OUR TEAM
Tom Geldart, Managing Director
Tom@biochemproducts.co.za
Background
Tom hails from Matatiele, East Griqualand, where he grew up on a farm and attended an agricultural school. Tom is blessed with a strong family, and he and his bubbly wife Robyn have raised three grounded children who are currently pursuing their passions around the world.
Tom enjoys off-road motorbiking, paddling, trail running, and mountain biking. Tom is well-balanced, and when work becomes a bit much, he will escape to the mountains or coast and can often be seen cruising the dirt roads in the other darling in his life, 'Ginny' - his old 1957 Landy Series 1.
Day to day at work
Tom's day is diverse. His priority is engaging with business partners from the waste and wastewater industry here in South Africa, Botswana, the UK, and the USA. Tom enjoys providing technical support to the young bucks in the team of sales consultants. He is also a key contributor to the R&D team and factory.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Tom says, " Well, what can I say? It is the sole reason that I formed Biochem in the first place. The sole motivation for me was seeing, first hand, the contamination entering our beautiful rivers, knowing that people downstream relied on this natural resource."
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Wild Away Spray! An excellent choice to protect you from ticks and mozzies when pursuing your favourite outdoor activity.
Favourite quote
“Whatever decisions you make in life, remember, the wheels (there are big and small ones) are always turning.”
Cara Pechey, Operations Manager
Cara@biochemproducts.co.za
Background
Cara is a '78 baby who grew up one of four girls in her busy, happy home in Queensburgh, Durban. Having parents who worked in the airline industry meant that their girls enjoyed many overseas holidays together (can you imagine the chatter on those long-haul flights?) Cara's beautiful and talented daughter, Kyla, is her pride and joy.
Cara is a high-energy person who has completed Comrades Marathons, and a few Midmar Mile swims. On the weekends, she can be found on the back of an adventure bike with her partner Ryan or learning to play the guitar.
Day to day at work
Cara's daily routine includes running the factory, managing her team of three, and Planning and forecasting everything from raw materials to finished goods.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Cara says, " I am always very proud to talk about what our company does, where we came from, all those years ago, and how we always strive to improve wherever possible". It's a bonus to talk about how natural our recipes have been formulated, and I know that the quality of our ingredients has never been compromised. We always go the most natural route possible, and it's fascinating that we are looking at other eco-friendly packaging options".
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Our Nu-Eco Hand & Surface Sanitiser is Cara's choice. She loves the product's versatility, that it's safe and gentle enough for your hands but that it can effectively sanitise any surface. The fresh spearmint fragrance is a treat!
Favourite quote
“KISS: Keep it simple, stupid. Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.”
Thulisile Buthelezi, Production Assistant
Background
Thuli, as she is affectionately known, is the second-born child in a family of eight and hails from Ntukuso, Kwazimba KZN. Her hobbies are laughing, spending time with her children and doing housework (in that order).
Day to day at work
Thuli spends her workday manufacturing the formulations that make up our range. With her eye for detail and quality, Thuli ensures the bottles are labelled perfectly, filled, batch stamped etc. Every step from the point of mixing the recipes up to getting them ready for the warehouse.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Thuli says, "I can say it's good because our product is safe and effective; it's natural."
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Our Nu-Eco Hygienic Handwash leaves her hands soft.
Favourite quote
“Kindness is free.”
Sibonelo Mtshali, Production Assistant
Background
Sibonelo was born in Matubatuba and grew up in bustling Umlazi, Durban. Sibonelo was raised by his father and attributes who he is to him. Inside and out. Regarding hobbies, watching YouTube over the weekends is top of his list.
Day to day at work
Manufacturing goods, labelling, batch stamping, and dispatching goods from the factory to the finished goods area are all on his "to-do" list. If you visit us at the factory, you will know Sibo by his signature Mickey Mouse bucket hat; he’s never without it. That, and his strong work ethic.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Sibonelo says, “Working for Nu-Eco, I must say, is wonderful because we don’t use harmful chemicals. We only use natural oils, and the important part is these products are 100% biodegradable”.
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Just like Cara, Sibonelo loves using our Nu-Eco Hand & Surface Sanitiser. He loves that it’s quick and easy to make in the factory and the smell of spearmint is so wonderful!
Favourite quote
"It doesn’t matter where you come from; what matters is where you’re going."
Felicia Ndlovu, Dispatch & Receiving Assistant
Background
Felicia was born in Cliffdale, KZN, where she grew up and went to school. Felicia still lives there with her family and precious children. Felicia loves learning new things, listening to music and watching tv.
Day to day at work
Felicia’s role includes overseeing the busy dispatch zone, handling all things dispatch, receiving, and liaising with our courier partners. Felicia’s eye for quality means that every item that leaves our factory is lovingly checked and ready for its new home.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Felicia says, “ It means helping the planet by re-using it by reusing, recycling and reducing waste in our lives”.
