Getting To Know Frank Harpur from The Kouga Business Forum
Part six of our series on getting to know essential members of our community
When did you move to St Francis Bay, and how did it happen?
We moved to SFB permanently in December 2021 after being regular holidaymakers since the mid 80’s
So, do you have a family? Do you have pets? Did they all move here with you? Tell us a little more.
I am married to my amazing wife, Samantha. We have two children (Madison and Troy) and four dogs. We all moved here together. We currently live in Santareme, the kids are at school in J-Bay, and my offices are in the village of St Francis Bay.
Can you tell us where you were and what you were doing before St Francis Bay?
We were living in Randburg, JHB. We were born and raised there, but we needed a change. I was running an insurance underwriting agency, and my wife had her own Nursery School.
Why decide on St Francis Bay?
We always loved SFB as a holiday destination, but after the COVID era, we decided to take a leap and change our lifestyles completely. We wanted to make a big difference in a small town, see sunrises and sunsets, and live a healthier lifestyle rather than the rat race.
The best thing about St Francis Bay?
We love the outdoor lifestyle and the “down-to-earth” people in this area. Our social lives now revolve around most of the sports clubs, and we have made many new friends who seem to share a common appreciation for this special place.
When did you join the Kouga Business Forum, and why did you initially join it? What is your current role within the KBF?
I joined the St Francis Bay subcommittee in 2023 because I am very interested in business in our region and wanted to assist as much as possible. I was recently asked to take over as Chairperson of the subcommittee from Wayne Furphy. I have now also been elected to the main committee of the KBF and look forward to assisting them going forward.
The Kouga Business Forum is an essential organisation in SFB that not too many people know about. How does it work? Are there several chapters in the area?
The KBF is about bringing positive change to the business and economic environs of our region (Kouga), and our subcommittee is all about the Greater St Francis area. We are membership-funded and volunteer-led. We are the voice of business, and we therefore encourage all businesses, big or small, to join us as members and help us grow our importance and effectiveness as a forum in the region.
What is the mission statement for the KBF, and why should businesses join?
Our mission is to empower businesses, drive economic development, and build a strong foundation for a sustainable and thriving community.
Are there any big plans upcoming for the KBF?
We are in the process of arranging an evening at The Links with Dawie Roodt on August 19, 2024, and our Gala Event is being planned for early October, with Dr Frans Cronje as the keynote speaker.
The Kouga Business Form is on Facebook