshops on a monthly and basis and any enquiries can be forwarded to Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za

HIRSCH’S PMB GIVES BACK

REACH OUT is situated in France, an informal settlement just on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg, where there are over 75 000 residents, They deal daily with the soul destroying poverty that exists in the area. Liberty Properties built  a centre there to look after child headed households and they daily, with the help of KFC, give a donation of food , for over 900 children.

The programme feeds them, helps them with homework and various schools in the area help  with education, training and play. They also have a clinic  that is run by NCF church.

The centre has carpets in the hall which have not been vacuumed in a while. On various occasions they are able to loan a vacuum cleaner but Hirsch PMB has decided to give back to the community and donated a much needed Vacuum Cleaner so that the residents of the centre are able to live and work in a dust free environment.

In The Pic: Melanie Du Plessis from REACH OUT, Victoria Laubscher PRO Hirsch Pietermaritzburg

The ladies of Hirsch PMB show support for the REACH FOR A DREAM FOUNDATION Slipper Day. Seen In the Picture are Sales Ladies Amy, Pearl and Melissa together with PRO Victoria
.

HIRSCH PMB CELEBRATES ANOTHER YEAR

Last weekend Hirsch PMB celebrated another birthday.  They have been in their present position in Chatterton Street for 3 years now but have had a presence in Pietermaritzburg for 24 years. The store was abuzz with activity from early morning. Customers did not only benefit from the fantastic specials in the shop but enjoyed tasting the treats prepared by the various supplier promoters who were all determined to wow the taste buds! They were also treated to  the delicious birthday cake and children had fun on the Hirsch jumping castle and made some noise on the drums with Drumkidz and could also have their faces painted by the clown instore. The master of ceremonies made sure the music was playing and customers kept updated on specials and activities in store. Hirsch PMB would like to thank all customers for their support over the years and look forward to ensuring homes are filled with good quality products.

MARGARET HIRSCH – FINALIST IN ANNUAL BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD.

Chief Operations Officer of Hirsch’s, Margaret Hirsch,  has been nominated as a finalist in the Entrepreneur section of the Annual Business Women of the Year Awards run by the Business Women’s Association of South Africa (BWSA). The nominations were announced at a function held in the Executive suite at Nedbank, Sandton City yesterday (July 26^th).  Nedbank and Telkom are co sponsors of the event.

There are three finalists in the Entrepreneur section, Johanna Mukoki, MD and joint founder of Travel With Flair, Pria Hassan, CEO of Women of Africa Investments and Margaret.  The announcement of the winner in this category, and also the Corporate category, will be announced at a gala function in Johannesburg on August 28, 2012

This is the 33^rd year that the competition has been in existence – and co-incidentally, the Hirsch’s have been in business for 33 years, having founded their Appliance and Electronics company 33 years ago.  Margaret and Allan are joint founders of this family run business, starting out with R900 when they opened their doors in a small shop in 1979.  With eleven branches spread throughout KZN, Gauteng and the Cape, they plan to  cross the R1 billion turnover mark for the 2012 financial year.

ANOTHER ROCKING SATURDAY AT HIRSCH PMB

Saturday morning at Hirsch PMB started with some early morning coffee to keep out the chill – The music outside was soon to follow with a group of kids moving and grooving to the beat. They team from PMB prepared the Potatoe & Herb Fritters from the new Hirsch’s Vegetarian Cookbook – and they turned out perfectly – Margaret Hirsch was in store to sign cookbooks for customers and to taste the results. “Shopping at Hirsch’s on a Saturday is an adventure on its own said PRO, Victoria Laubscher.

         

HANDY TIPS FOR PIETERMARITZBURG DOMESTICS

Hirsch PMB held their 7^th Domestic Training course this week – with PRO, Victoria Laubscher showing the guests how to cook an easy and simple rice & mince meal – Training was also done on the coffee machine and then Laubscher turned the tables and got the guests to share their own personal “Handy Tips” – The course finished off with a short self defense move ! Lots of fun was had by all and the participant are looking forward to next months training. Hirsch PMB hosts this course on a monthly basis and for any further enquiries please contact Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za