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Odour Eliminator! Felicia loves using this in her home as it leaves everything smelling fresh.
Favourite quote
"Things always get better with time."
Casey Wilson, Marketing and Sales Manager
Casey@biochemproducts.co.za
Background
Casey is a Durbanite who spent ten years in Cape Town in the food industry before moving home to KZN. A creative at heart, Casey is likely to be found painting, cooking, or learning a new skill online when she’s not mothering her two sweet children, Ella and Liam. Casey married an adventurer/athlete from America to balance her indoor hobbies. The couple spends a lot of time outdoors together, hunting, hiking, fly fishing or training their dogs, Buck and Willis.
Community service, environmental impact and social justice are high on Casey’s list of priorities and are at the core of what is important to her and her family.
Day to day at work
Casey’s role involves managing all aspects of marketing for Biochem – from strategic planning to implementation and monitoring of all activities, on and offline, and reporting on performance to the board. Casey believes that product experience and trial are critical for the growth of Nu-Eco, as new customers rarely switch away after using the products.
From a sales perspective, Casey manages the team of reps and works with them to ensure they reach their targets. Casey also manages all key account activities.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Casey says, “People are motivated by different things. Some by money, others strong leadership or being the best in their field, to name a few. I am motivated by growth, but only if that growth is ethical and in line with my core values. At Nu-Eco, I develop and market products that mean something to people and make their lives and homes healthier. I love the work we do with farmers as well, that we treat their waste and that what is then released into the surrounding water systems is clean and non-detrimental. This means a great deal to me.”
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Our Pit Toilet Powder as pit toilets are a pain point for some people. They can be challenging to maintain, and this product makes a world of difference to those systems and the families that use them. She loves that the packaging is 100% compostable.
Favourite quote
“The precursor to compassion is the willingness to see.”
Saloshna Naidoo, Business Administrator and Factory front of house
Saloshna@biochemproducts.co.za
Background
Saloshna was born and raised in a closely-knit community called Chatsworth and is part of what she terms a typical Indian family, where religion and culture are the orders of the day. Saloshna’s spirituality is at her heart, and she finds much joy and fulfilment in helping the less fortunate. Saloshna describes herself as being passionate about the science of the soul.
Day to day at work
Saloshna has a pivotal role at Biochem as she assists the finance manager, liaises with the factory, the sales team, dispatch and, well, basically everyone who places an order with us! Over and above all this, Saloshna is the front-facing person at our factory and welcomes every customer and supplier with grace.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Saloshna says, “Since my employment here at Biochem, I’ve learnt much about our environment, the world we live in, and the impact our household products have on our surroundings. It has been a positive, invaluable learning experience which has allowed me to be more conscious of what I now give back to our MOTHER EARTH. So, working for an eco-friendly company is an absolute blessing, a lesson now shared with others."
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Saloshna is a massive fan of our Surface Cleaner. I use it on anything and everything. It cleans like magic!
Favourite quote
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Kim Woodburn, Training and Merchandising Operator
Kim@biochemproducts.co.za
Background
“Mama Kim”, as we call her in the factory, was raised on a farm and plant nursery in Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape. Besides mandatory shoe-wearing at school, Kim spent most of her childhood barefoot or in gumboots exploring the farm, helping with chores, serving nursey customers, learning to propagate plants, riding horses bareback, and scrambling up waterfalls.
Kim’s life and work experience include working as an admin assistant in the financial sector, raising two children, and serving in community and school fundraising events. Kim is known and loved for her deep conviction and passion for all things related to waste and our natural world.
Day to day at work
Kim spends her days assisting our reps with taking orders, delivering, merchandising, and conducting product training for our retail customers and their teams. Kim helps the marketing department run what we call “Conscious Cleaning Workshops” for our consumers; these workshops focus on healthier cleaning routines and habits in the home.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Kim says, “I’ve always been passionate about wildlife and the preservation of fresh water. This passion has intensified as the destruction of the very planet which gives us life has escalated out of control; what a blessing to work for a company which promotes Earth Harm Reduction through products made from natural ingredients which are healthier for us, safer for all animals and wildlife, and in particular safer for our precious water resources. I am eternally grateful that through my work, I am in a position to help shift both public and corporate thinking to less harmful cleaning regimes and better water stewardship."
Favourite Nu-Eco product
This is a nightmare question for Kim as she loves the WHOLE range! We know, however, that Kim is wild for our Surface Cleaner. A day rarely goes by without her name dropping this product into a sentence.
Favourite quote
"Respond to every call that excites your spirit."
