Arno Scholtz

Experience

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  Nutickets/Howler

  Jan 2012 - Oct 2017

  Manager

  As an on-site manager for events, I was responsible for overseeing ticketing, managing on-site cash and cashless payment systems, and training and coordinating staff for large-scale events using the Nutickets and Howler platforms. My role included ensuring smooth operations with devices, troubleshooting technical issues, and managing high volumes of attendees. I worked at notable events such as Rocking the Daisies, Ultra SA, Cape Town Tens, Impi Challenge, and a national tour of Monark and Just Jinjer, ensuring seamless execution of on-site payments and attendee experience. Show less

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  Eskom

  Jun 2013 - Jul 2013

  Student Trainee

  As a vacation work student in Eskom’s Distribution Division, specifically within the Transformer Maintenance Department, I gained hands-on experience in the maintenance and servicing of electrical transformers. I worked alongside skilled technicians to assist with inspections, testing, and troubleshooting issues related to transformer performance. I was exposed to key safety protocols and learned about the importance of preventative maintenance in ensuring reliable power distribution. This experience enhanced my technical knowledge of electrical systems and gave me valuable insights into the operational challenges within the power sector. Show less

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  Belmet Marine (Pty) Ltd

  Jun 2014 - Jul 2014

  Assistant Engineer/Project Manager

  While performing vacation work at Belmet Marine, I gained exposure to various aspects of marine engineering and fabrication. I observed the manufacturing process of custom-engineered marine products, from concept and costing to execution, and assisted with quoting and facility improvements. I also had the opportunity to engage with skilled engineers and technicians, deepening my understanding of the practical applications of marine engineering and the critical safety standards required in this industry. Show less

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  University of Stellenbosch

  Jan 2017 - Nov 2018

  As a Graduate Research Assistant in Materials Research, I conducted experiments for industry partners, assisted in student training, wrote and contributed to academic articles and presentations, and assisted engineering students with their projects. As a Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Engineer and Manager, I managed the furnace, metallography and microscope laboratories. This involved overseeing the day-to-day operations of the labs, ensuring that equipment is maintained and functioning properly, students are equipped and trained, and the consumables are adequately stocked. Additionally, my role involved managing lab safety protocols, coordinating schedules, and troubleshooting any issues that arise with the equipment or experiments.

  • Graduate Research Assistant

    Jan 2016 - Nov 2018

  • Lab Engineer

    Jan 2017 - Dec 2017
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  BridgIoT (RF) (Pty) Ltd

  Jun 2018 - Nov 2021

  After six months as General Manager at BridgIoT, my role expanded dramatically, and I had the opportunity to step up and be challenged to take responsibility for leading the company. I managed everything from company culture and investment seeking to company strategy and product-market fit. I was also deeply involved in product production, development, accounting, customer support, and business development. Navigating through the challenges of COVID-19, I managed to successfully secure investment, ultimately leading to the merger of BridgIoT with the Macrocomm Group. This experience required resilience, adaptability, and hands-on leadership across all aspects of the business. Show less I spearheaded the rollout of smart water metering to over 350 schools in collaboration with BridgIoT, Shoprite, Stellenbosch University, WCED, and hundreds of donors. This project saved an estimated 550 million liters of water and ~R40 million in costs over a period of ~2-years through targeted interventions, maintenance, and education. Providing a critical solution during Cape Town's drought crisis. By working with individual schools, we not only reduced water consumption but also raised awareness and educated communities on sustainable water practices. The project’s success was built on strong partnerships and shared dedication. Show less

  • Interim CEO

    Nov 2018 - Nov 2021

  • General Manager

    Jun 2018 - Nov 2018
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  TechITEZ

  Jul 2019 - Dec 2022

  Managing Director

  TechITEZ was a joint venture between Genric Insurance and BridgIoT. The join venture designed, developed, and deployed novel insure-tech into the South African market. The technology was an IoT water heater controller offering early detection and risk reduction of water heater bursts, while also offering the insured end-user savings on their utility bill. This solution was packaged within Genric Insurance's Safehomes product as a value add to their clients.

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  BridgIoT

  Sept 2021 - Dec 2022

  Chief Executive Officer

  As CEO I led the BridgIoT's overall strategy, operations, and growth. Responsibilities includedinvestor relations, financial management, hiring, HR, accounting, field operations, customerservice, health and safety, research and development, product development, legal matters,product ownership, web development, software engineering management, board meetings,project management, marketing, IoT hardware and services deployment and development.

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  3BO

  Jun 2022 - now

  Product Owner

  As a Product Owner at 3BO, I focus on delivering customer value through innovative asset tracking and recovery solutions. I collaborate with stakeholders to define product vision, prioritize features, scope work, and manage the product backlog to ensure the development team focuses on the most impactful tasks. I also ensure transparent internal and external communication about features and explain complex concepts to various technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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  Livewire Engineering and Consulting (Pty) Ltd

  Nov 2022 - Feb 2023

  Head of Engineering Services

  As head of Engineering Services at Livewire I was responsible for key project management, team leadership, and field operations. In my short time there I focussed on fostering interdepartmental collaboration and communication.

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  Plentify

  Mar 2023 - now

  Director of Operations

  Plentify has recently seen rapid growth and operational success. As Director of Operations at Plentify, I have contributed to a 10x increase in deployed devices over 18-months. I was responsible for leading the transformation of our operations from an office-based setup to a full-scale factory and warehouse facility. I also implemented key processes, documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that enabled us to scale. This shift towards a more mature culture and operating environment allowed the operations team to work more efficiently and organised, streamlining production and allowing the team to fulfil market demand more effectively. These systems created a foundation for operational excellence, ensuring that our hardware production and logistics functions could meet our scaling needs.In addition to overseeing procurement, production, and supply chain management, I lead the growth and recruitment of our customer operations team to manage fulfilment and support services. My focus has shifted recently to leading and growing the product operations team, a more engineering-orientated team within the Operations Department. I provide leadership, know-how, insights, and guidance on our research and development efforts, ensuring we adapt and improve our products, services, and processes to remain at the forefront of innovation in the energy and renewables sector. By fostering problem-solving and critical thinking within the team and addressing operational challenges, I’ve played a pivotal role in enabling seamless operations and supporting Plentify’s continued success. Show less