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About me

I'm a hands-on business consultant and fractional COO who works with business owners, founders, and operational teams to bring structure, clarity, and action to growing businesses.


With over 25 years of leadership experience across real estate, IT, property services, systems implementation, and SME operations, I’ve led companies, advised startups, supported property funds, and built practical systems that solve real business problems..


My approach is pragmatic and collaborative — I don’t bring generic advice, I bring sleeves-rolled-up support. Whether it’s simplifying a process, streamlining your team’s structure, or aligning systems with strategy, I help leaders move forward with confidence..


I enjoy working with people who are building something — founders with heart, operators with ambition, and businesses trying to find their rhythm again. If you're growing, stuck, or navigating transition, I bring the experience, steadiness, and energy to help you through it.


I also bring deep experience with MRI Software, offering support for implementation, workflow redesign, and ongoing optimisation for property-focused teams.


If you're looking for smart, experienced help — even just for a season — let’s talk about what your business needs next.
 

services

Fractional COO / Strategic Oversight

Hands-on leadership and guidance — without hiring a full-time exec. Ideal for scaling teams or business transitions..

Operations & Workflow Consulting

Simplify how your business runs. Reduce inefficiency, close the gaps, and get everyone working smarter.

Startup & SME Support

Get help setting up the right systems, policies, financial tracking, or team structures to scale.

MRI PMX Software Support & Process Optimisation

System reviews, enhancements, and user support for MRI-based property teams. Practical solutions from someone who’s been there 

Real Estate & Property Operations Input

Advisory and project-based support for real estate investments and operations. 

Engagement Formats

- One-off projects (2–6 weeks)
- Monthly or weekly retained support (fractional roles)
- Ongoing advisory or part-time consulting
- Custom packages based on your team’s needs

PORTFOLIO

WHY WORK WITH ME?

✔ Strategic, but not stuck in theory
✔ Experienced in leadership, property, and tech
✔ Calm under pressure — with a bias toward action
✔ Flexible engagements (freelance, fractional, project-based)


Project Consultant / Business Analyst at Growthpoint Properties

I worked with Growthpoint Properties as a remote Project Consultant and Business Analyst, focused on streamlining part of  their property management operations.


Key Outcomes:

  • Optimised MRI PMX processes to improve efficiency across finance, leasing, and facilities management.
  • Re-engineered workflows by analysing gaps and pain points in day-to-day operations.
  • Translated business needs into solutions, managing the full lifecycle from requirement gathering to configuration, testing, and rollout.
  • Delivered measurable improvements including faster processing times, reduced manual input, and better reporting accuracy.
  • Bridged business and tech — enabling better alignment between operational teams and system implementers.


Value Delivered:

This project showcased how strong system understanding, practical business insight, and collaborative problem-solving can drive meaningful operational gains within a large, complex organisation.



Concept to Market


Launched Snackiamo, a modern vending machine business based in Cape Town. This project has not only become a growing revenue stream, but also a practical case study in startup strategy, lean operations, and systems implementation.


  • Developed the business concept — identified a gap in the market for convenient, tech-enabled snack solutions in underserved spaces (offices, gyms, student housing).
  • Built the brand — created the name, identity, visual assets, and tone of voice to give Snackiamo a modern, customer-focused presence.
  • Established a lean operating model — managed stocking, pricing, supplier negotiation, and machine performance tracking.
  • Created proposals and negotiated placements — successfully secured machine locations through direct outreach and tailored pitch documents.
  • Systemised logistics — implemented tracking tools and restock processes to maintain service levels while scaling.
  • Built digital presence — launched a website and began developing Snackiamo’s social media presence (Instagram, Facebook, Google).




Project Consultant



Robert brings together his work in the real estate industry along with finance and systems expertise to assist and lead teams in delivering quality solutions to clients.  


The ability to understand the business case and speak to both client, analyst and developers alike enables a smooth and accurate delivery in less time. Which ultimately enhances value and return on investment.







 

01 August 2025

Startup Checklist

The Startup Setup: The Essentials Every New Business Needs (But Often Overlooks)

02 August 2025

Networking

People often associate “networking” with forced events, awkward handshakes, or mass LinkedIn spamming.

But real networking is simpler — and much more powerful.

03 August 2025

Business Talk

3 Mistakes I See Founders Make in Their First 90 Days

  1. Trying to build before speaking to customers
  2. Choosing tools before defining workflows
  3. Ignoring cash flow in favour of sales hype

    You don’t need a perfect product — you need structure, clarity, and enough data to stay alive.

    I help founders get their basics right so they can scale faster — and smarter.

CONTACT

Lets Connect..

Phone

+27 87 078 2745

info@surgison.co.za

Address

Cape Town 7441