A smile that sells
Jacob Ashipembe is a customer (sales) representative at Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) - a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group - who is happiest when he gets to help people and share his passion for NBL with the community.
Mariselle Stofberg
With passion, a contagious smile, and a drive to always grow, Jacob Ashipembe’s journey at Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) continues to inspire those around him.
Sales is the name of the game for Ashipembe, but the road to where he is today has exposed him to different roles and responsibilities within NBL.
Ashipembe was born in Ondangwa and grew up in a small village near Omuthiya.
After completing school at Oshikoto Senior Secondary School in Tsumeb, he moved to Windhoek in the hope of creating a better future for himself.
His first job was at another brewery in 2002. His love for his country is a big part of who he is, and in 2003 Ashipembe knew he wanted to move to NBL because he wanted to become a part of a company that produces local Namibian products.
His first position at NBL was that of a promoter, where he would promote the cooldrinks produced by NBL in the informal settlements and establishments across Windhoek.
In 2004, Ashipembe was promoted to merchandiser, which is a position he held for almost 12 years.
Investing in education
“I realised I have to grow myself and with the support of management I was able to not only grow my skillset, but grow as a person. It was then that I realised I wanted to further my education and decided to complete a Sales and Marketing Certificate at the London School of Marketing, which used to have offices in Windhoek,” he said.
“I realised that if I wanted to represent my company on a higher level, and be capable of understanding the business sphere best, I had to continue to further my skillsets and keep growing. I then enrolled at the University of Namibia (Unam) to complete a degree in business administration.”
After completing his studies, Ashipembe was again moved to the position of messenger at NBL. “I would move all around, and knew Windhoek like the back of my hand. I enjoyed my work, but I knew my passion for sales would always be there, and in 2019 I applied to the position of customer representative.”
Ashipembe is responsible for selling products and engaging with customers, with the aim of building and maintaining relationships with clients. “I strive to bring NBL closer to the people, but also support our customers who always support us. My favourite part of my job is helping people. That is what drives me and makes me happy,” he says.
Dedicated and hardworking
Ashipembe believes his hard work has made him a stronger person. “I believe anything is possible. When I said that I wanted to further my studies, people laughed at me. They tried to discourage me and told me I wouldn’t be able to do it. I believed in myself and knew I can do anything, and today I can look back on my journey with nothing but pride.”
Ashipembe’s love and devotion towards NBL is evident in his commitment to always offer the best possible service. “NBL has made me who I am. It is a company who has helped my family and supported me unconditionally. To be part of such an organisation, and have the privilege of representing this company, is something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Despite challenges, Ashipembe has never allowed his circumstances or struggles to define him. Balancing work, his studies and taking care of his family taught him that only you can stand in your way of success.
With passion, a contagious smile, and a drive to always grow, Jacob Ashipembe’s journey at Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) continues to inspire those around him.
Sales is the name of the game for Ashipembe, but the road to where he is today has exposed him to different roles and responsibilities within NBL.
Ashipembe was born in Ondangwa and grew up in a small village near Omuthiya.
After completing school at Oshikoto Senior Secondary School in Tsumeb, he moved to Windhoek in the hope of creating a better future for himself.
His first job was at another brewery in 2002. His love for his country is a big part of who he is, and in 2003 Ashipembe knew he wanted to move to NBL because he wanted to become a part of a company that produces local Namibian products.
His first position at NBL was that of a promoter, where he would promote the cooldrinks produced by NBL in the informal settlements and establishments across Windhoek.
In 2004, Ashipembe was promoted to merchandiser, which is a position he held for almost 12 years.
Investing in education
“I realised I have to grow myself and with the support of management I was able to not only grow my skillset, but grow as a person. It was then that I realised I wanted to further my education and decided to complete a Sales and Marketing Certificate at the London School of Marketing, which used to have offices in Windhoek,” he said.
“I realised that if I wanted to represent my company on a higher level, and be capable of understanding the business sphere best, I had to continue to further my skillsets and keep growing. I then enrolled at the University of Namibia (Unam) to complete a degree in business administration.”
After completing his studies, Ashipembe was again moved to the position of messenger at NBL. “I would move all around, and knew Windhoek like the back of my hand. I enjoyed my work, but I knew my passion for sales would always be there, and in 2019 I applied to the position of customer representative.”
Ashipembe is responsible for selling products and engaging with customers, with the aim of building and maintaining relationships with clients. “I strive to bring NBL closer to the people, but also support our customers who always support us. My favourite part of my job is helping people. That is what drives me and makes me happy,” he says.
Dedicated and hardworking
Ashipembe believes his hard work has made him a stronger person. “I believe anything is possible. When I said that I wanted to further my studies, people laughed at me. They tried to discourage me and told me I wouldn’t be able to do it. I believed in myself and knew I can do anything, and today I can look back on my journey with nothing but pride.”
Ashipembe’s love and devotion towards NBL is evident in his commitment to always offer the best possible service. “NBL has made me who I am. It is a company who has helped my family and supported me unconditionally. To be part of such an organisation, and have the privilege of representing this company, is something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Despite challenges, Ashipembe has never allowed his circumstances or struggles to define him. Balancing work, his studies and taking care of his family taught him that only you can stand in your way of success.
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