Kajal Singh, Finance Manager
kajal@biochemproducts.co.za
Background
Kajal lives in Durban and comes from a massive family of five siblings, of which she is the youngest. Kajal lives at home with her mom, who inspires her daily to work hard and succeed. In her free time, Kajal loves spending time with her family and friends; for her, it's all about creating lots of good memories.
Kajal began her career with Biochem as a bookkeeper and has grown with our company over the years under the mentorship of our financial director, Estelle Botha.
Day to day at work
Hopping between head office and the factory, Kajal’s role includes managing payroll and all financial-related work and reporting to the business.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
“This has changed me positively. It has made me aware of all the harmful services and products people are still using that are harmful to the environment and their effect on living things. Saving our environment and keeping it clean for the next generation to have better living conditions.”
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Our versatile Surface Cleaner is Kajal’s favourite product. She feels it’s the best product used in the kitchen, bathroom, and on all surfaces and floors. Being the glamourous woman that she is, Kajal loves that the product is gentle on her hands.
Favourite quote
"Life doesn’t allow you to be weak."
Vaughan Lee, Sales representative for KZN and surrounds
Vaughan@biochemproducts.co.za
Background
Vaughan has been with us from the start and is well-entrenched in the retail market in KZN. A Durban boy at heart, Vaughan spends his weekends with his wife and son and usually plays cricket (he plays at club level) or rugby.
Day to day at work
Vaughan is a high-performing sales rep who spends his workday visiting his retail and agricultural customers, working on solutions with them on how to grow their business. As part of the technical support that we offer at Biochem for agricultural, hospitality or industrial customers, Vaughan can be found dosing water plants, septic systems, fat traps etc.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Vaughan says, “I love working for Nu-Eco. It’s completely different from selling normal reusable products. Our products do make a difference and help the environment. I love seeing customers' reactions when they use our Biochem range on their wastewater when it solves their problem.”
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Surface Cleaner. Again. Surface Cleaner!! Vaughan and his family LOVE how the product smells; it dilutes well and therefore offers a high yield and value.
Favourite quote
"Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later."
Stuart Gifford, Sales representative for Gauteng and surrounds
Stuart@biochemproducts.co.za
Background
Stuart was born in Ashburton in KZN, but the minute you meet him, you can tell he grew up in Gqeberha. Stu spent his childhood hanging out with friends at the beach or on a skateboard. His close relationship with his mom Gill led the two of them to work together.
Stu has a background in food and loves gaming and spending time with family.
Day to day at work
Usually found on the road, scouting new business, networking, promoting, training, and merchandising products on the shelf. The list is endless.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Stuart says, “ It means confidence. Knowing what I am doing impacts positively while promoting change, building confidence around our brand and company objectives.”
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Surface Cleaner. Can you see a pattern?! Can you tell me which product to start with if you want to choose one? Stu loves the product for its versatility and value,
Favourite quote
Stu was too busy selling to send us a quote.
Shireen Jones , Sales representative for Mpumalanga
mpumalanga@biochemproducts.co.za
062 386 9390
Background
For those who aren’t aware of where that is, it’s right on the doorstep to the Kruger National Park.
I have a passion for Marketing, playing golf, and, of course, the bush!
I am married to a wonderful husband and mother to two boys.
Day to day at work
Shireen eases into each day with some admin before hitting the road running (well, driving, that is). Like the other reps, Shireen is occupied with all sales and business development activities in and around Mpumalanga.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Working for Nu-Eco has opened my eyes to how harmful some products are to the environment and our everyday lifestyles.
Residing in the Big Five territory, I find it absolutely necessary to become more aware of what is harmful to our environment, and making the effort to use eco-friendly products is my way of giving back to nature.
Favourite Nu-Eco product
My go-to product is our Wild Away insect repellent.
I absolutely love the product. Not only does it get rid of those buzzing irritations, but it smells really good too!
Favourite quote
I CHOOSE NU-ECO PRODUCTS!
Gillian Gifford, Sales representative for Eastern Cape and surrounds
gill@biochemproducts.co.za
Background
Although originally from Dundee, KZN, Gillian is an Eastern Cape "bokkie" in every way. Gill moved to Gqeberha in 1995 and has made the Eastern Cape her home.
Day to day at work
Gill splits her time between servicing her existing customers and finding new ones. Her territory takes her to some of the most beautiful parts of South Africa, stretching up in the garden route and then around and through the Karoo. With her inland customer base increasing, Gill can easily find herself away from home for up to three weeks in a month.
What does working for an Eco-friendly company mean to you?
Gill says, "I am passionate about the authentic "green" side of life s,o working here fits me like a glove.
Favourite Nu-Eco product
Gill selected our Drain Maintenance range as her favourite Nu-Eco products; for a good reason, maintenance with these products keeps the plumber away from her home. We love that Gill pointed out that these products replace complex and caustic chemicals.
Favourite quote
"A day without laughter is a day wasted."