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 Anthony's most commonly used South African term: "Howzit" | Anthony Vidergauz is former CEO of California Closets, a high-end custom storage company that brought him to the US 23 years ago. He and his partner acquired the struggling small home improvement company from Williams Sonoma in 1994 and under Anthony’s leadership the company eventually tripled revenues to a $250 million enterprise with over 100 franchises worldwide. He sold the company in 2007 and transitioned out in May of 2009. Beginning his career with South African law firm Mendelow, Browde, & Fluxman, Anthony spent his first two years as a paid intern before practicing corporate law. He joined Arthur Andersen in 1980 in Johannesburg, specializing in tax law. In 1984, still in Johannesburg, he decided to change career paths and joined Currie Motors/Currie Finance as an executive trainee; he rotated every few months into different divisions to learn all business aspects of the company. In late 1986, he moved to the United States as a result of a fortuitous introduction to California Closets by his mother in-law who had her closets installed by the company while Mr. Vidergauz and his wife were vacationing in Los Angeles. Born and raised in South Africa, Anthony received his bachelor’s and law degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. In South Africa he played rugby and cricket at a competitive level and remains an ardent fan of both games—find him in San Francisco’s top sports broadcast venues supporting the Bokke!! He and his wife Lisa live in Tiburon and have two sons, Kyle and Dylan. He is still an active sportsman, concentrating on tennis and golf. Today Anthony is in the process of building a team to offer consulting services along with investment capital in mid market franchises who have high growth potential. He also sits on the Boards of 3 companies. Anthony spoke to the SAABC in May 2009 as part of our “Speaker Series” events hosted at the Levi Strauss world headquarters. Below we share a few excerpts from his inspiring and entertaining presentation. |
"Being South African in business in a foreign culture." Anthony shares valuable tips and amusing anecdotes from his experience of being a South African in business in a foreign country. 'Being different is an advantage' is one key message of this thought provoking video vignette. |
In this video vignette Anthony shares key lessons he has learned dong business in South Africa and internationally. Listen for the names of other inspiring South African's he refers to... |
Here anthony speaks to the dangers of a company standing still, not catering to a changing world. He shares examples of who he believes has done it well, and what it takes to be a leader... |
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