Colin Davison has over 30 years of experience in horticulture, landscaping, small business management, and product development. He holds qualifications in horticulture, tourism guiding, and water pollution control. Most recently, he established and ran Dreamtime Hammocks, developing new hammock designs and establishing manufacturing and sales operations. He has a track record of successfully establishing and later selling off other businesses as well. With his diverse experience in fields ranging from nurseries to craft centers to construction, he is well-positioned to assist with establishing new small businesses.

1. COLIN DAVISON
12 Wherry Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town, 7945, 081 218 8017, colinjd.sa@gmail.com
Personal Details
Surname : Davison
Names : Colin
Date of Birth : 14 January 1966
Nationality : South African
Gender : Male
Driver’s License : Code 08
Languages : English (excellent), Afrikaans (good), Zulu (conversational)
Interests : Photography, Wildlife conservation, Arts and Crafts, Permaculture;
Landscaping, Gardening, Design.
Summary
I have a National Diploma in Horticulture from the Durban Technikon as my academic
grounding and experience in a range of fields from managing a craft centre and setting up
nurseries, through to establishing small enterprises, product development and project
management for various companies.
In all the positions I have held, I have assisted in building and developing good relationships
and sound business practice. I have always involved my peers and staff in creatively solving
challenges that arise in the work place. I am particularly interested in social enterprise
projects that protect the environment, promote community development and integrate
education, sports, craft and recreation.
I am also a designer and pioneer and started a number of successful business including
Hangaboutz Hammocks (which was sold after 10 years of successful trading) and Dreamtime
Hammocks (operational since 2008 and currently innovating designs in this field).
With these combined experiences, I am able to effectively assist with the establishment of
small businesses until they are sustainable.
Work Experience
Dreamtime Hammocks, 2010 to date: Established Dreamtime Hammocks and the created
the popular 'Eazilay' free standing hammock lounger, designed new styles and ranges, set up
a website, social media and manufacturing/production unit and fulfilled regular orders
received via the website. The business is stable and will be sold in the next few months.
Epoxy Pool and Paint, 2014 – 2015: Contracted periodically to assist with tenders and
existing construction sites in Hluhluwe area of KZN including Installations and site inspections
of water reservoirs.
Rietvlei Landscapes, 2013: Assistant Horticultural Foreman (4 months) overseeing rescue
of vegetation and rehabilitation of disturbed soils due to construction of Western Aqueduct
Pipeline for Ethekwini Municipality, staff inductions and maintaining safety standards.
RA Davison Contractors, 2012 - 2013: Stand in Foreman on an ad hoc basis, responsible
for staff induction, safety procedures and managing the work force renovating Port Shepstone
Hospital.
Rapid Panel Structures, June 2011 - Feb 2012: Marketing and sales assistant responsible
for cost estimation, site inspections, operations, safety procedures and worker inductions,
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2. based between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Retrenched before the company went into
liquidation.
Manager Wildeboots Footwear Factory: April 2010 to May 2011: Co ordination of staff
and all aspects of production (ie. buying of materials, paying staff, trouble shooting, and
running the factory shop).
Polystyrene Trading South Africa, February 2008 – 2010: Project Manager responsible
for staffing and plant operations. Liaising with on site engineers and technicians during the
start up phase.
Mask Trading Estate, July 2000 to January 2007: General Manager of a family business
responsible for all aspects of landscaping and grounds care, establishing vegetable gardens,
setting up of waste and fresh water reticulation systems, maintenance of all machinery,
burning of firebreaks etc. Established Mask Clothing and Hangaboutz Hammocks on the same
property. Mask trading was established as a successful business and sold in 2007.
Earlier Work
 Nogqaza Crafts, Howick Falls (1996 - 2000), General Manager: Buyer, Production and
Planning, landscaping and maintenance.
 Umgeni Water. Pollution Prevention Officer, Water Quality Section (1992 to 1995):
Investigations, fieldwork, writing reports.
 1992 to 2008 – Freelance, part-time Sound Technician and assistant to the Director of
Sebenza and Hooper Productions (50/50, Gardens wild and Wonderful and Keith Kirstens
Garden Show).
 Wild Coast Sun (1991 – 1992): Assistant green keeper
 Department of Horticultural Science, University of Natal (1990 to1991): Technical Assistant
 Gardenscapes,(1989 to 1990): Assistant,
 The Shack Nursery, Shelley Beach, Kwazulu Natal (1987 -1988): Assistant.
 Co-created the Wetleaf Plant Propagation System (for controlled rooting of cuttings) aimed
at jump starting small nursery businesses.
Education
 National Diploma in Horticulture completed in 1990 (T1 (Durban), T2 (Cape Town), T3
(Durban), Environmental Studies, Botany, Landscaping, Plant Pathology, Physical Science
etc;
 National Certificate in Tourism – Nature Guiding: NQF4 Nature (20155). THETA Tour Guide
Competency - NQF4 Certificate no. DBA/2264/08. Level One First Aid – certificate no.
0985/05;
 Technikon RSA: National Certificate - Water Pollution Control, completed in 1992.
 Cedara College: Soil Science, Irrigation, and Pest Control certificates, 1993.
 Computer courses: Image manipulation (Photoshop, Rawtherapy), Micosoft Office, Open
Office, Updating wordpress websites;
 Umtata High School (1973 – 1981);
 Glenwood High School, Matric Exemption 1983.
References
 Jennifer Thord Gray Earth Magic (previously Nogqaza Crafts), Mask Trading Estate – 033-
3307344, 0826428886
 Ken Hosking - Rapid Panel Structures, Polystyrene Trading SA, and Liddesdale Stable. 082
8018876
 Craig Holmes – Wildeboots Footwear, 084 623 2308 and craigcholmes@gmail.com.
Presently in China.
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